Page 109 of The Romance Library

‘If you want.’ I pulled her favourite book up on my phone. ‘Or you can just lie here and let me read to you?’

‘Sounds like heaven!’ She laid her head on my chest.

As I read to Jess whilst stroking her soft skin, I knew that what she’d said was right.

Being here, curled up together with a book, was what dreams were made of.

And if this was a dream, I didn’t ever want to wake up.

35

Jess

After ending the phone call, I opened my bedroom door. Everything was set. I was taking the day off. Could I afford to, given that the presentation was in eight days? Not really. But this was important.

I knocked on Theo’s door. I’d deliberately left his room early this morning as I needed time to set everything up, so I knew he wouldn’t be expecting to see me.

‘Hi!’ He smiled as he opened the door. ‘Everything okay?’

‘Can you be ready in half an hour? I’m taking you out.’

‘What?’ He frowned.

‘Today’s an important day and I know you’ll be speaking to your brothers this evening, but you shouldn’t be alone, so like I said, I’m taking you out. Be ready in thirty minutes. Oh, and bring a book.’

After quickly kissing him on his lips, I went back to my room. I knew if I stayed too long, he’d ask questions or insist that it wasn’t necessary or a big deal, but I knew it was and I wanted to help him.

When he told me last night at the restaurant that today was the anniversary of his mum’s passing, my stomach bottomed out. I knew first-hand how hard those anniversaries were. And I knew how for so many years I’d wished I could talk to someone about it.

Some years I would’ve been happy enough for someone to just acknowledge it. Or give me a hug. But it never happened. My ex never cared. The only one who always remembered to call was Sarah.

That was why I was more determined than ever to make sure Theo felt seen and supported today. I wanted him to know I was there for him.

Once I’d popped to the local supermarket and got all the necessary supplies, I went back to Theo’s room and knocked on the door.

‘Ready?’ I asked when he opened it.

‘Jess, it’s really kind of you to offer to take me out, but I really should stay and work, I—’

‘Theo,’ I said softly. ‘It’s not for me to tell you what to do, but I really think this will be good for you. We won’t be back too late. Will you trust me?’

‘Okay,’ he said quickly. ‘Let me get my jacket.’

Minutes later we were walking to our first destination: Sweet Treats, where I’d arranged for him to have his favourite crumpets. When we were leaving, Maddie handed me a paper bag with the items I’d called and asked her to prepare earlier.

After paying, I led Theo to the train station.

‘What’s in the bag? And where are we going?’ Theo asked.

‘You’ll find out. Later. Come on.’ I took his hand and pulled him to the platform. ‘We don’t want to miss our train!’

An hour later we were in Central London and heading to the Tube station.

‘Are we there yet?’ Theo mimicked a child’s voice.

‘Stop asking!’ I laughed. ‘Or you won’t get any ice cream later!’

‘Not fair.’ Theo pretended to sulk. ‘The suspense is killing me.’

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