The Romance Library

33. Jess

33

Jess

I t’d been a stressful day. The architect I’d been liaising with for the library renovations was messing me around. He’d changed his original quote, which would take everything way over budget.

I wanted to scream. I really didn’t need this shit so close to the pitch.

The only good thing about this afternoon was devouring the sweet treats Theo had bought this morning which were delicious. I tried saving the angel cake for after dinner, but I was stressed and told myself I deserved to eat it sooner. I was so glad Theo had got it for me.

When he’d turned up with breakfast, I could’ve hugged him. By the time I’d left his room and showered, I knew it was too late to go downstairs for breakfast. And with all the work I knew I had to do today, I didn’t have time to go out to get something, so those delicious crumpets were a lifesaver.

Obviously it was my own fault that I was behind with my work. Spending that time in bed with Theo was irresponsible, but I didn’t regret it. I’d enjoyed every second.

Knowing that I’d be meeting Theo this evening also helped me get through the day. I’d been counting down the hours until I could see him.

I texted Theo to tell him I’d finished work and was free whenever he was. My brain was fried. I still didn’t know what I’d do about the whole architect situation, but I’d worry about that tomorrow.

After shutting down my laptop, I went to the loo, brushed my teeth and then got changed into a floaty floral summer dress. Just as I was fixing my hair, there was a knock at the door.

I ran to open it. I really couldn’t wait to see Theo.

When I saw him, my heart skipped a beat. His smile lit me up from the inside and made my brain short-circuit.

‘Hi.’ He stepped inside and pressed his lips on mine.

The kiss started off gentle, but as our hands roamed over each other’s bodies, it became more frenzied, like it’d been weeks since we’d touched instead of hours.

‘I missed you.’ Theo slowly pulled away. ‘And right now, I’d love to have you on that desk again, but we should go. Get some fresh air.’

‘Yeah.’ I nodded. ‘After the day I’ve had, some fresh air will do me good.’ That kiss had definitely helped take my tension levels down a notch, but I needed more.

‘Oh no!’ Theo’s face creased with concern. ‘What happened?’

‘Let’s walk and talk.’ I picked up my handbag and jacket.

‘Do you have your Kindle?’ Theo asked.

‘No. Why? ’

‘I thought we could find somewhere to sit and read on the beach before dinner.’

‘ Office Delight ?’

‘Maybe we can save that for bedtime. I was going to read my thriller.’ He opened his jacket and showed me the book in his inside pocket.

‘Okay. I’ll start one of my paperbacks, then.’ I went to the bag Theo had given me, pulled out a book, then slid it into my handbag. ‘Let’s go.’

Once we left the B&B, we crossed the road and started walking along the beach.

The sun was still shining in the bright blue sky and it was a lovely warm evening.

As the waves crashed against the shore, I exhaled.

‘It’s so calming, isn’t it?’ Theo said.

‘It really is. A lot different to London.’

‘I was thinking the same thing. I love the slower pace of life here. This beach is incredible.’

We passed a couple walking their dog and they smiled at us. Further along, a couple of teenagers were skimming stones in the sea.

‘So you don’t miss the city views from your fancy London office?’

I didn’t know what his office was like, but considering how well off he was, it was probably in a skyscraper with panoramic views.

‘Definitely not. I do have spectacular views from my office and penthouse, but I love this beach. When I listen to the sound of the waves, all my stress melts away.’

‘You have a penthouse ?’ I swallowed hard.

‘Yes…’ His voice trailed off and his gaze flicked away from me .

I didn’t know why I was so surprised. Theo was clearly loaded. It was obvious from the car he drove, his immaculate suits and of course all the stuff he’d told me that first night we’d had dinner in the fish and chips restaurant. I mean, if you grew up with a cook and a nanny, chances are you weren’t going to live in a bedsit like me.

Just showed how different our lives really were.

‘Speaking of work, how was your day?’ I asked before wondering if we should talk about that, given the circumstances. Theo didn’t seem fazed, though.

‘It was okay. Apart from my father driving me up the wall. He keeps pressuring me to send the pitch document to him.’

