“Rome—”
“You have to eat, and you told me that Seduction has impeccable food,” I insist. I’m sure she can see the hope flashing in my eyes. There’s nothing left for me now. I’ve laid out my cards on the table. It’s up to her to say yes. And my god, I hope she says yes.
Chapter 12
Elisabet
Sighing, I look at Rome and nod. “Fine. Dinner. As friends.” My response is stilted because I’m nervous. It can’t be difficult not to tie any strings to something. Can it? I’m certain I can do it. But when Rome leans in and plants a kiss on my lips, I’m suddenly not sure I’m able to not fall for him.
“I’ll see you later,” he tells me before making his way to the door. He opens it, stepping over the threshold before glancing at me from over his shoulder. “Be ready at seven. I’ll pick you up.”
“Friends, Rome. Just friends.”
He chuckles but doesn’t respond as he shuts the door behind him, leaving me in my hotel room with my mind racing a million miles a minute. I need to cut ties with him. I should’ve, but when he begged, I relented. Not because I want to get tied down, but because he makes me feel things.
Perhaps it’s just sex, like he said.
But then again, why does my heart flutter every time I think of him?
Sighing, I pick up my purse and keys before exiting my room and heading to the elevator. It’s the last day I’ll be here because, from tomorrow, I’ll move into an apartment where I’ll be able to set down some roots. All this time, and I haven’t truly had my own space.
When I reach my car, I slip into the driver’s seat and start the engine. My mind is still whirling with the memory of Rome. He’s a formidable man, someone I know won’t give up easily, and that’s the problem.
I love driving in Portland. My heart feels full being away from my past. Even though I know it could follow me here, I pray that I’ll have some reprieve before that happens. And I need to make sure that when the past comes storming in, Rome is gone.
I pull up to Seduction, which I notice is open, and there’s already a line of people waiting to be seated. With every couple or group that walks in, another joins the queue.
I follow suit. Waiting to get to the front, I pull out my cell phone and unlock the screen to find a message waiting for me.
Rome: I look forward to tonight. I can’t get you out of my head.
My heart flutters in my chest at his words, and I push those excitable feelings down, all the way to the depths of my soul. Emotions don’t have a place here.
“Can I help you?” the pretty girl asks when I near the door.
Snapping my gaze up to hers, I offer a smile. “Yes, I’d like a table for one for lunch, please?” She nods and picks up a menu before leading me through the busy restaurant. Tables are full, and the fragrance of food wafts through the air, making my stomach rumble. I haven’t eaten yet today, and right now, I’m ravenous.
“Here you go.” She smiles, setting down the menu. “Your waiter will be with you soon.”
“Thank you.” Once I’m alone, I snap my gaze back to my cell phone. His message waiting to be answered. I shouldn’t reply. It will only make him think I’m interested in more. Surely. Right? No. I can be flirty without seeming like there are emotions involved.
I tap out my response before setting the device on the table, face down, so I don’t look at it. If I do, I’ll only be waiting for his response.
“Lisa,” I hear her before I see her. “You’re here,” Mia’s voice travels toward me, and I glance up to find her making her way to my table. A smile tilts on my lips, and I stand to give her a hug.
“I’m here.” It’s been so long since I’ve had friends around me that feeling her warmth makes me want to stay, want to believe that a life here would be possible.
“I’m so glad to see you,” she says as she pulls away. “How are you?”
“I’m good. Actually, I’m hoping to set up some roots,” I tell her with a smile.
Her mouth gapes before she responds, “Here? That’s amazing news. What are you doing now? Oh, we need to catch up.”
“I’d like that. I really would.”
“Where are you staying?” Mia questions before glancing around, and I know she’s worried because the lunch rush is peaking, and I know she needs to be in the kitchen.
“I’m staying at a hotel for the time being, but I’m actually looking at an apartment today.”
She smiles. “Good. Let me know when you’re settled, and we’ll catch up over lunch, coffee, or something. I better get back.” With a wave, she leaves and makes her way to the kitchen. My waiter arrives a few minutes later, and I place my order. The vibration on the table from my cell phone jolts me, and I pick up the device to see a new notification.