Page 36 of He's the One

“It’s a secret.”

“It had better be something nice, especially after I gave you that kiss to scare off Robert.”

“That peck on the cheek was a kiss?”

Theo glared. “I didn’t want to go too crazy in case he got violent.”

“And you with that black belt.”

“I told you I’m not wearing it today. And our first uninterrupted kiss is going to be the best first uninterrupted kiss in the history of uninterrupted first kisses, providing you hold up your side of it.”

Col laughed. “No pressure then.”

“I’m pretty sure it’s going to be electrifying.”

Judging by the way Col was fizzing, he thought so too.

Theo’s phone rang and when he looked at the display, he sighed. “I’m wanted. I’ll see you later at the pub if not before, okay? Are you going to the promises auction?”

“Yes.”

“What have you promised?”

“I thought it was supposed to be anonymous.”

“I hoped you might just tell me. I’m offering something too. I was browbeaten into it. And no, I’m not going to tell you what I offered. You’ll have to torture it out of me. Feel free.”

Col liked him more and more.

“On the other hand, if no one bids, I’ll send you a semaphore message so at least I raise a few pounds. I’ll do the same for you.”

“Okay.”

“If that arsehole bothers you, call the police. Swear?”

Col nodded. But he wouldn’t call the police because that would be really bad for Robert’s career and upset as Col was with him, he wasn’t vindictive. He called his mum and went to have a late lunch with her in one of the food tents. He saw no sign of Robert and hoped that maybe he’d taken the hint.

Chapter Eight

Theo set off back to the house to meet his father, cursing himself.I’m a fucking idiot.When he found out Theo was the son of a marquess, what was Col going to think? Theo hadn’t exactly lied, but he’d had the chance to put Col right on a couple of occasions and hadn’t.I should have.

Colwouldfind out, so the sooner Theo told him, the better. Though he knew full well why he’d kept quiet. He didn’t want Col to be…different with him. He liked that Col thought he was just another Asquith employee. He was, but a little further up the hierarchy than Col suspected, and actually in line for the throne, assuming forty or so people died at one fell swoop—not likely. Or there was a zombie apocalypse and he was immune. Also unlikely. Or if—Stop it!

When Theo saw Col tonight at the pub, he’d tell him. Hopefully before someone in there called himyour lordship.

He could still save this. It would be all right.

Theo was feeling a little brighter until he entered the drawing room and realised he’d walked into a trap. The Earl of Ashdown, his wife and their three daughters, Charlotte, Fiona and Emily were sitting with Theo’s mother and grandmother. Theo gritted his teeth. Could he suggest he go out to get cake?

“Ah Theodore, there you are,” his mother said.

“Good afternoon.” As Theo shook hands with everyone, he felt dread rising up his body in a thick, sludgy tide. It held his feet where they were and filled his throat. The only spare seat, without him looking ridiculous by sitting at the far end of the room—and he was tempted, had he been able to make his legs work—was next to Charlotte. He’d been set up for that too. Theo dropped down on the couch as far from her as he could get without perching on the arm.

The conversation resumed but Theo wasn’t paying attention. When he’d arranged to meet Col in the pub, he hadn’t forgotten he was supposed to be having dinner with these people. He didn’t want to. He wasn’t going to.

But…Shit.

The next thirty minutes were excruciating. It was against Theo’s nature to be rude but he struggled to join in the conversation. He could see where all this was heading and he wanted no part of it.

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