Page 89 of Darn Knit All

“And then there were three,” I murmured as we left the warehouse.

Mai nodded, pressing hands to her flushed cheeks. “Tomorrow’s the grand finale. We might win.”

I chuckled. “Might? Babe, we’re going to.”

She sighed, leaning against me as the elevator slowly moved up to our floor. “We can only try, right?”

I kissed her head. “Exactly.”

“But darn knit all, I want it.”

Chuckling, I took her hand, spinning her out of the elevator as the doors opened.

“Then we better get you to bed, Ms. Winner.”

“I like the sound of that.”

“Hate to interrupt this touching moment,” a snide voice said from behind us, “but some of us have to sleep before our big win tomorrow.”

I turned to see Jude glaring at us, Keeley at his side.

Mai tensed, her hand tightening in mine. I gave her a reassuring squeeze before releasing her.

“Congratulations on making it through,” I said, keeping my tone carefully even. “Guess we’ll be seeing more of each other.”

Jude rolled his eyes. “That assumes you can keep up.”

I met his gaze evenly. “The fact you’re bothering us suggests you’re intimidated.”

Jude scoffed. “Please. You and your little girlfriend got lucky today. But luck won’t be enough to win the grand finale. It takes real talent—something you two clearly lack.”

I bristled, but I kept my expression neutral. I wasn’t about to let this jerk get under my skin. “I guess we’ll find out tomorrow,” I replied coolly.

“Leave them,” Keeley said with a bored sigh. “They’re not worthy of our time.”

Jude glared at us one last time before he turned on his heel and strutted away, Keeley following close behind.

I watched them, my hands clenching into fists at my sides. “Those arrogant little?—”

“Theo.” Mai’s soft voice broke through my rising anger. “They’re not worth it.”

I blew out a breath, forcing my muscles to relax.

“You’re right,” I said, throwing an arm over her shoulder. “Let’s get some rest. I want us in peak form to wipe the smirks off their perfectly symmetrical faces once and for all.”

Mai giggled. “Stop! That’s not nice.”

“You can’t tell me you didn’t notice how perfect their jawlines are.”

She snorted. “No, I didn’t.”

“I guess I must be the one with an eye for lines then.”

She chuckled, opening our hotel door. “Your hemmingisgetting better.”

“Better? It’s perfect. Did you see my line today?”

“Mm, it was as straight as you are,” she teased.

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