Just as we’d planned, I looked up from my book.
Oh boy.
It was going to take a lot of acting to convince anyone that I’d say no to Ben when he looked likethat.
Deep breath. I can do this.
‘Thanks for asking, Ben, but I can’t. I’m reading a steamy workplace romance calledOffice Delightand the alphahole boss, Rocco, is just about to do someverynaughty things to Virginia on the desk.’
‘Oh, really?’ Ben raised his brow. ‘Sounds good. Okay, I get it. Maybe next time?’
‘Maybe, Ben.’ I smiled before dropping my gaze back to the paperback, which I held up higher so that the camera could get a clearer shot of the cover.
‘That’s a wrap!’ Ben called out. ‘Wow, we did that in one take. We’re getting good at this!’
‘Yeah. I should watch it back, just in case, though.’
‘A workplace romance, eh?’ He walked back towards me. ‘That book sounds intriguing.’
‘It’s…’ I was about to tell him that it was one of my all-time favourites, then decided against it.
I’d always considered myself a law-abiding citizen and I didn’t want to be worried about kicking Ben in the balls if he told me he hated it.
I couldn’t—no, Iwouldn’tacceptanycriticism on this book, so I needed to keep his romance-hating hands off this gem.
‘How are you getting on with the book I gave you?’ I swiftly changed the subject.
‘I finished it.’
‘And?’
‘And it was… better. Still didn’t blow me away, but I wasalmostinvested. I liked the travel element.’
‘Noted. I’ll keep that in mind for my next pick.’ Yes! He was warming up to romance. I did a little mental fist pump. ‘Erm, speaking of travel, I need to book the flights for my brother’s wedding. I already told him I’m bringing someone…’
I’d finally plucked up the courage to call Adrian on Saturday lunchtime. I felt awful about lying to him, especially when he told me how happy he was for me. I did my best to manage his expectations by saying it was early days, so anything could happen. That way when I had to tell him that I’d ‘broken up’ with Ben, he wouldn’t be too shocked. Then again, given my track record with men, I’m sure he wouldn’t be surprised anyway.
‘I’ll pay for your flight, obviously,’ I added. ‘And Adrian’s sorting the accommodation. Are you okay with me arranging your flight or would you rather book your own and I reimburse you?’
‘Why would I book my own? No need to pay for me, though. Let’s just consider it an adventure holiday. And of course we’ll travel together. Wouldn’t be very convincing if we arrived separately, would it?’
‘True. Okay, I’ll book it tonight, then,’ I said, thinking there was no way I’d let him pay for his ticket. ‘We’ll be travelling economy, though. I hope that’s okay?’
‘Why wouldn’t it be?’
‘Because you’re,y’know… posh and loaded. I’m guessing you usually fly business or first class. You’re doing me a favour, so I’ll pay the extra so you can?—’
‘Economy is fine and I’ll pay my own way,’ Ben jumped in. I wasn’t sure if I’d offended him by saying he was posh and loaded, but it was true.
The Eaves family were multimillionaires. The dad had cut Theo off when he’d decided to work at the library instead of continuing his role at their property development company, butas far as I knew, Ben still spoke to his father, so he probably got money from him too.
‘Thanks, but I’ll cover it. I don’t think I’ll need your passport details when I book the tickets, but if I do, I’ll text you,’ I said and Ben nodded. ‘Well, I better watch the video to double-check it’s okay, then take this tripod back to Jane. Thanks again.’
I got up and walked towards the tripod, trying not to look at Ben for fear my knees might turn to jelly like they’d been doing all day. I picked up the phone and tripod, then put them back down. I’d just remembered that it’d been a couple of hours since I’d changed my pad and tampon, which for most women would be fine, but my flow was extra heavy, so I could feel that it was long overdue.
‘I’ll come back for them,’ I said, reaching for the door handle. I was just about to open it when Ben called out.
‘Um, Sarah, wait,’ he said.
