CHAPTER 109: NOT FROM THE START

Theo’s chest swelled, a smile tugging at his lips that he couldn’t hide. For the first time, he felt it, her heart wasn’t just standing there, frozen behind walls anymore. She wanted him, just as much as he wanted her.

Without thinking, he closed the distance between them, capturing her in a kiss that was all laughter and relief and love finally returned. It wasn’t rushed, it wasn’t desperate, it was just right.

Daisy’s hands flew up, gripping his arms as if anchoring herself to him. She pressed closer, every nerve in her body alight with the storm of feelings she’d held back for months. Her lips parted, leaning into his with a force that mirrored everything she hadn’t allowed herself to feel.

Theo’s hands cupped her face, thumbs brushing over her cheekbones, tracing the line of her jaw, before slowly sliding down her neck. Heat pooled in his chest as he held her closer, finally letting himself feel what he had longed for. One hand dropped to her waist, fingers digging lightly into the curve of her hip, pulling her impossibly closer.

She had never felt this free. Every barrier, every wall she had built to guard herself, melted in the warmth of his arms. For the first time, she let her emotions run unchecked, letting the longing, the fear, and the love pour into this single, endless kiss.

The expansive bathroom around them, the marble floors, the wide counters, the high ceilings, the faint scent of soap and lilies seemed to shrink until there was only the heat between them, the steady, grounding press of his body, and the undeniable pull that had always existed, now finally answered.

Her fingers tangled in his shirt, clutching him as if she could fuse their hearts together, and Theo deepened the kiss, a low, satisfied hum escaping him. Every motion, every touch, screamed relief and happiness. They had crossed the line from tension to surrender.

When they finally pulled back, breaths mingled, foreheads pressed together, their eyes locked—speaking a thousand unspoken words. The silence between them throbbed with heat, more powerful than anything they could say.

Then, with a steady gaze that didn’t waver, Theo’s hands slid beneath the hem of her blouse. His fingers brushed against her skin, sending shivers racing down her spine as he tugged the fabric upward. Daisy’s breath hitched, her arms instinctively lifting, giving in as he drew it over her head and tossed it aside.

For a moment, he just stared at her, his chest rising and falling, his expression a mix of awe and hunger before his lips found hers again, harder, deeper, as if he couldn’t get close enough.

"Ouch!" Daisy’s head lightly knocked against the wall in the intensity of their kiss.

Theo instantly pulled back, rubbing the back of her head with gentle fingers. "Sorry... I was too caught up."

She let out a small laugh, her lips curving even as her cheeks flushed. "I can tell."

His thumb lingered at her temple, eyes locked on hers with that same fiery mix of tenderness and desire. "I don’t ever want to hurt you," he murmured, his voice low, rough with emotion.

Before she could answer, he leaned in again, this time slower, gentler, his lips brushing hers as if promising to take his time.

=====

Steam curled softly in the air, clinging to the tiled walls as the water rippled around them. Daisy leaned back against Theo’s chest, his arms circling her waist in a quiet, protective embrace. His chin rested near her shoulder, the rise and fall of his breathing steady against her back.

Slowly, she turned, shifting in the water until she could look up at him. Droplets slid down her flushed cheeks, mixing with the damp strands of her hair that clung to her skin.

"So..." her voice came softer than the water’s ripple, almost hesitant. "You didn’t know the first time we met... that I already knew you? Back then, at the coffee shop?"

He smiled, tapping her nose. "Nope." Then, as if he couldn’t get enough of her, he stole another quick kiss. "But I really wonder... did you actually not know how to make coffee at all, or were you just acting clumsy to get my attention?" His arms tightened around her, pulling her back against him.

"First..." she tilted her head with a teasing smile, "I didn’t know you would appear in front of me that day. I guess I used up all my luck for this year."

She let the water glide over her skin before adding, "And second—nope. I only know how to buy coffee. How on earth would I know how to make one?"

Theo chuckled, pressing his chin against her shoulder. "Ah, that’s cute."

"I know... I am cute." She grinned happily.

"So, you worked there, like some clumsy plan, hoping I’d appear one day?"

Her grin widened as she splashed a little water with her fingertips. "Clumsy? Excuse me... I call that strategic positioning."

Theo’s brows lifted. "Strategic? What if... what if I didn’t appear there at all? You know Miles always bought my coffee..."

She raised her finger immediately. "Ah... yes. A question!" She turned halfway toward him, eyes narrowing in mock seriousness. "Why didn’t Miles come that day? I mean, he usually appeared before eight, grabbing your precious regular coffee. But that day... he didn’t. Why?"

Theo tilted his head, pretending to think, though a tiny smirk tugged at his lips. "Mm. Maybe the universe got bored of your scheming and decided to give you a break."

She gasped dramatically. "So you’re saying fate was on my side?"

"Or on mine," he countered smoothly, brushing a wet strand of hair away from her cheek. "After all... I got the better deal."

Her grin faltered for a heartbeat, warmth flooding her face as she tried to look away. "You’re cheating. That’s too smooth."

He laughed heartily. "Hmm... Miles was on leave that day. So yeah, fate really brought us together..." His smile lingered, eyes glinting with something more than amusement.

"Then... when did you figure it out?" Daisy asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

Theo leaned closer, his voice dropping to a near-whisper, like he was sharing a secret meant only for her. "The night you had that fever. You mumbled things in your sleep... little pieces that didn’t make sense at first. But after a while..." his lips curved into a knowing smile, "they did."

Her eyes widened, heat rushing to her cheeks. "I—what? No way!"

"Yes way!" He laughed, the sound warm and unrestrained. And in that moment, anyone watching him wouldn’t have needed words to know, it was written all over him how deeply he was in love.

A sharp knock rattled the door. "Sir! Sir Richard and Madam Evelyn are calling for you. Urgent!"

Both of them snapped their heads toward the sound, the moment shattering in an instant.