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“You are perfect, you know that?”
Theo pulls back like I stung him.
“What?” My eyes bounce between his green ones, searching for what I said to upset him. “Did I say something wrong?”
He shakes his head. “I’m not perfect, Catalina.”
“To me, you are.”
“Well, my family would disagree.”
I bite my bottom lip to keep from gnawing at my fingers. “Did you tell them about us?”
Theo nods. “I told them everything in Hawaii once I realized you’d… left.”
I wish I could curl into myself and hide. They must hate me. “What did they say?” I brace myself.
“I thought they’d be mad, but they were… sad. My Mama asked if it would be weird if she still hung out with you even if we weren’t together.”
“They – They don’t hate me?” I am shocked. I was expecting the worst.
“They hated me for letting you go so easily.” He scratches the nave of his neck, looking like a boy who has just gotten scolded. “But what was I supposed to do? You made up your mind and I had to respect that. I knew I wouldn’t, couldn’t, win your heart by beating down your door or blowing up your phone.”
I cup his angular jaw in my hands. “What if I never came back? What if Tess hadn’t come to my apartment last night?”
“I would have waited for you to realize you loved me too.” Even with those gentle words, he beams with confidence. “You’re my lobster.” He grins.
I place my forehead against his. “Thank you,” I whisper.
“For what?”
“Not giving up on us. Not giving up on me.” I kiss the tip of his nose. “I just hate that I hurt you.”
“I love you, Catalina.”
“I love you, too.”
My phone beeps again but I am reluctant to look at it because it might drag me away from Theo until tonight.
“You should see what Eve wants before she sends out a search party.” A laugh escapes Theo’s lips.
He’s not wrong. I glance at my phone, and I know he can clearly read her message with us sitting so close together.
Eve: Did you two do it?
Cate: I told you I’d talk to you when I got home.
Hellfire and broomsticks.
Theo tries to stifle a chuckle but fails. My eyes dart from my phone screen to his eyes.
“Tell her yes. And that we’re about to do it again.”
My heart flutters and my cheeks turn red in a flash from the warmth that shoots through my body. My phone chimes once more and I am about to chuck it against the wall.
Eve: Tommy owes me $5.
“If I don’t get home soon and tell Eve what’s going on she’ll sniff me out like a bloodhound.” I roll my eyes and toss my phone to the floor.
