Page 102 of The Romance Library

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.