‘And you don’t want to?’

‘No. Originally, I told him I would. But then I realised that if I do, he’ll start telling me to change things and they won’t be the right suggestions. His objective is making money and normally that would be mine too. But spending time here in this town and getting to know Edwin and the residents, I don’t think that will be the right approach for this pitch.’

‘You’re right. If your angle is purely financial, Edwin won’t like it.’

‘Exactly.’

‘It’s up to you, but I think you should trust your gut. You’ve been doing this for years, and even though I don’t know anything about your industry, I believe in you. I reckon you’re great at your job, so you should do whatever you think’s best to succeed.’ I winced, realising what I’d just said.

Technically, I shouldn’t want Theo to do well. His success meant my failure, but I couldn’t help it .

‘It’s horrible, isn’t it?’ Theo turned to face me. ‘I hate that we’re competing.’

‘Me too. I want you to do well.’

‘Same here. I want you to win. I know how much this library would mean to you.’ Theo blew out a frustrated breath.

‘I just don’t know what the solution is.’ I shivered a little as the cool breeze tickled my bare legs.

‘There isn’t one. We just have to continue. We both have to do our best and leave it to Edwin to decide.’

‘I suppose.’ I hung my head. ‘And afterwards?’

‘I don’t know.’ He shrugged. ‘If you win, I’ll be happy for you.’

‘I’d be happy for you too. If today is anything to go by, it looks like you’d be better at making something of the site than me.’

‘Why?’ Theo stopped walking and stood in front of me. ‘Tell me what happened.’

We headed over to a wooden bench and sat down.

I explained what had happened with the architect and my rising costs.

Once I started blabbing I couldn’t stop. So I also confessed my concerns about how to make the library profitable. Theo had said the same thing during our first meeting, so I knew I was right to worry. Edwin wouldn’t want to sell the site to a business that was destined to fail because it couldn’t make any money. Then it’d get sold off to someone else and the building’s legacy would be ruined.

I also told him I was struggling to work out how to attract people outside of town. I mean, I could see why they’d want to come and borrow the books, but would they really be bothered to travel all the way back to return them?

Anyone else would think I was crazy to share the setbacks I was having with the man I was competing with, as it’d be easy for him to use it to his advantage. But something told me I could trust Theo and it was okay.

‘Do you ever go to museums?’

‘Not really.’ I shrugged, wondering how that was relevant.

‘Some museums get funding and charge for entry, but do you know how else they boost revenue?’

‘No.’

‘From their gift shops. They sell souvenirs, books and a whole host of other items that their clientele might be interested in.’

‘That’s true. I suppose it’s a bit like when you go to a fast-food chain and they ask if you want fries or to supersize your meal. And when you go to the cinema, the extras like popcorn, drinks and snacks cost more than the tickets.’

‘Precisely.’

A flurry of fresh ideas flooded into my mind. I just needed to think of other paid things we could sell. I’d already planned a bookshop, but I was sure that I could add to that.

Theo had sparked my creative juices. All this revenue-generating stuff was second nature to him, but it was new to me. It was really kind of him to help me out given the circumstances.

‘And as for your other concerns, try not to worry about that right now. The purpose of the pitch is to communicate the reason why you deserve to buy Seaview High. Edwin isn’t concerned about your renovation budget or who the architect is, so it’s not important at this stage. I know lots of different architects, project managers and contractors who could help. Hold on.’ He reached for his phone and scrolled through his contacts. Seconds later my phone pinged. ‘There you go. I’ve sent you the details of one of my favourite architects. When the time comes, give him a call. You’re going to be fine.’

Hearing Theo’s calming voice and reassuring words instantly put me at ease. Even though we were rivals, he’d given me one of his top contacts. And he’d said when the time comes, not if. He believed in me more than I did. That meant a lot.

‘Thank you,’ I said. ‘I’ve been tying myself up in knots all day.’

Theo reached over and put his hands on my shoulders.

‘I can feel the tension.’ He squeezed my shoulders. ‘You need to de-stress.’

‘Tell me about it!’

‘Want me to help?’

