Chapter 15 Ben
BEN
‘You did what?’ Theo stopped in his tracks.
We were walking to the building at the back of the library that was being renovated for the readers’ retreat and I’d just told him about the fake-dating agreement.
‘You heard,’ I said.
‘That’s…’
‘Crazy?’
‘Yes,’ Theo added. ‘And risky. Especially because—’
‘I know,’ I jumped in.
‘I appreciate that you’re new to the whole romance genre, but this situation has enemies-to-lovers and fake-dating-to-lovers written all over it. You’re becoming a romance trope!’ He laughed.
‘Says the rivals-to-lovers, workplace romance victim.’ I rolled my eyes, despite knowing that his comment mirrored what I’d said to Sarah earlier.
‘Someone’s been studying their romance tropes!’ Theo said.
‘As everyone keeps reminding me, those books are fiction. And I’m not going to fall for Sarah like you went all gaga over Jess.
Once this project’s over, I’ll be out of here, and she seems like the kind of woman who wants the whole two point four kids and a dog thing. I’m not made for that kind of life.’
Theo’s face fell, and at first I thought he was disappointed that I didn’t want to settle down, which wouldn’t have made sense because that’d been my stance for years. Then I realised that it was my previous comment that had upset him.
‘Are you not enjoying working here, with me?’ Theo said.
‘Course I am!’ I said quickly, my stomach tensing at the thought that I’d made him think otherwise. ‘It’s just, you know me—I’m a wanderer. Not one to put down roots for too long.’
‘I see.’ He hung his head.
‘But we’ve still got ages together, bro.’ I patted his back affectionately. ‘It’ll be months until everything’s properly up and running with the retreat and bar. And I’ll make sure all the loose ends are tied up before I go.’
‘Maybe you’ll change your mind and stay longer, right?’
‘Anything’s possible.’ I swallowed hard. I could see Theo was upset, so I thought it was probably best not to tell him that I definitely wasn’t going to stay. ‘Don’t worry. Whatever happens, I won’t leave you in the lurch. I’ve got you.’
That at least was true.
‘Okay, thanks.’
‘Shall we see how it’s all going?’ I said, putting on a hard hat before entering the building.
‘Yes, let’s go.’