Page 32 of The Romance Library

‘This sandwich is delicious, thank you,’ Jessica chirped. Such a kiss-arse. Sucking up to Glenda like that in front of Edwin just to score brownie points.

My gaze was drawn to her lips. Just thinking about the words kiss and suck sent indecent thoughts racing through my mind. I quickly took a bite of the sandwich to distract me.

‘This really is lovely. I’m becoming quite a fan of the food in this town,’ I added, thinking it was time to turn on the charm.

‘Glad to hear it!’ Edwin said. ‘So what kinds of things do you two like to do in your spare time? Jessica, I’m assuming you like to read?’

‘Um, yeah, yes, absolutely!’ She said it enthusiastically enough, but something didn’t ring true. Her gaze dropped to the floor and she took a long gulp of her tea, like she was downing a shot.

There was something she wasn’t telling us.

‘And you, Theo?’

‘I enjoy travelling,’ I said. It was the first thing that came to mind. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d travelled anywhere for pleasure, but it was a safe response. ‘It’s always lovely to discover new places. Much like coming here to Sunshine Bay. It feels like a holiday. It’s a shame I’ll be so busy working that I won’t get to see more of it.’

‘Oh, you must take time out to explore! There are so many beautiful beaches in the area. Margate is nearby, and they also have the Dreamland theme park.’

‘There’s a trip there on Saturday afternoon, isn’t there, Edwin?’ Glenda piped up.

‘You’re right! One of the residents organises excursions for the community. There’s a coach booked to take everyone to and from the venue. Maybe you two can go?’

‘A theme park?’ Jessica’s eyes bulged. ‘Like with roller coasters?’

‘Yes! It’s brilliant. They also have a roller disco and sometimes they do concerts too. It’s a big hit with youngsters like you,’ Glenda said.

‘That’s an excellent idea.’ Edwin reached for his phone. ‘I’m sure they’ll have room for two more guests. I’ll give Nancy a call.’

‘Th-that’s okay!’ Jessica jumped in. ‘I wouldn’t want to put you to any trouble. I’m sure it’s all booked up by now!’ she added nervously. ‘And we wouldn’t want to take two spaces away from the community.’

Although Edwin and Glenda were too high on their natural happy juice to realise, I could tell that Jessica didn’t want to go. Which could work well for me. If she dropped out and I went, that’d put me in Edwin’s good books.

‘I’d love to go!’ I gushed. ‘And a coach trip with other residents too? That’d be a great way to get to meet the community. Sign me up!’

A wide grin spread across Edwin’s face.

Bingo.

Earlier I’d found his enthusiasm annoying, but I’d been looking at it all wrong. Now I understood. As long as I showed enthusiasm for Sunshine Bay and their silly activities, Edwin would like me. Personally I didn’t care whether he did or not, but him liking me meant he’d be more likely to give me what I needed: his land.

So if he wanted me to sit and have lunch with the enemy to make him happy, I’d do it.

If I needed to play nice with the residents on some stupid coach trip, I’d do it.

Because every smile, every yes, every ‘this town is wonderful’ was bringing me closer to annihilating my competition.

Normally this wasn’t how I liked to operate. I’d always considered myself as a fair businessman. But I needed this deal. I couldn’t disappoint my father. My whole future was riding on the outcome.

Jessica might be attractive, but there was only one person who was coming out on top of this.

Me.

11

Jess

Iclosed the laptop and rubbed my eyes. For the past twenty-four hours, I’d barely moved from my desk. I was determined to make headway on the research for my presentation.

After that awkward lunch with Edwin, Theo and Glenda, I couldn’t wait to get back to my room and lock myself away.

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