Page 101

And what it’s like to be with an amazing man.

‘It is easy to get stuck. Do you think you will change your job?’

‘No. Even though I’ve been doing the same job, I’m hoping to get promoted soon, so I couldn’t leave now. I wouldn’t be able to change my career anyway.’

‘If you could do any job, what would it be?’

‘I don’t know,’ I said, inhaling the salty sea air.

‘What do you like most about your current job?’

‘I enjoy the social part of it. Like chatting to people who come in for meetings or speaking to them on the phone. I like the organisational bits too, like if my boss is travelling and asks me to research places for her to go for lunch or organising the work parties and events. But I don’t get to do that as often as I’d like. If I’m promoted though, I’ll get to do more of the events stuff, so that’s why it’s worth staying.’

‘Maybe you could go into event planning or work at a reception for an events company?’

‘I’d love that. But you need proper experience. That’s the problem. I know I could probably do a job like that, but it’s convincing someone to give me a chance, y’know? Which is why it’s important for me to stay where I am because at least I’ll get the opportunity to get some experience, so if I want to move on in a few years, my CV will be stronger. Did you have a lot of experience when you got your job?’

‘Sì. I had worked in hospitality and different hotels. But I did not have experience with the matchmaking side of things. But I was able to learn.’

‘Your job must be so much fun! I know you work hard, but it also must be pretty rewarding too.’

‘It is. When a couple comes together and you get messages to say they are happy and in love, it is very satisfying.’

‘Bet you were over the moon when you saw the shitshow with me and Edward unfolding. Sorry to tarnish your perfect record!’ I let out a weak laugh.

‘You have nothing to be sorry for. I knew he was wrong for you as soon as I met him.’

‘Really?’ My eyes popped. ‘Wish you’d given me the heads up!’

‘I told Victoria my concerns, but sometimes it takes time for couples to bond so we needed to be sure. Of course we had no idea that he would do what he did, but as much as I hated to see that you were hurt, I am glad that he left, because it meant that I got to spend more time with you.’

‘Same! When we get married, we can raise a toast to Edward. The devious little fucker who pissed off back to his ex, leaving the path clear for me to get with my amazing Love Alchemist who’s a billion times better.’

Romeo’s mouth lifted into a cheeky grin and I realised what I’d just said:when we get married.

Gah!

I thought I was over my putting my foot in my mouth crap.

‘I didn’t mean… I was just joking.’

‘I know.’ Romeo stroked my cheek.

‘Actually.’ I paused and turned to face him. ‘Seeing as I’ve already put my foot in it, maybe now’s a good time for us to address the elephant in the room…’ My voice trailed off.

‘Wait,’ he frowned. ‘I know that saying. That means to have a difficult conversation, right?’

‘Yep. I don’t want to sound like a needy bitch, but what are we doing?’

I felt bad for asking, seeing as he’d told me before we got together that he wanted to work at the Love Hotel in the US, but I really liked him and I needed to shoot my shot. I wanted to at least know if he felt the same way I did.

‘We are walking on the beach.’ He grinned.

‘You know what I mean.’ I rolled my eyes.

‘Honestly?’ He paused and my heart stuttered as I braced myself for his response. ‘I do not know. I did not plan for this. This situation is complicated. I know I need to keep my job and pursue my dream. But I also know that I cannot stay away from you. I have tried. But you are too hard to resist. How doyoufeel about everything?’

‘Pretty much the same. I need to keep my job, otherwise the last almost five years will have been for nothing and I’m so close to getting promoted. And I have a whole life set up in London, but I like spending time with you.’ That was the understatement of the year. I was grateful that I hadn’t blurted out that I thought about him all the time. Or that I was falling for him.