‘You already are.’ I smiled. ‘Just being here with you has made me feel so much better. And knowing that I have another architect to contact is a massive relief.’

‘Glad to hear it, but I know another thing I can do that will bring your stress levels down and make you feel like you’re floating on air.’

‘Are you offering me drugs ?’ I frowned.

‘No!’ He chuckled. ‘I’m offering you another orgasm.’

‘Ohhhh!’ I slapped my forehead. ‘You want to go back to the B&B?’

We were at least a mile away from there now. This was the furthest I’d ever walked on the beach and it was like a ghost town .

‘No need. I can do it right here.’

‘On the beach?’ I knew it’d been ages since we’d seen anyone else, but it still seemed a bit risky.

‘Here on this bench. Not full-on fucking obviously. I’ll just use my hand. Pull up your dress,’ he growled.

I looked behind me, then left and right to see whether the coast was clear, then I hitched up my dress.

‘You sure?’

‘I am if you are. If you don’t want it, I won’t do it.’

‘No.’ I nodded. ‘I want it.’

‘Then open your legs a little wider, please.’

‘Seeing as you asked so politely.’ I grinned, spreading my legs.

Theo slid his hand under my dress. I was glad that I’d worn this one as it covered his arm perfectly.

After pulling my knickers to the side, Theo slid his fingers between my lips.

As Theo flicked his thumb over my clit, my hips bucked against his hand.

‘Oh God.’ I tipped my head back. He’d only just started and I could already feel tingles racing through me.

‘How does that feel?’ He kissed my neck.

‘Amazing,’ I said, struggling to speak.

‘Good.’ He hitched up my dress higher and the cool sea breeze hit my pussy, sending another zing of electricity through me.

Theo slid two fingers inside, using them to fuck me whilst he circled my clit.

Bloody hell.

I felt like I’d touched a live wire. My heart raced. My skin sizzled with heat. Every atom in my body sprang to life. And with every deep, delicious thrust of Theo’s fingers and electrifying stroke of my clit, my pulse rocketed.

‘I… I…’ I panted. ‘I’m already close.’

This man was a magician. It was the only explanation. Even my vibrator couldn’t get me off this quickly.

Theo peppered soft kisses on my neck as his hands continued working their magic between my legs.

I couldn’t believe I was on a beach, my legs spread wide across a bench as Theo fucked me with his hands.

I’d read about characters doing sexy stuff outdoors in romance novels, but never in my wildest dreams had I thought something like this would ever happen to me.

Desire pulsed through me and as I watched the real waves crashing against the shore, the waves of my own orgasm started building within me.

My hips jerked up again. And as Theo circled and fucked me harder and faster, I knew it was game over.

Zipping from my toes to my knees all the way up to my head, my orgasm ripped through me like a lightning bolt and I cried out, just as the sound of a loud wave vibrated around us.

‘Ohhhh…’ I slumped back against the bench, then dropped my head on Theo’s shoulder as I tried to catch my breath. ‘That was… thank you.’

‘Glad to be of service.’ Theo kissed my cheek before sliding his fingers out of me, then licking them clean. ‘Fuck, Jess. You taste so good. If I had my way, I’d get on my knees right now and feast on you, but that’s too risky.’ Theo tilted his head to the left, where I spotted a man walking his dog in the distance.

‘Shit!’ I yanked down my dress .

‘Don’t worry. I was keeping an eye out. We were fine. Do you want something to clean up or are you okay?’

Theo had turned me on so much I was soaking.

‘Do you have something?’

‘Yes.’

Theo pulled out a handkerchief embroidered with his initials. Anyone else would’ve had a bog-standard tissue. In my case, I’d probably have some loo roll. But of course Theo had a handkerchief.

‘Are you sure?’ I took it reluctantly. ‘It’s so fancy.’

‘Of course. And nothing’s too good for your beautiful pussy.’ He kissed me on the cheek and my heart fluttered.

With Theo shielding me, I quickly wiped myself under my dress.

‘I’ll just go and, er, wash it out.’ I headed down to the sea, clutching the damp handkerchief.

