Page 16 of The Romance Library

‘My client felt that there was a very strong need for a library of this nature. Romance books are very popular. Isn’t that right, Jessica?’

‘Um, yeah,’ she stuttered. ‘Cecil’s spot on. There’s a big demand. Romance readers devour books. Some read multiple books a week.’

‘That’s sweet,’ I smiled, ‘but just because the books are popular doesn’t make a library a viable business.’

‘I’ve decided.’ Edwin clapped his hands together.

I sat up straighter, excited to hear him break the news to Jessica and Cecil that they didn’t have a hope in hell’s chance of getting this building.

It was a no-brainer. A development of luxury apartments that would really put this town on the map, plus an offer that was significantly more than the asking price, was going to trump whatever proposition these two had in mind.

Jessica slumped back in her seat, and I almost felt bad for her. It was obvious they hadn’t thought the idea through. Lending people free books wasn’t going to pay the bills, and there was no way they’d get funding from the council to keep it open.

With the right backing, there was a chance they could make it work. But they’d need some kind of revenue stream like a bookstore attached. Ticketed events like book signings could help their cash flow too.

Anyway, why the hell was I thinking about their business when I was here to think about mine?

Father was counting on me to secure this site. If I got this development off the ground successfully, I’d be one step closer to becoming CEO of Eaves Enterprises. Something I’d been primed to do since birth.

I’d worked my arse off at university, then business school, and spent almost every day over the past ten years working closely with my father, learning the ropes and earning my stripes. Yes, Jessica was attractive, but this was business. I wasn’t going to jeopardise my future because I felt bad for her.

‘Just say the word and I’ll get the paperwork drawn up.’ I leant back confidently in my chair.

‘Not so fast, Theodore,’ Edwin warned. ‘Like I said, I’ve made a decision. And I’ve decided I’ll choose who gets the site after you’ve done a formal presentation.’

‘What?’ I jerked forward.

‘I want you both to present your plans to me, properly. I’d like you to outline exactly what you intend to do with the building so I can get more of a feel about how it will look. It’s not just about the money—I’d like to hear about why you think your venture will be good for this town and the community.’

‘Sounds fair,’ Cecil added.

Fair? It was the most ridiculous idea I’d ever heard. It was completely unnecessary. But I wasn’t about to screw up my chances of securing the deal by telling him that.

‘And I’d like to get to know you better,’ Edwin added as I tried to keep the frown off my face. ‘People buy people, isn’t that what they say in business?’

‘I agree,’ Cecil said. ‘It’s about building relationships.’

Jessica was very quiet. She was probably trying to process this bullshit just like me.

‘So I’ll also invite you to spend some time with me to help me do that. I’ve resisted the urge to sell this building for many years, so I need to be sure that when I do, it goes to the right person.’

‘Mr Dickinson,’ I said, lowering my voice, ‘I understand where you’re coming from—believe me, I do. But we could save everyone a lot of time and effort if we just completed the deal today. As I mentioned earlier, Eaves Enterprises are very motivated to secure the land at your earliest convenience, so how about we add an extra hundred thousand pounds to our offer, to expedite the process?’

‘Mr Eaves.’ He clasped his hands together. ‘I appreciate your generosity, but like I said, this isn’t just about money. So if you are as motivated as you claim, then you’ll agree to my terms: a presentation here in two weeks outlining your intentions and how the community will benefit. Do you accept?’

‘Of course.’ I smiled sweetly. I’d find a way around this. Even if I had to offer him an extra two hundred grand. I wasn’t doing some dumb presentation.

‘And you, Jessica?’

‘Well, I… er…’ she stuttered.

‘We accept,’ Cecil confirmed as Jessica’s eyes flew from their sockets. She didn’t seem happy and that had to be good news for me.

‘Great!’ Edwin beamed. ‘I look forward to getting to know you both better.’

‘Likewise.’ I turned to face Jessica, who glared at me. For some reason I felt a jolt of electricity race through me.

Eyes on the prize, Theo.

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