Page 130 of The Romance Library

I’d thought of different reasons to call her. I knew she was working with the architect I’d recommended and a project manager I’d hired multiple times, so I’d pondered over different scenarios which would require me to get in touch, but then I decided that would be wrong. Jess needed to focus.

Then I’d wondered if I could text to ask if she’d like me to call and read to her over the phone, but I reasoned we’d just be heading down a slippery slope of frustration.

So I decided that despite the fact that every cell in my body yearned for her, I had to stick to what we’d agreed. To make a clean break and get on with our lives.

Perhaps a few months after the library was opened and she was settled, I could pay her a visit. And by then hopefully I’d be back in London full-time too, so if she was still single, we could speak again.

I shook my head. The chances of Jess staying unattached were unlikely. Now she was feeling more like herself and was open to dating again, it wouldn’t be long before someone swept her off her feet. A woman as amazing as her wouldn’t be short of admirers.

I pulled out a romance novel I’d started reading last night after I’d finished one of my thrillers. It was a book Jess had recommended before things went pear-shaped between us. I was enjoying it, but when I got to the part where the main characters shared their first kiss, I snapped the book shut. I couldn’t do this. Not right now. Not when I still missed her this much.

After sliding the novel in the bedside drawer, I picked up my phone. I hadn’t spoken to either of my brothers since I’d been here, and I needed a distraction. One that wouldn’t make me yearn for Jessica.

‘Big T!’ Ben’s face appeared on my phone screen.

‘How’s tricks, Big Ben?’

We’d added ‘Big’ in front of our names for years. It’s what our nanny called us when we were younger because we were always the tallest in our classes at school. These days, though, I think Ben liked people, especially women, to call him that for another reason.

‘All good here, brother. So come on, then, what did you do? I spoke to Father earlier and he’s royally pissed off with you—that’s why he sent you to Paris. You’re always the golden boy, so I have to know what you did to upset Lord Eaves.’

‘I slept with Jess.’

‘Wait? The competitor?’

‘The woman that was also keen on acquiring the land at Seaview High, yes.’

‘You dirty dog! Didn’t know you had it in you! So what happened? I’m guessing you didn’t win the pitch?’

I explained everything, including the fact that Father read our emails and turned up at the presentation. I even told him about the fact I wanted to withdraw because I thought Jess’s library would be better for the town.

‘Whoa. When you fuck up, you don’t do things by halves! You basically took all the things Father would hate and checked off every one. Losing him a shitload of money, cosying up with a competitor and shagging someone without money or status. Nice one!’

‘Is that supposed to make me feel better?’

‘Not really! Right now, I’m just enjoying the fact that the golden boy isn’t perfect. For years Tom and I have had your achievements rammed down our throats. Now it turns out you’re human after all.’

‘Fuck off.’

‘It’s all love! It wasn’t healthy for you to suppress your feelings. He was turning you into a robot. Working you like a dog and dangling the CEO carrot in front of you all the time. Screw him! So, what’s happened with the Jess woman? You still going to see her?’

‘I want to. I really like her, but she’s got a lot on with the library now and I’m over here…’

‘I hear you. Well, you and I both know I’m not qualified to give relationship advice, but, y’know, if you really like her, just wait it out and see what happens. But don’t feel bad. Although Father doesn’t seem to realise it, you’re human and your needs are important. I’m glad you thought about what you wanted for a change.’

‘Thanks.’

I knew he’d understand.

‘Anyway, T, I better run. Got some business to take care of.’ He smirked.

‘I’ll leave you to it. Or should I say her…’

‘Talk soon.’

I hung up and thought about what Ben said. He was right: I had to wait and see what happened.

Hopefully this wouldn’t be the end for me and Jess, but time would tell…

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