The scores rang out.

“And he is currently in second place.”

Chaos erupted. Even though Massimo had just come in fourth, he was smiling and hugging me, and Kuznetzov was too. Flashes were going off, people crowding around, and on the monitor showing the Kiss and Cry, Theo was smiling and applauding.

For me.

I was going to actually pass out or vomit or cry.

I won. I’m the Olympic gold medalist.

“How does it feel?” someone asked. I’d have to talk to the media, but right now I couldn’t speak. I was carried along by the tide of well-wishers.

“By less than one point, Henry Sakaguchi is the new Olympic champion!” Janice Harvey exclaimed.

I escaped to the locker room, which was blissfully empty for the moment. In the bathroom, I bent over the sink and splashed cold water on my face, not caring about the concealer. Straightening, I blinked at my blotchy reflection.

“I won,” I said to myself.

As if I’d just been punched in the gut, I burst into tears.

I’d won, but Theo had lost, and I ached for him. He had to win too. I didn’t want him to be disappointed or angry or sad. I didn’t want him to hurt. Not ever.

Is this love?

It had to be, because if it wasn’t, the only other explanation could be that I was losing my mind. I’d just achieved my lifelong goal, yet I staggered with sorrow. Gasping, I swiped at my face uselessly as footsteps approached. I lunged for a stall, but I was too late.

“Congratulations.” Theo’s voice was warm.

All I could do was face him. As I turned, Theo’s genuinely beaming, beautiful smile transformed into concern. He was already moving, reaching for my hands.

“No! What is it? You won!”

“But you didn’t.” My voice was raspy. I couldn’t stop crying, and what was the matter with me? If this was love, it was messy and uncomfortable. It hurt.

That perfect smile transformed Theo’s face again. “Oh, baby. It’s okay.” He drew me into his arms, where I was safe again. “I’m okay. I didn’t need to win. I really didn’t.”

“But…” I tried to comprehend it as I gulped against his neck, sagging into his embrace.

He stroked my hair and rubbed my back. “I’m disappointed in myself, but I’m so, so happy for you. You deserve this. I’m so glad you won. I wasn’t bad today, but you were better. And this has been the greatest time of my life, and I wouldn’t change anything. Not even this.”

“How can you say that?”

He took my face between his warm hands, watching me intently. “Because I fell in love with you.”

I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t talk. My eyes filled with fresh tears, my throat painfully tight. “Why?” I croaked.

A little smile played on his lips. “You did my pukey laundry.”

“I…” My brain attempted to process.

“You took care of me again and again. You listened to me even when I talked way too much. Most of the time, at least. You made me laugh and you never laughed at me. You were serious when I needed it. You’re sweet and kind and strong, and I felt more at home with you and Esmeralda than I have anywhere else. And I’m so sorry I went behind your back to talk to Anton.”