Page 140 of The Romance Library

‘No!’ I said quickly. ‘I feel exactly the same! I shouldn’t have run off when you said you had to leave that night. It’s just… I was shocked. I was trying to protect my heart from getting hurt, but it didn’t make any difference. My heart still ached every single day. I lost count of the amount of times I wanted to call you, to text you, to hold you. So much has happened. So much I wanted to tell you about.’

‘Well, I’m here now and I’ve got all night.’ He kissed me softly on the forehead. ‘Tell me everything.’

45

Theo

As I sat on the bed and listened to Jess explain everything that had happened over the past two months, my chest swelled.

My heart had already been through a lot over the past couple of hours, and after more than eight weeks of being on the verge of flatlining because I’d missed Jess so much, feeling it pumped full of joy was fantastic.

I’d returned to London last night and immediately set to work on creating the audio. In the meantime, a contact of Nico’s who was based nearby had created the web page, QR code and letter to make it look official.

I knew I’d need Glenda’s help to get the recording to Jess, so she’d helped me out by letting me know that she was working in her bedroom whilst the library was finished. So I’d literally sat in my car a few streets away for hours, waiting for the call from Glenda to say that the package I’d dropped off had been delivered to Jess.

Then I had to wait to see when the link had been clicked for the audio. Nico’s friend had also set up an alert so I’d know instantly which of the options Jess had chosen.

Not knowing whether she was interested in talking to me again was nerve-wracking. But when the message flashed up to say she’d opted for yes, my heart soared. It wasn’t the end. I still had a chance.

And when she opened the door, good Lord.

I didn’t know how, but in those two months Jess had become even more beautiful.

That was why I kissed her. I’d missed her so much that the excitement just took over. And I was so glad that she felt the same.

I was so happy right now.

‘That’s amazing!’ I said as Jess told me all about Jane, who’d been helping her.

‘And that’s not all!’ Jess was speaking so quickly, like she was on a game show and only had sixty seconds to tell me everything. ‘Mia Bailey, you know, the really famous matchmaker, agreed to open the library! And she’s bringing her boyfriend: Liam Stone!’

‘I’m so happy for you!’ I pulled her into me and she rested her head on my chest. I’d missed this. The feel of her against me. The sweet scent of her hair.

Liam had already told me everything had been agreed for the opening, but telling Jess that right now would take away from her excitement. Instead I made a note to mention it after the launch.

‘And tomorrow, the library will be finished! We’re going to go and see it. How long are you here for? Would you like to come?’

That was another thing I was aware of. The project manager had informed me that it’d be finished tomorrow—that was why I’d thought visiting tonight would be ideal.

I knew that tomorrow would be a big deal for Jess and I wanted to be there.

‘I’m here for as long as you want me to be. And of course, I’d love to come!’

‘Apart from seeing you again, that’s the best news I’ve heard all day!’

Jess threw her arms around me and squeezed me so tightly that I could hardly breathe, but I loved every second of it.

‘Really? Even better than hearing that Liam Stone’s coming to open your library.’

‘Yep, even better than that!’ she beamed, and I believed her.

‘So, Glenda said I could have my old room tonight, but if it’s okay, I’d rather stay here with you.’

‘It’s more than okay. But I warn you, if you get into this bed, I might not let you leave until we have to go to see the library in the morning.’

‘Is that a promise?’ I smiled.

‘Yep.’

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