Page 71 of The Romance Library

‘Distracted?’ I frowned.

‘Yes.’

‘Why would I be distracted?’

I knew why I might, but Father didn’t.

Ever since Jessica and I almost kissed last week, I admit, I hadn’t been one hundred per cent focused. I’d hardly slept at all that night because my mind kept replaying the sensation of my body pressed against hers. The feel of her sweet breath on my skin, the way my heart raced when she said she wanted me too.

Fuck. Just thinking about it now made my dick hard.

That was why I’d doubled down on avoiding Jessica. I went for my runs earlier than normal, showered, then ate breakfast at the local cafe.

When I came back to the B&B, normally Jessica would be in the dining room with Glenda, so I’d say hello quickly to them both, go to my room, and stay there for most of the day. It was claustrophobic, but it was the only way I had a chance of focusing.

I’d spent a couple of days travelling back and forth to London for meetings and other engagements and that had enabled me to keep my distance. But now it was Monday and there’d be no avoiding Jessica tonight. We had the talent show performance.

Being so close to her again was going to be a challenge, but I had to push those thoughts out of my mind. Father was right. I had to secure this deal. I had to focus on winning the pitch. I couldn’t get distracted.

‘I spoke to Penelope’s father last night.’ He raised his eyebrow and I groaned inside. ‘He said that you haven’t been in touch.’

‘I’ve been busy.’

‘So you say.’ He clasped his hands together. ‘As you’re clearly incapable of arranging your own meeting, I took the liberty of informing Charles that you would be free to take Penelope for dinner next Saturday. By then, the deal will be done and you’ll have time to seal the other important deal.’ He smirked.

For fuck’s sake.

‘I’m perfectly capable of arranging my own dates. I don’t need you to do it for me.’

‘If that was the case, I wouldn’t have had to step in, like I always do.’

‘Has it occurred to you that I don’t want to have a “meeting” with Penelope’—I ground my jaw—‘and that’s the reason why I haven’t called?’

‘Nonsense. She fits the criteria…’

‘Fuck the criteria,’ I snapped. He was really pushing my buttons, and what I’d said was true. I had zero interest in Penelope before, and the attraction I felt for Jessica had only highlighted that.

‘I beg your pardon!’

‘I’ve got to go. I have to get back for a… meeting in Sunshine Bay.’

I stood up and left. There was no way I could tell him that I was going back to perform in a talent show. That alone would be bad enough. But if he heard I was performing with our competitor, he’d take me off the account, and everything I’d worked on my whole life would go down the toilet.

No. I had to see it through. I had less than two weeks. Eleven days to be precise. That was all. I just had to stay strong until then and after that it’d all be good.

After a brief meeting with my secretary, then going through my post and emails, I left the office and set off down the high street.

The loud honking of car horns filled the air and a crowd of tourists headed towards me on the busy pavement. I thought about how different London was to Sunshine Bay.

There it was peaceful and calm. London was busy and noisy. It’d never bothered me before, but battling through all of these people and the loudness irritated me.

My stomach rumbled. It was almost three thirty and I hadn’t eaten lunch yet. By the time I’d driven to Sunshine Bay, it’d be after six, especially if I got caught in traffic, so I might not have time to eat before I met Jessica and we did one last rehearsal before the performance.

Just as I headed towards the delicatessen, I spotted a bookshop. I stood outside and paused. I wondered if they had Jessica’s favourite novel here. I wasn’t sure if she’d started reading again, but this might help.

Before I even realised what I was doing, I walked into the store. Once I located the romance section, I started scanning the shelves.

Dammit. There was no sign of it.

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