“I’m firmly grounded.”
“Figured as much, but do you ever allow yourself to live in the clouds?”
“No,” I answer but then realize that’s not entirely the full truth. “Well, I guess I have my moments, but only when thinking about the candy shop.”
“What do you think about?”
“What it will be like when it’s open, all the kids running around excited, the parents trying to calm down their grabby hands. I think about the memories that will be made, what this store will mean to the town, even though some people don’t think about it in the same way.”
“What? A sweets store is the anchor of any small tourist town. How could they not understand the significance?”
“Are you just saying that to get in my good graces?” I ask.
“No, remember, we said no lying.”
“Right.” For some reason, I still don’t believe the sincerity, maybe because most of my interactions with him have resulted in him joking around, or I’m just a jaded asshole that doesn’t believe many people. I can thank my dad for that.
“I can tell that you’re not fully convinced,” he says, surprising me. “That’s okay. I know it’ll take time to earn your trust and I’m okay with that, because I have time and interest.”
This guy.
I don’t think I’ve ever met someone more persistent.
It’s odd.
Kind of weird.
He doesn’t even know me and yet, he’s willing to do so much to make sure he gains my trust and interest. I don’t think I’ll ever understand it, but if that’s how he wants to spend his summer, that’s up to him.
“So do you think I can have a visitation today?”
“You’re having one right now.”
“You know what I mean.” He sighs. “Come on, help a guy out. Are you done with the floors? Let me help.”
“I’m not done with the floors.”
“What can I do?”
I shake my head. “No, that’s okay?—”
“Great, so I’m following you all day today until you let me help. You won’t be able to shake me. Oh, if you need help in the shower, I’m really good at scrubbing body parts.” He wiggles his brows, and I honestly don’t even have it in me to tell him he’s flirting, because he knows damn well what he’s doing. He is a naturally flirty man. That was clear from day one. Even though I firmly believe I don’t have time to date, nor the inkling of a desire to do so, it is actually fun spending time with him. He’s quick-witted, intelligent, spoiled yet sincere, and genuinely nice.
My life has always been so…focused on doing things right. To avoid being criticized and mocked. It’s almost as if Theo has made it easier for me to breathe and be myself. It doesn’t hurt the ego knowing that someone as exceptionally good-looking as Theo is showing interest in me.Even if I’ll only enjoy this for the next few months.Maybe it’s just easier to enjoy the amusement and interest. Heaven knows that once my store is up and running, there will be no time to entertain flirty, hot Englishmen keen towear me down.
So that’s what I’ll do. Allow these short moments of levity to spur me on.I deserve that.
Chapter Nineteen
THEO
“Mate, you’re sooooo winning her over,” Rupert says as we make our way through Cape Meril, bumping into the tourists on the crowded footpaths. This would get annoying if I permanently lived here. I wonder whether there are behind-the-scenes walkways that only the locals know about.
Something to ask Renley.
But back to Rupert’s comment…
“That’s what I thought—I’ve been making progress. The fact that I blatantly flirted with her and she didn’t point it out must mean I’m wearing her down.”
