Page 74 of The Romance Library

Ididn’t know what I was more nervous about: this talent show performance tonight or seeing Theo.

Ever since our rehearsal last Wednesday night, he’d avoided me. He left extra early to go for his run, didn’t eat his meals at the B&B, and on the few occasions that we bumped into each other, he could barely look me in the eye.

I got the message loud and clear. That almost kiss was a mistake. For all the obvious reasons to do with the pitch, but also because it was pointless. Someone like him would never want to be with someone like me.

That wasn’t a low self-esteem thing. I mean, yeah, I had my confidence issues like everyone else, but I knew I was a decent human being. I was sure that deep down, Theo knew it too. Well, at least I hoped he did. But I wasn’t naive. We came from opposite sides of the track. My ex had run his own business and made decent money, but not on the same level as Theo.

I’d done my research, and Eaves Enterprises was huge. Theo’s family wasn’t just well off, they were mega wealthy. His dad probably wiped his arse with fifty-pound notes.

Me and Theo were like oil and water. We didn’t mix. Which was why it was a good idea that we kept our distance. It meant that I could be totally focused on the presentation.

In theory.

I hadn’t been able to get that almost kiss out of my head. I was this close to feeling Theo’s lips. If I closed my eyes, I could still remember the sensation of his hard-on pressed against me and the way his woody scent had made me feel dizzy with lust.

God. In that moment, I didn’t think I’d wanted anyone more in my life.

But we’d had too much to drink. Neither of us was thinking clearly. Which was why tonight I was going to be stone-cold sober. I couldn’t afford anymore slip-ups. Especially not so close to the pitch.

Speaking of the presentation, it was finally starting to come together. When I wasn’t fantasising about Theo, I’d managed to knuckle down and come up with some cool ideas that I hoped Edwin would like.

I still wasn’t sure if it was enough, and I hadn’t done a presentation since I was at school, so that was another hurdle I’d have to overcome.

Cecil was busy this week, but D-Day was next Friday, so hopefully he’d have time to do a practice run-through with me the day before.

All I had to do was hold it together for eleven more days and I’d be good.

I glanced at my watch. It was quarter past six. Theo and I were due to meet at six thirty for one final rehearsal before the talent show started at eight.

My stomach churned again. I was too nervous to eat anything, but I should at least get a cup of hot water and lemon or something to help my voice.

Just as I was about to leave my room, I heard footsteps and then the key go in Theo’s door. He was back. My heart fluttered and my pulse raced.

I ordered both to calm down. Instead of going down to the kitchen, I went to the bathroom and quickly brushed my teeth. Again. Not because I was expecting anything to happen between us. It was just, y’know, out of courtesy, because I’d be singing close to him. That was the only reason.

As I wiped my mouth, I heard Theo’s door close. I’d been at the B&B all day and yet he was still going to get to the living room before the agreed six thirty meet time. He was always early.

I quickly headed down after him and when I walked into the living room, he was setting up his keyboard.

‘Hi,’ I said softly.

‘Hi.’ As Theo looked up and our eyes locked, my stomach flip-flopped like a happy dolphin. Why did he have to look even more handsome than normal tonight of all nights? ‘How was your day?’

‘Good, thanks. Yours?’

‘Okay. I had meetings in town, but it was fine.’

We stood there. In silence. Still staring at each other.

Electricity crackled between us.

I wanted Theo to step forward, pull me into him and kiss me until I gasped for air. But instead I took a deep breath and told myself to focus.

‘Shall we, er…’ I stuttered.

‘Yes. Let’s get started.’ He dropped his gaze to the keyboard.

The first run-through of the song was awkward. The second was slightly better, then by the third we’d loosened up a bit.

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