Page 148 of The Romance Library

‘For once, I haven’t got a clue. And that’s actually a huge relief. Since birth, I’ve had my whole life mapped out for me, so I’m happy to just go with the flow for a bit. Give myself time and space to work out what I really want to do, rather than what’s expected of me.’

‘Great idea.’

‘That also means I’ll have time to help you out here for a while.’

‘I’d love that! And, y’know, you could always consider doing audiobook narration as a side or even a main hustle…’ I grinned.

‘I’ll think about it. But until then, this voice will only be reading steamy romance for an audience of one: my exceptionally talented and beautiful girlfriend.’

‘Awww, I like the sound of that. When’s your next available slot?’ I smiled.

‘Whenever you want.’ Theo leant forward and kissed me gently. ‘Whatever you need, Jess, whether it’s reading your favourite romance novels to you before bed, helping you make this library an even bigger success or just bringing you a chocolate muffin or a slice of angel cake in the afternoon, I’ll always be there for you.’

‘You’re the best!’ I kissed him again. ‘And right back atcha. I promise to keep you well stocked with the latest thrillers and romance novels, support you with whatever career path you take and give you an unlimited supply of crumpets!’

‘Throw in an unlimited supply of kisses and you’ve got yourself a deal.’ Theo grinned.

‘Done. When would you like them to start?’

‘Right now, of course.’

And as Theo wrapped his arms around my waist and our lips pressed together, I knew that even a lifetime of kisses with him would never be enough.

Epilogue

JESS

One month later

It’d been a whirlwind four weeks.

The opening was a massive success. Thanks to Mia and Liam’s appearance, the library was featured in loads of national newspapers, magazines, online and even on breakfast television.

That’d led to the library being packed every day. There was already a huge waiting list on literally every book, and we’d had to replenish the stock in the bookshop several times over.

I’d hoped it’d be successful, but it’d gone beyond my wildest dreams.

We’d even had to use one of the renovated classrooms as a space for visitors and members to buy cups of tea, coffee and soft drinks, which were served by volunteers from Sunshine Bay.

Opening a proper coffee shop needed to be a top priority because I could already see how much revenue it could generate. Especially if we sold biscuits, cakes and snacks.

I also needed to hire more staff, so later this week I’d set up interviews, hoping I’d find more brilliant people to join our team, just like Jane.

She was a fantastic asset to the library. I think she preferred working to being at home. Although she hadn’t revealed too much, it seemed like her family didn’t respect the fact that she was a grown woman and placed a lot of restrictions on her, so being at work gave her freedom.

‘You’re so lucky to have Theo.’ Jane added some new novels to the bookshop shelves.

‘I am.’ I nodded. ‘But I had to kiss some frogs to find my prince. I never thought I’d find a decent man.’

‘Hopefully one day I’ll be that lucky too.’ Jane sighed.

‘You never know, maybe you’ll find him here. That’s what Mrs Davis wanted: to create a place where people could find love.’

‘Not sure how I’ll find my Mr Right at our library,’ she said. ‘Most of our members and customers are women.’

‘You never know. I’m hoping to start organising events soon. Not just bookish ones, but maybe dating ones too and get Mia involved. That’d attract more men.’

‘Maybe.’

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