Page 44 of SlapShot Sweetheart

“I’m adorable.”

“You’re egotistical, too.”

“Very much.”

“And you just have to have the last word all the time, don’t you?” she asked, unable to suppress her smile.

“Maybe.”

“See?”

“I had no idea you wanted the last word too…”

“I just want to be right.”

“Moi aussi,” he said dramatically, a broad grin spreading across his face. “That means ‘me too’en français…”

Aimee narrowed her eyes at him, leaning toward him defiantly in the Jeep. To her surprise, Theo mirrored her movement, resting on his elbow, leaning in triumphantly, his playful demeanor making her heart race.

“Are you gloating?” she challenged.

“Moi?”

“Yes, you.”

“Do you forgive me?” he asked softly, the weight of his sincerity settling between them.

“Are you going to ever lie to me again?”

“No—unless it’s a matter of life or death.”

“Acceptable,” she agreed matter-of-factly. “I’ll do the same.”

“Thank you.”

“Thank you, too,” she replied, her voice suddenly shy, her gaze flickering away. “Now what? Where do we go from here? Should we clarify what ‘more than friends’ is or looks like because…”

“Aimee?”

“Yeah?”

“Let’s go inside. I’ve got a roast in the crockpot. Are you ‘ungry?”

“Why is it you’re always trying to feed me? Do you like big girls or something?”

“Only if they have red ‘air and like to keep me in line.”

“So annoying…” she chuckled, shaking her head at him, but her heart swelled with affection as they got out of the Jeep. As Theo walked around to the front and held out his hand, Aimee couldn’t help but marvel at how far they had come despite their rocky start. The man who once grossed her out by fishing his tooth out of his soup appetizer was now the most charming person she had come to adore.

As Theo opened the side door to the house, he scooped her up into his arms effortlessly, and she laughed nervously, hanging on as the world around her blurred. Something as simple as this made her feel perfectly feminine, cherished, and adored. It was a rarity in life—something that people didn’t do every day. Yet, Theo had done it again. Each time they walked into his place, he’d lifted her like it was the most natural thing in the world. Herarms wrapped around his shoulders, and they shared a smile, only for it to fade as he whispered, “Tu es vraiment mon âme sœur.”

His voice was tender, his eyes searching hers for understanding, and she clung to him, feeling the weight of his words.

“Translation?” she asked, her voice a playful challenge as she didn’t break eye contact.

“You are truly my soulmate,” he said softly, his gaze unwavering. “My heart yearns for your smiles and…”

Aimee leaned forward, placing her hand over his mouth to stop him, a smile spreading across her face. She treasured the way he drew in his breath, the intimacy of the moment growing between them, wrapping around her like a comforting embrace.

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