Page 125 of The Romance Library

I knew if I was in bed with Jess in my arms, there was no way I’d have the strength to leave.

‘When you say things, do you mean us? Do you want to end this?’

‘Of course not. But right now, I have no idea how long I’ll be in Paris. If my father had his way, he’d keep me there indefinitely.’

‘So if you don’t want to go, why don’t you tell him?’

‘It’s not that simple, Jess. He’s already pissed off with me for losing the pitch and for getting together with you.’

‘He knows?’

‘Yes. He read our emails.’

‘Oh my God,’ she gasped. ‘So I guess he’s not letting you take over?’

‘Nope. Says I’m not ready.’

‘That’s bullshit! I’m so sorry. I know you’ve worked your whole life for that promotion, so it wasn’t fair of me to suggest that you just walk away.’

‘It is what it is.’ I scrubbed my hand over my jaw. ‘But this doesn’t have to be the end for us. Like I said, I want this to work. Being with you—these past few weeks have been incredible. Maybe we can keep in touch and when I’m back we can—’

Jess pressed her finger on my lips.

‘You’ll need to focus on your project in Paris and I’m going to be flat out trying to get this library up and running. So you’re right. It’s probably better if we just have a clean break now.’

‘That’s what you really want?’ I frowned. Clearly she didn’t feel as deeply for me as I did for her.

‘It’s for the best,’ Jess said as we arrived outside the B&B. ‘Thanks again. For everything!’ She pecked me on the cheek. ‘I’m really tired, y’know, with the presentation and all the excitement. I think I’ve been running on adrenaline all day and I’m about to crash, so I’m just going to go straight to bed now. Have fun in Paris and… good luck!’

Before I had a chance to respond, Jess flew inside and bolted up the stairs.

I, on the other hand, was left standing at the door shell-shocked and wondering if I’d ever see the only woman I’d had deep feelings for again.

40

Jess

Istepped off the train and trudged back to the B&B. It’d been an intense week.

I was just heading back from another meeting, this time with Cecil. I’d had to go to London multiple times to go through all the paperwork for the sale, meet with the architect and contractors… the list was endless.

Cecil and Edwin had gushed about how straightforward and smooth the process was. Although I was glad to hear that, it was still all so overwhelming. Most of the time I didn’t have a clue what I was doing.

Luckily Mrs Davis was super organised and had applied for planning permission before Edwin decided to put it on the market, which apparently you could do even if you didn’t own a property. And because the council had given permission, it speeded up what could’ve been a long, drawn-out process, which was a relief.

Plus, because the library was private and I wasn’t asking for funding, that made things easier too.

The architect that Theo had recommended before the presentation was a million times better than the one I had before. He knew all the right people and was confident that once the sale went through, the contractor and project team he worked with could get the renovations done in six weeks, which I was incredibly grateful for. I was so glad Theo had given me his details.

Crazy that even though we hadn’t spoken for over a week, he was still making my life better. Just a shame he couldn’t do that closer to home.

When I got to the B&B, Glenda was at reception.

‘Let me know if you need anything,’ she said to a couple as she handed them their keys, ‘and enjoy your stay!’

‘Hi,’ I said as the couple disappeared up the stairs.

‘Hello!’ she chirped. ‘How were the meetings?’

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