As I returned to the bench, the man with the dog passed and smiled. Theo and I both smiled back, and when I sat down I giggled like a naughty schoolgirl as I thought of what we’d just been doing minutes before.

‘You know you didn’t need to wash it out.’ Theo brushed his hand over my cheek.

‘I couldn’t have given it back to you when it was dirty.’ I winced.

‘It wasn’t dirty. It had your juices all over it and I happen to be rather fond of them.’ He smiled again and my body sparked.

This man. He made me feel so comfortable. So adored. He was amazing.

My thoughts jumped to what I’d said to him this morning when he’d given me all those treats from the bakery. About wanting to marry him .

I’d felt stupid as soon as I’d realised what had flown out of my mouth. I’d said I was joking because I didn’t want to make him feel awkward, and obviously I didn’t mean it literally. We barely knew each other. And yet, if I was going to spend the rest of my life with someone, based on what I knew about Theo so far, I’d want it to be with someone like him.

That surprised me in so many ways. Just a few weeks ago I never thought I’d ever want to kiss a man ever again. Never mind sleep with him or want to spend all my days and nights with him.

But in walked Theo and changed everything.

I was glad that we’d met. Glad that we’d got together. And I was trying to tell myself to just enjoy the moment and not worry about what would happen next, but I couldn’t help it.

Realistically, once this pitch was over, Theo would go back to his fancy office and penthouse and forget all about me. And if I lost, I’d go back to my shitty life.

It wouldn’t be long before some lucky woman snapped him up. A woman that was better suited to his world. And I’d be just a memory of the time he’d hooked up with a pauper.

‘So are you feeling more relaxed now?’ Theo said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

‘Much more,’ I exhaled. ‘How are you so good?’

Not many men would be confident enough in their abilities to make a woman come that they’d offer to do it on a whim in public.

‘Practise,’ he said like it was no big deal.

‘So you’ve been with a lot of women, then? That’s a point. I don’t know anything about your dating history. ’

‘Not much to tell.’ He shrugged.

‘No? So there’s no high-society lady waiting for you back in London?’ I asked, trying to sound bright and breezy, despite my heart thudding against my chest. If Theo was ever going to choose to be with someone, I knew it wouldn’t be someone like me.

Theo paused. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it before opening it again.

‘I don’t really date. I’m always working, so it’s difficult. Work has always been my focus.’

‘So then how do you practise ?’ I raised my eyebrow.

‘I sleep with women, but it’s never anything serious.’

My stomach bottomed out. Looked like I’d got my answer about what would happen with us after the pitch: absolutely nothing.

‘Right,’ I said.

‘That doesn’t mean… I didn’t mean…’ Theo winced. ‘I wasn’t talking about us, or you. This is… different.’

‘Why? Because I’m your competitor? Or because I’m not the kind of woman you’d normally date?’

‘I…’ Theo paused like he was trying to find the right words. ‘It’s true. You’re not like the women I normally date.’ My stomach twisted again. All the stress that had disappeared started to creep back. ‘You’re better .’

My head bolted upwards.

‘ Better? ’

‘Yes. This is different, in a good way. In case it wasn’t obvious, I like you, Jess. A lot . I don’t have all the answers. I don’t know what happens after the pitch or what this is and what it means. All I know is that I enjoy spending time with you. I hope that’s enough for now.’

My heart bloomed .

I appreciated his honesty. He could’ve made up some bullshit and sworn that we’d continue afterwards, but he didn’t.

As much as I liked him, I didn’t have all the answers either.

‘One step at a time, right?’ I repeated what we’d said this morning.

‘Yes.’ He kissed me softly, then glanced at his watch. ‘We don’t have long before dinner, so shall we read a couple of chapters?’

‘Sounds great!’

Whilst I reached in my bag and pulled out my book, Theo took out his thriller from his jacket.

As we curled up together on the bench, with my head resting on Theo’s shoulder, our noses buried in our books and the soothing sound of the gentle waves surrounding us, my pulse slowed and a warm feeling flooded my veins.

This was the definition of happiness.

Right here, right now, everything was perfect.

And just like my favourite romance scene, I never wanted this moment to end.