Page 138 of The Unlikely Pair

For a second, I want nothing more than to step forward and enfold him in my arms.

I pull up short and clear my throat instead.

“So, you cleared your psychological assessment as well, then?” I ask.

“Yes, apparently, getting stuck in the wilderness with you didn’t turn me crazy. I’m pretty sure a miracle is being declared somewhere right now.” There is something inscrutable in Toby’s eyes.

I can’t muster a smile.

“I’m fairly sure a few things that happened out there could be declared a miracle,” I say softly.

Toby rubs his hand across his face. “Yeah, the miracle that we didn’t kill each other. Although it could be argued some of our constituents might have preferred that option.”

“Well, you can’t always give your constituents everything they want.”

And there it is. A flicker of a Toby smile before it fades away.

“You’re going to Ashbury?” he asks.

I nod. “For a few days at least. My family wants me close.”

Toby’s throat works, and I suddenly want nothing more than to hear those words lodged in his throat right now. There are so many things left unsaid between us.

“I’m heading to London,” he says finally.

Just then, my new mobile chimes with a message. Before I can stop myself, I check it. It’s like Pavlov’s dog. Forty-two days away from all technology, yet I’m still conditioned to respond to notifications.

The message is from Charlie, confirming my media team will be at my house tomorrow for a strategy meeting.

Toby’s watching me with a dark gaze when I lift my head from the screen.

“You’re back online then,” he says.

“Yes.”

“You might want to update your social media bios to include you’re a survivor of the Scandinavian wilderness. That might lure a few of those survivalist prep people into voting for you if they know you’ll be a good bet if the zombie apocalypse happens.” Toby’s voice sounds slightly too bright, almost brittle.

“Thank you for that sound political advice. I’ll bear it in mind.”

“I guess maybe we should consider the last forty-two days just a giant disconnect retreat. Although I probably could have done without the whole ‘fighting for survival’ thing. But hey, at least we’ve got some great stories to tell at dinner parties. Weshould probably skimp on the details of what we actually ate, though, because I don’t know if rabbit liver is going to become the next thing in gourmet cooking.”

I can’t bear this any longer. I can’t bear to see Toby trying to mask his feelings behind a facade of jokes and quips.

But as I take a step forward, my phone beeps again. I know it’s another message from Charlie or one of my other aides lining up a political meeting, all focused on the ultimate goal of becoming the next prime minister.

It’s a reminder of why this thing between Toby and me needs to end right now.

I stop.

“I should get going. So…um…take care,” I say.

Toby just looks at me with those beautiful eyes. Eyes I now know better than I know my own.

“You too, Harry. Try not to get lost in the wilderness again.”

I attempt a smile, but it’s not even convincing enough to fool myself.

I turn on my heel and leave.