Page 34 of Darn Knit All

Theo adjusted his hold on me, recognizing that I needed to be held more than I needed him to let go—despite how awkwardly long this hug had become.

But then, that’s who he was. Theo just happened to be the type of guy who felt the best way to support someone was with a kind word and a gentle gesture. Unlike many of the men in my life, he had no apprehension in offering physical touch—understanding the comfort that came from a tangible connection.

I couldn’t help but admire his determination to be a source of positivity in a world that seemed determined to be negative. That he had directed his attention and friendship toward me would forever remain a source of confusion.

The longer he held me, the more aware I became of how tight his arms banded around my body. He smelled intoxicating and soothing all at once, the scent of his cologne tickling mynose. His fingers were splayed, one hand cupping the back of my head, the other pressing against my back to cradle me to his chest. His fingers at my nape absentmindedly played in my hair, gently stroking through the strands.

Goose bumps rose on my arms as my stomach gave a little flip.

Uh-oh.

I blinked, stiffening as my body reacted to his closeness.

Oh no!

At some point, Theo had become an essential part of my life. And if my reaction was anything to go by, it appeared that I was nursing a crush on a guy who only offered friendship.

Such was my life.

I released him and stepped back. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.”

Theo gently tucked my hair back behind my ear, the gesture sweet but caring.

“I did.” He dipped slightly to catch my embarrassed gaze, his eyes warm and full of understanding. “I’m a good cuddler.”

Therein lay the crux of my issues. Because Theo Garrett wasn’t a “good” cuddler. Theo Garrett was a world-class cuddler. If cuddling was an extreme sport, Theo would be the world champion.

As a person who’d grown up in a loving and supportive, but touch-restrained, family, his kind of freely given physical affection really strained the boundaries of our relationship—at least in my own mind.

Honestly, how could anyone resist such a man?

“How about we try teaching you how to measure a live person?” I changed the subject, needing to shift us from the slightly flirty place to which we’d navigated, back to safe waters.

He tilted his head to one side. “Is it very different to measuring the road test dummy?”

“The adjustable mannequin,” I corrected. “And yeah, it really is. Precision is key.” I laced my voice with mock severity as I picked up a soft measuring tape. His eyes locked on to mine for a moment, and I felt that familiar flutter in my chest—the one I refused to identify.

Don’t do it to yourself, Mai.

“Right, precision,” he echoed, clearing his throat while unfolding the tape. “Where do I start?”

“You need to ask the model a few questions—like to stand naturally, upright and with feet hip-width apart.” I demonstrated. “Next, you check their clothing.” I gestured to his plaid overshirt. “If they’re wearing layers, get them to remove the outer garment. You don’t want to be creating something that will be too big because they’re wearing a puffer jacket.”

He chuckled. “No puffer jackets—got it.”

“If they’re female, check if they’re wearing the same bra that they will be with the end product.” I gestured at my breasts. “Cup sizes can make or break an outfit.”

His gaze dipped to my chest, and I swear I saw him swallow. He turned his head away, a slight flush touching his cheeks. “Noted.”

“Theo,” I said slowly, delighted I’d managed to unsettle him. “Are you worried about being near my boobs?”

His blush deepened. “Not at all. I’m just worried aboutyouworrying aboutmebeing near your boobs.”

“Nawww.” I lifted some plain marking tape from the table. “Come learn how to measure a living person before you lose your nerve.”

I instructed him on how to wrap the tape around my waist, which would help him to take length measurements down or up to the same point.

“Now,” I instructed after he’d tied the tape around my waist, “we measure my neck.”

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