Chapter 81 After
ALICE
Theo's fingers were on my face, caressing me.
Distracting me.
The longer I thought about everything he told me, the more I believed him. Hell, there was a lot in my life I wasn't sure of, but somehow, I was of this.
He didn't even look worried or troubled. There was a soft smile on his lips and the impression I had was that he was just happy to see me.
"Granny told me you hadn't gone into work," he claimed in a low voice. "She was worried."
"I couldn't go. I didn't think she and I would have anything to talk about."
"She'll want to apologize to you and explain that I had nothing to do with any of this. Of course, if you still don't believe me, I don't think you'll believe her."
I licked my lips and lowered my eyes. "I do believe you."
Theo inhaled sharply then took my chin between his fingers, forcing me to look up at him. His eyes were filled with relief. "Do you really?"
I swallowed and nodded.
He visibly relaxed, but before he could say something else, I asked, "And what do you think about that? Her involvement, I mean?"
Theo didn't hesitate. "She was right. About everything. But I messed up with you once, and I didn't want to do it again. I wanted to run after you when you left the bar that night because I knew that dick probably told you something he shouldn't have, and don't think that I didn't because Carmella was there. I told myself that I had to give you space, and that you'd come to me if you wanted to. This weekend was the worst of my entire existence. Even today, after Granny's call, I was itching to get in my car and go to your place. Explain things."
He gathered both my hands in his and all I could do was stare at his face. I was shocked that he would say that.
"Alice...I might be ruining all the progress I made by telling you this, but I haven't forgotten you. Not for a second. That night was a reminder of how I'll never be happy beside another woman and no, I don't care how it looks to society or anyone else. You were mine from the moment I laid my eyes on you and I'll be damned if I let you slip through my fingers."
"But you're engaged, Theo!"
"I know. It was a mistake that should've never happened. I'm breaking things off with her. Tonight. I refuse to be tied to her for a day longer. Frankly, Carmella deserves better than I can give her."
This didn't sit well with me. At all. Just then, I felt like a home wrecker. A snake. "Theo..."
"I'm not asking you to marry me. It's your choice if you even want to do this with me. Either way, I'm breaking off the engagement. I've lied to myself for long enough."
I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths before I could find my voice again. "I don't know what to say. I..."
I loved him. That was the truth. I hadn't forgotten him either, even though I should have.
This was pure madness.
But I couldn't be happier.
Theo smiled and I had the weird feeling that he could read my thoughts. It was so eerie, but at the same time, I felt completely understood.
"We'll talk more after," he claimed. "I'm sure you'll know when it happens. What will you do about your position at Ember & Ink?"
"I don't know. I don't think that—"
He interrupted me. "You told me this job was the best thing that ever happened to you, right? So keep it. I won't be involved. I had nothing to do with it to begin with."
Something occurred to me then and I asked him, "What about Freddie? Did you have something to do with him?"
Theo surprised me by scoffing. "No. That's probably Granny plotting something. I don't know what his deal is."
I narrowed my eyes. "You're telling me you didn't pay him to keep an eye on me?"
"No, I didn't pay him to keep an eye on you." He ran his thumb along my jawline and moments later, it was pressed against the front of my neck, and even this small touch seemed to bring me back to life. "I couldn't stand him. I hated the thought of him around you. The first time I saw you two together, I..."
I arched a brow. "You what?"
"Forget about it. Your family. Are they alright?"
"My brother asks about you."
Something flashed across his eyes and it warmed my insides. God, were we really doing this? Were we really having this conversation? I came here to fight with him!
"What did you tell them? About us?"
"Nothing yet." And I was glad for that. The whole story would have been so confusing for them and I didn't need that in my life. "One of these days I'll break the news to them."
"Yeah? And what will you tell them?"
My teeth sank into my bottom lip. "I thought we'd discuss it after."
Theo smirked. His eyes were gleaming with excitement and I felt the same way. God, this felt so right. We didn't have anything arranged, but that didn't matter. I felt lighter than I had in weeks. I believed him and the intentions he had toward me.
What could go wrong?
"You're right about that."
I decided to step back because it felt like the right thing to do. After sounded nice and wouldn't make me feel like a total slut for making out with an engaged man.
After was something I was really looking forward to.
Until then...
"I think it's time for me to go," I announced.
They stepped back, not saying a word to me. I couldn't think of anything to say either, so I didn't mind. I made my way to the elevator, heart hammering behind my ribs. Before the door closed, I saw him standing in the middle of the lobby dressed in a perfectly fitted suit, looking so achingly handsome that for a moment, I didn't think I'd have the strength to walk away.
Once I was alone, I breathed deeply and allowed myself to panic. I was nervous about what the outcome would be, but I wasn't in doubt anymore. I had time to think and it had done wonders for me. Things were much easier for me to grasp now that I knew his side of the story.
I couldn't believe how close a misunderstanding had come to ruining everything.
I stepped outside and breathed in the cold air. I headed down the sidewalk slowly, not wanting to slip in my heels because I got distracted when I was lost in my thoughts. I should've called an Uber while inside the elevator, but whatever. I could call one now.
I fished my phone out of my bag and tapped on the app.
Behind me, Theo called my name.
I looked up, a gasp slipping from my lips. I barely had time to figure out what was going on because he was standing in front of me in a flash and his warm lips were on mine.