Page 134 of Caught Stealing

Why in the ever-loving fuck are we talking about Theo when he just said—

“You love me,” I parrot.

That little smirk is still on his lips as he shakes his head in obvious amusement. But rather than answering me, he draws my mouth to his in a long, slow kiss. One that sends my pulse into overdrive and has my heart skipping in my chest. Not due to lust or desire, but because it feels like coming home.

Like his lips molding over mine are all I need for the missing pieces to fall into place.

He pulls back far, far too soon, and those dark, midnight eyes dance back and forth between mine before he speaks.

“Out of all the lies I’ve told through this entire mess, telling you I didn’t love you was the biggest one of all. There’s nothing and no one I want more than you,” he murmurs, fingers scraping against the back of my head. “I love you, baby. And I’m so fucking sorry for making you think otherwise.”

I think my heart might burst right out my chest when I realize…they match his mouth.

Finally.

That’s all it takes for me to haul him back in for another kiss, this one not nearly as slow and soothing as the last. This one is all the hurt and longing I’ve been feeling for weeks finally being released, since it’s the last time I’ll have to ever feel it.

Not another day will pass where he isn’t mine.

I’m the first to break apart this time, resting my forehead against his while I beg the organ in my chest to slow and my head to stop spinning.

“I’m taking this as you accept my apology?” he murmurs, the warmth of his breath coasting over my lips. “Because I can pine and beg and plead and grovel for as many days as I’ve made you wait, if you want.”

I laugh breathlessly. “You would, wouldn’t you?”

He nods, his forehead rolling against mine. “Or we can put this whole mess behind us and start fresh. Say the word—whatever you want—and I’ll do it. I don’t care what it takes. I’m in this. Choosing me means choosing you, too.”

Those words alone make my heart soar more than him telling me he loves me.

My gaze meets his while I pull back. “I’m just glad your eyes finally match your mouth.”

“Because I meant it, Holden.” His eyes dart between mine. “Until the day you decide you don’t want me, I’m yours.”

The sincerity in his voice causes my heart to ache, filling to the brim with the kind of love and happiness I never imagined. At least, not with him. Part of me is still a little disbelieving that this is my reality. That this man is mine, and mine alone.

Yet, by some miracle, he is.

“I doubt there will ever be a day that happens.”

His smile sets my heart on fire. “Good, because I don’t come with a return policy.”

“Sounds like something I’d say,” I point out.

The comment earns me another chuckle. “You’re rubbing off on me, I guess.”

“Mmm, I definitely could right now if you want,” I murmur, bringing my lips to his again in a whisper of a kiss. “We’ve already got a bed and everything.”

“Oh, shit. That reminds me.” Phoenix pulls away, eyes wide.

The look on his face confuses the hell out of me, but not as much as when he steps back, links his fingers with mine, and drags me…toward the door?

I stare at him like he’s lost his mind. “Wait, where are we going? The bed is right here.”

Mischief and excitement line his features, and he cocks his head to the side before asking his own question in return. “Do you trust me?”

With my entire fucking being.

All I can do is nod, not following one fucking iota.

---