Page 95 of Jessica Beam is a Hot Mess
I think about what I really want. A lovely beach villa in a faraway place. But the image blurs a little in my mind, not quite as vivid as it usually is.
Leo nods slowly.
I examine his haughty features, the slightly long nose, high cheekbones, matinee-idol jaw, long-lashed, clever green eyes, all thrown off balance by the slightly sad frown between his eyebrows. Hmm. Is this part of the act? Some kind of ‘troubled soul’ play to get me to shag him? Based on what Valentina told me, anything is possible where this guy is concerned … But surely he wouldn’t use his mum’s death for that. Not even the worst kind of dickhead would do that.
Leo leans in and nudges me with his shoulder. ‘So, was Rose your mum?’ he says in a low voice. ‘The person in your poem?’
My heart suddenly starts to beat faster. Too fast. I’m not up for this question. I’m really not up for talking about my mum with Leo Frost of all people.
‘What do you know, I think our fifteen minutes are up!’ I say, so forcefully that it bounces off the walls and echoes back at us three times. I get up from the bench with a dazzling smile. ‘We should probably go back downstairs,’ I say more softly. ‘Wouldn’t want to incur the wrath of Terence!’
‘Oh.’ Leo looks startled. He stands up and follows as I head back out of the archway. ‘Yes, of course. Terence can be quite frightening when he’s not obeyed. Hulk-like, in fact. Perhaps a conversation to continue another time then?’
Not if I have anything to do with it.
I don’t say that, though. Instead I nod fervently like the open and sincere confidante I’m supposed to be.
As we take the lift back down to the ground floor, I ponder about the aim of tonight’s date. To get Leo Frost to tell me about his hopes and dreams.
How the sweet hell can I do that when he seems to have given up on them?
