Page 87 of The Romance Library

‘I’m sorry,’ I said, not knowing what else to say.

‘Don’t be. Anyway, seeing as this is the last time we’ll see each other properly before the presentation, I want to give you something. Can you come to my room?’

‘Theodore Eaves!’ I mock gasped. ‘I thought we’d just agreed to keep our distance!’

‘No!’ He laughed. ‘Get your mind out the gutter, woman! Actually, maybe it’s better that I do it here.’

‘On the beach! In broad daylight?’ I gasped again.

‘You have a very dirty mind, young lady! I was referring to what I need to give you, which, to clarify, has nothing to do with my cock.’ His eyes darkened.

What. A. Shame.

‘I know.’ I smiled. ‘I’m just teasing. I mean, pulling your leg. Aaargghh!’ I sighed, realising that those descriptions both had sexual connotations. ‘I’m joking. That’s what I was trying to say.’

‘Wait here. I’ll be back in a minute.’

About ten minutes later, Theo returned and found me sitting on a bench overlooking the beach. He was holding a bag behind his back.

‘What you got there?’ I said.

‘Close your eyes and open your hands.’

‘Okay.’ I did as he’d asked, my heart racing with excitement as I thought about what it could be.

‘I got you something.’ Theo placed the heavy bag on top of my palms. ‘You can open your eyes now.’

I glanced down at the bag and my jaw dropped. I recognised the shop name immediately. It was a bookstore that I used to visit all the time.

When I saw what was inside, I nearly fell off the bench.

‘Oh my God! These are for me?’ My eyes widened. ‘These are, like, my favourite authors!’ I started taking the books out, swooning at the gorgeous colourful covers.

The temptation to start sniffing them was strong because I loved the smell of a new book, but I didn’t want Theo to think I was weird. I’d definitely be doing that later, though. In private.

‘Glad you like them.’ Theo smiled. ‘There’s a special one at the bottom too.’

I was still trying to take in the fact that he’d bought all these books for me and the fact that his choices were spot on when I reached the last book in the bag.

I blinked once, then blinked again.

‘No way!’ I slid the book out, then held it in my hand.

This was unreal.

I went to open my mouth, but no words came out.

He’d remembered.

Theo had listened to everything I’d told him about the book. How it was my favourite. How I’d missed having my own paperback copy after my ex had savagely burnt it.

He’d even remembered the book and he’d got this. For me. Because he knew it was important to me.

I didn’t know what to say.

Tears pooled in my eyes and my lips began to tremble.

‘Thank you,’ I said softly.

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