Page 24 of The Romance Library

‘And you build ridiculously expensive flats that the majority of the population can’t afford.’

‘Building luxury flats for a discerning clientele is one of the things we do, yes. You make it sound like we’re killing cute kittens.’

‘I just think that a beautiful town like this doesn’t need overpriced flats, that’s all.’

‘And let me guess, a library would be much better.’

‘Yes! Finally, you’re getting it!’

‘Jessica.’ He leant forward, staring deep into my eyes. ‘It’s only fair for me to inform you that as nice as your library idea is, I can’t let you win. I have to secure this deal, so please don’t be upset when you lose.’

‘Oh, I won’t be losing.’ I tilted my head. ‘I’ll be building a library and I’m going to do it on Edwin’s site.’

‘Why don’t you just find another location? Why put yourself through the stress of this pitch and doing something you’re clearly not cut out to do? If I were you, I’d do the sensible thing and surrender now.’

‘I know you’d love me to just roll over, but it’s not gonna happen. Mrs Davis’s wish was simple: the library can only be in that building. It can’t be anywhere else. So it’s you that needs to rethink, because I’m not backing down.’

I narrowed my eyes and Theo did the same. We continued scowling, and it was only when two plates appeared in front of us that our death glare was broken.

‘Two cod and chips!’ Candace chirped. ‘Enjoy!’

‘Thank you.’ I smiled.

Theo stared down at his plate like he’d just been served two hairy pig’s feet.

‘This looks so good!’ I beamed.

‘That depends on what your definition of good is,’ he replied.

‘Have you ever had fish and chips before?’

‘Of course I have.’

‘When?’

‘Don’t remember. It’s not something Clara used to make.’

‘Who’s Clara? Your girlfriend?’

‘No. Our cook.’

‘Oh my God! You had a cook? How rich are you?’ I asked. ‘You must’ve come to the seaside to have fish and chips when you were a kid?’

‘We didn’t go to the seaside. Not unless you count the South of France.’

‘Wow! You haven’t lived!’

I knew when I first saw him that we were from different worlds, but talking to him now just highlighted that. I mean, the man drove a flashy sports car and he’d worn a tuxedo to a fish and chips restaurant. Granted, he hadn’t known we were coming here, but even so, it was a bit OTT.

And his idea of the seaside was the South of France, which probably meant he hung out in places like St Tropez, Monaco and Nice. And don’t even get me started on the fact that he had a cook…

Growing up, I got used to making my own dinner from a young age. I’d learnt that if I wanted to eat, I had to fend for myself.

I plucked a chip from the plate with my fingers and slipped it into my mouth. Edwin was right, they were divine. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. I couldn’t wait to taste the fish.

When I glanced over at Theo, he was delicately slicing the chips into tiny pieces with his knife and fork like he was cutting into an expensive steak. So fancy. Eventually, after preparing a small piece of cod, he reluctantly moved the fork towards his lips.

‘You look like you’re about to eat a kangaroo’s testicle! Don’t be so worried. It’s delicious!’

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