Page 80 of Darn Knit All

He’d turned mere wax and pen into an elegant Victorian-lace glove. Turning my hand this way and that, I couldn’t help but envision how this would look when paired with our steampunk-princess-rescues-herself dress.

“It’s perfect.”

He grinned, flicking hair out of his eyes. “I’m occasionally useful.”

He reached for my undecorated hand.

“What are you doing?”

His thumb brushed the soft pad of my palm. “Your other side.” He reached for the pen. “You good with that?”

I swallowed hard as a deep ache began to pulse in my abdomen; my gaze fixed on his as I summoned my courage.

“Yes.”

He bent over my hand, his breath warm as it brushed my overly sensitive skin. My eyelids drifted closed, my body relaxing under his attention.

“Mai?”

“Mm?”

“You ever think about me?”

His words hung in the space between us.

I opened one eye, peeking out at him. “Of course.”

Theo’s head remained bowed; his focus trained on creating the intricate pattern on my hand. Silence stretched between us before he finally set my hand down on the small table. His head lifted slowly, his gaze locking with mine.

Slowly, deliberately, he reached for the pen lid. I watched as he clicked it back on and returned the pen to my stationery bag.

“What I mean is,” he said slowly, as if trying to pick his way across a minefield. “You’re my best friend, Mai. You’re intelligent, resilient, strong, generous and gorgeous. I love how much you make me laugh, and how much we laugh together.” He took my hand, stroking my pulse point with his thumb. “But there’s a catch. As much as I love being your friend, I can’t shake this idea that we could be more. You’re constantly on my mind, Mai. You’re the first thing I think of when I wake, and the last before I go to sleep.”

He hesitated, glancing down at our clasped hands. I waited, my heart in my throat as he seemed to collect his thoughts. Then Theo’s eyes flashed with determination. He rose, pulling me up to a stand.

“If you don’t feel the same way, I understand. But I want to lay it out there because the idea of spending my life with you, of exploring if we could be more, of laughing with you—it’s something I’ll forever regret if I don’t take this chance.”

He gestured at the room around us. “This isn’t the perfect time, I get it. And if this makes you uncomfortable, then I’ll organize another room to stay in. There’s no pressure here. This is your decision. I’ll understand either way.”

I swallowed, stunned by his confession. My heart pounded in my chest, my stomach tight as my breathing grew shallow. Timeseemed to stop as we stared at each other, the weight of our unspoken feelings hanging in the air.

He gave me time, watching as I processed his declaration.

“Have you felt like this for a while?” I asked, my voice hoarse.

He huffed out a laugh. “You could say that.”

I glanced away, trying to sort through the multitude of thoughts and feelings running through my brain.

My eyes caught on the ring on my middle finger and all doubts faded.

Straightening, I looked up at him, needing him to see how clearly I made this decision.

“You’re my best friend. I love our text messages and the way you make me laugh. I love how you’re strong and courageous, but kind of a goofball. I love the way you care to learn about the people in your life. I love how you adore your niece and nephew, and know exactly when Linc and Annie need a night off. So, yes. I’m in.”

He blinked. “Do you mean?—?”

I reached up, wrapping my arms around his neck and standing on tiptoe.

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