Page 123 of The Romance Library

I felt so happy.

But also absolutely terrified.

39

Theo

As Jess and I stepped out of Seaview High, I smiled.

This situation was new to me.

Normally if I lost a deal, I’d be angry.

I’d go home, run off my frustration on the treadmill, lift some weights or take my annoyance out on the punchbag.

But not today.

When Edwin announced that he was selling to Jessica, relief flooded my chest. I was so happy for her. Like I’d said many times today, she deserved it.

My first instinct was to hold her and congratulate her. I didn’t care if Edwin realised we were closer than perhaps we should’ve been. I needed Jess to know that I was thrilled with her success.

‘So what would you like to do now?’ I asked.

‘No idea!’ She shrugged. ‘I genuinely wasn’t expecting this.’

‘If you don’t want to go to the pub to celebrate, we could get a bottle of champagne and have a drink together on the beach?’

‘Yes! I like that idea much better.’

‘Great. How about we get changed, then I’ll get some supplies and we can meet at our bench in about an hour and a half?’

‘Okay!’

We walked back to the B&B, then returned to our rooms. Once I’d showered and changed I started packing.

When I checked my phone, I saw that my father had sent over details for Paris. His secretary had booked me on the first Eurostar there on Sunday morning and there was a load of stuff I had to catch up on at the office before I left. That meant I’d need to be there all day tomorrow to bring myself up to speed, so it was best for me to return to London tonight.

My stomach twisted. I didn’t want to leave Jess. This was her special day and I wanted everything to be perfect for her. But as much as I’d told myself earlier that I didn’t care what my father thought, the reality was I had to work. Father owned me. Everything was tied to him. My livelihood and my home came from him. So as much as I hated the situation, I still had to toe the line.

Hopefully Jess would understand.

After I’d finished packing, I headed to the supermarket. The selection of champagne was limited, so I decided to go to the pub.

‘Hello, you!’ Barbara said as soon as I stepped through the door. ‘Sorry to hear about your pitch, but I’m sure you’re happy for your lovely Jess.’

‘Absolutely.’ I smiled. ‘The right woman won.’

‘Awww, you’re such a sweetheart. She’s a very lucky lady to have such a supportive boyfriend.’ Barbara winked and my chest tensed with guilt.

Now that I was off to Paris I had no idea what would happen between us.

‘Could I buy a bottle of your finest champagne and a couple of glasses?’

‘Oooh, are you two planning a cosy night in?’ She grinned.

‘No. We’re… going somewhere more intimate to celebrate. Jess is still taking everything in, so she’s not ready for a big celebration tonight.’

‘No worries! A bottle of our best champers and two glasses coming right up!’

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