Page 84 of The Romance Library

I pushed the door open and joined the queue. As the two people at the front stepped aside, clutching a tray of delicious-looking pastries, I caught sight of the display and my mouth watered.

There were cream cakes, colourful iced fingers, Chelsea buns, all of my favourites. I had no idea how I was going to choose.

Just as I scanned the restaurant to see where I could sit, I gasped. Sat towards the back was Theo. Shit. I had no idea he’d be here. And when I saw what he was holding, my jaw dropped. He was reading a book. Wow.

I studied his face—he looked engrossed. As he turned the page, I contemplated whether I could leave before he spotted me, but those cakes were calling my name. Once I’d ordered, I could find somewhere else to sit. The way his eyes were fixated on the novel, he wouldn’t even notice.

But just as I shuffled forward in the queue, he lifted his gaze from the page and our eyes connected.

At first his brows shot up in surprise. Then the corner of his mouth turned up into a smile and my stomach flipped.

Theo waved, then he pointed to the empty seat at his table. Looked like I wouldn’t be avoiding him after all.

Once I’d been served, I headed over and pulled out the empty chair.

‘Good morning,’ he said.

‘Morning.’ I smiled. ‘How did you sleep?’

‘Like a baby. You?’

‘Same,’ I said, biting into my chocolate muffin. As I took the first mouthful, I groaned with happiness. ‘Have you eaten breakfast already?’ I looked down at his empty coffee mug on the table.

‘No. Just waiting for it to come.’

Right on cue, a waitress came over. At a guess, I’d say she was in her late twenties or early thirties. She had olive skin and dark hair which had been tied away from her face. Underneath her apron she was wearing a blue T-shirt and jeans.

‘Two hot crumpets as requested!’ She winked at Theo as she put down the plate.

‘Thanks.’ He smiled.

‘We haven’t met before, I’m Maddie.’ She turned to me.

‘Nice to meet you, Maddie, I’m Jessica.’

‘Oh, I know who you are! You two are the talk of the town!’ She grinned.

Shit. Don’t tell me word had spread about me and Theo’s sexscapades already? Just how fast was this town’s grapevine?

Theo swallowed hard. He must be thinking the same.

‘Really?’ He regained his composure. ‘Why’s that?’

‘Your performance last night was incredible!’

OMG. Kill me now. I must’ve screamed louder than I thought when I orgasmed. It was true, though, Theo had put on an incredible performance.

‘Thanks. Jessica did most of the work.’ His mouth turned up into a cheeky smile. ‘I mainly just sat there and used my hands.’

‘But you were excellent with your hands. You played my… that instrument like a maestro,’ I added, relieved that I’d quickly said instrument instead of my clit.

‘But, Jessica, your voice was brilliant!’ Maddie said enthusiastically.

‘Ohhhh, thanks.’ I smiled as I realised that of course she was talking about the talent show, not the private one Theo and I enjoyed afterwards.

‘Everyone’s so happy that you two won—you deserved it. Best double act we’ve had in ages! Anyway, I’d better get back. Enjoy your breakfast.’

Once Maddie was out of sight, we both burst out laughing.

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