I laugh softly, feigning disbelief. "The kind of person who should have mentioned that three nights ago."
"Fair point." Theo shrugs, scrolling through his files. "So, which season are we watching? Picking up where you left off or starting from the beginning?"
"You mean you’re up for a full rewatch from season one?"
Theo nods, mockingly serious this time. "I’m dedicated to the craft."
"I reckon you're just saying that because you're a fan of Keeley Hawes," I tease him.
"Okay, first of all—" he says, placing a hand on his chest in mock offence, "that’s season two."
I snort.
"Secondly," he continues, clicking on the first episode, "if we're rewatching, we do it properly."
I settle in as the opening credits roll. "I think this is the most attractive thing you’ve done all week."
Theo chuckles as he adjusts the laptop on his lap. "You really have low standards."
And that’s when I realise I've made a mistake.
I hadn’t thought about the logistics of watching a show like this.
Theo’s warm presence beside me is almost too much—his arm brushes against mine as he shifts the laptop, and I feel his nearness everywhere. The clean, warm, and delightfully pleasant scent of him swirls around me, completely messing with my focus.
I swallow hard.
This is fine.
It’s just a show. Just the two of us watchingLine of Duty.
Not a big deal.
Except my heart's doing somersaults every time he moves, every time his arm grazes mine, every time I catch even a faint whiff of him, soapy and warm and unmistakably Theo.
I press my lips together, forcing my focus back to the screen.
Because this? This is exactly the danger that will cause me to break my ban.
I exhale slowly, keeping my gaze fixed on the laptop.
I can do this.
I just have to ignore the way his arm keeps brushing mine, and the way he smells, and the fact that I kind of, sort of, don’t ever want to move.
The first episode ends, the screen fading to black before the credits roll. I stretch my arms above my head and glance over at Theo.
"Well," I say, tilting my head, "still think starting from season one was a good idea?"
Theo smirks, shifting slightly as he sets the laptop on the coffee table. "Obviously. I enjoy watching you watch it."
I scoff. "Oh, what, because I’m so expressive?"
He nods. "Exactly."
Theo lets out a laugh, but before I know it, his hand darts out and pokes me right in the ribs.
I squeak.
