Page 103 of Darn Knit All

I clawed at Theo’s back, my head falling to the bed as I arched up, pressing my hips to his as he fucked me, made love to me, rode me into oblivion.

I came, clutching around his cock as I heard his shout, his thrusts growing uneven as he followed me over.

We collapsed together, our limbs intertwined as we gasped for air, both of us carefully avoiding the clock.

But the real world intruded with the incessant beeping of the alarm.

Theo reached out, slapping the alarm clock as he pulled me close, kissing my head.

“I don’t want to go,” I admitted in a whisper. “Don’t make me.”

He sighed, running hands over my back in soothing, slow strokes. “You have to, Mai. It’s only for four weeks. It’s too good an opportunity to pass up.”

“Can’t you come? Please?”

He cupped my cheeks in his hands. “You can do this, Mai. I know you think you need me, but you don’t. I promise. It’s going to be scary. It’s going to be hard. But I’ll be a phone call away if you need me.” He let go of my cheeks to catch my hand, pulling it to his lips. “When you’re lonely, think of this.”

He kissed my ring—the ring he’d given me.

I closed my eyes, forcing myself to be brave, to be strong, to be the woman he saw in me.

“I can do this.”

“Yeah, you can.”

I swallowed, fighting back the fear. “I’m doing this.”

His fingers brushed stray dark strands of my hair from my cheek. “And I’ll be cheering you on the whole time.”

I relaxed against him, placing my ear over his heart. “What will you do for the next four weeks?”

He sighed. “I….”

I lifted my head. “Theo?”

He shook his head. “I need to have a conversation with Linc.”

“About?”

“Leaving the company.”

I stiffened. “I thought you loved it there?”

He sighed again, raising a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. “The timing of this conversation is shit. We have to get you to the airport.”

“Then give me the abridged version while I pack.”

I waited until he gave a sharp nod.

I rolled out of bed and pulled on a robe, beginning to pack as I waited for him to start.

Theo shuffled up the bed, shoving a pillow behind him so he could lean against the wooden headboard.

“I’ve realized that the only reason I stuck around was because I thought Linc needed me. And in the beginning when the whole place was falling down around his ears, he did. But now….” Theo raised his hands in a half shrug. “I’m superfluous.”

“I don’t think that’s true, but I understand the sentiment.” I folded my things into my suitcase, quietly considering his confession. “What would you like to do with your life?”

He shrugged. “No idea. But seeing you find your passion and pursue it—it’s inspiring as fuck, Mai. I’ve envied you these last few weeks. I want what you have.”

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