Page 193 of Detectives in Love

Mrs. Waverly just stares at him, apparently as unprepared for Xavier’s surrender as I am.

“Well,” she says at last, a little disarmed. “You should both eat. I’ll go cook for you now—just tell me what you want.”

“Thank you for the trouble, Mrs. Waverly, but we’re planning to order takeout,” I say, offering her a warm smile.

“Are you sure?” she asks, all warmth now, back to her usual self.

“Hundred percent,” I say.

“Alright.” She nods. And just when I think she’s about to leave, she adds, “One last thing before I go.” Her gaze flicks to Xavier. “That was a very sweet confession, Xavier. I saw it on YouTube last night.”

“What confession?” I cut in, confused, looking from her to Xavier.

Xavier doesn’t quite meet my eyes as he mutters, “I didn’t know she was going to post that online.” His cheeks flush scarlet.

“Who?” I ask, completely lost.

Xavier finally looks at me, his face red, expression flustered. “That journalist from theRomford Recorderwe talked to yesterday.”

“Selena Hast?” I frown.

He nods. “She gave me the information on Nimoy in exchange for that.”

I blink, thrown. “In exchange for what?”

“Uh…” Xavier hesitates, then meets my eyes. “Admitting that I’m in love with you.”

My face heats. “You said that?”

“Yes—and turns out she had a camera in her bag.”

“Oh.” I pause, realizing I’m not nearly as upset as I probably should be. “I want to see it.”

Xavier’s already flushed cheeks go crimson. “Absolutely not.”

“What, you regret saying it?” I smirk, mock-offended, watching him with a challenge in my eyes.

“Of course not,” Xavier says, folding his arms across his chest. “I just don’t want you to see it.”

“Why not?”

We don’t get to finish our banter—Mrs. Waverly cuts in.

“I’m sorry they did that without your consent,” she says, patting Xavier’s arm. “But I’m glad it’s not a secret anymore. Maybe now the journalists will stop speculating.”

I glance at her, incredulous. Did she know all along? The way she’s so accepting baffles me. Honestly, she probably realized I was gone for Xavier before I even did.

“Thank you, Mrs. Waverly,” I say, leaning down to hug her. “Thank you for everything.”

She pats my back before saying, “Never be embarrassed about your feelings, dear. There’s nothing shameful about loving someone.”

My throat catches at the words—their weight hits me all at once.

“Thank you,” I say again as I let her go.

To my surprise, Xavier steps in and hugs her too.

Mrs. Waverly looks just as startled as I am. When he lets go, she wipes at her eyes.