Page 120 of Darn Knit All

“Is this real?” I asked softly, searching his face. “Or is this just another lie?”

He brushed the hair from my cheek. “Real. The way I feel about you is real. I love you, Mai. I want to have a future with you.”

I searched his face, seeing nothing but truth written there.

Any fears I had dissipated. We were shifting into new territory that at once felt scary and so utterly right—and I trusted him to hold my heart.

I melted, sinking against him. “I love you too.”

The cameras and crew faded away, until it was just us and this perfect moment.

“I mean it,” he said softly. “You’re my one. The end game.”

I huffed out a laugh. “Then kiss me like you mean it.”

He chuckled. “Yes, ma’am.”

Theo captured my lips in a deep, soulful kiss that seared away the longing, the confusion, the yearning. My doubts vanished as our mouths moved together. His strong hands cupped my face tenderly as he angled his head to deepen the kiss. My fingers slid into his thick hair, holding him close, never wanting this perfection to end.

Someone nearby cleared their throat. “Uh, guys? The cameras are still rolling.”

We broke apart, breathless and flushed. Michelle looked on with an amused grin.

“Well, I think that passionate display just removed any lingering doubts about the authenticity of your relationship!” She chuckled. “Why don’t we take a quick break and then we’ll resume.”

Theo hauled me up, leading me through the backstage area to a private dressing room. Once inside, I turned to face Theo, my pulse racing.

“What you said... did you mean it?”

Theo’s expression was open and sincere as he took both my hands in his. “Every word, Mai. I never should have let things get this far without being honest about my feelings for you. I love you.”

Tears pricked my eyes. “I’ve been in love with you for so long. I just never thought you saw me as more than a friend.”

He gasped playfully. “Shame on you for not giving in to my animal magnetism.” He cupped my face tenderly. “You’re my everything, Mai. My partner, my best friend, the love of my life. I don’t want to spend another day without you knowing that.”

A giddy laugh bubbled up from my chest. “I love you so much.”

“So we’re official?” he asked, kissing his way down my neck.

I tilted my head back, giving him better access. “Let’s not be too hasty.”

“I’ll show you hasty.”

Our lips met again, soft and sweet this time, sealing our declarations with a promise. When we finally parted, I rested my forehead against his.

“What do we do now?” I asked.

“Anal?”

“Theo!”

He chuckled. “Nothing, babe. The footage is just for us. Michelle agreed because I didn’t know how else to tell you. Celeste—who likes me, I told you she’d come around—spoke to the producers. They’ve agreed to let us re-film and to edit parts of the program before it goes to air. We’ll be able to tell our real story.”

“Really?”

“Mm.” He winced. “On one condition.”

“And that is?”

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