“I still cannot believe you got married. I’m so happy for you. Finding happiness is not an easy feat.” Excited squeals leave us both, and we fall into a fit of laughter. The same happiness that used to bubble inside us when we were studying.
For a moment, I feel like I’m young again. Like I’m carefree without a responsibility in sight, but then I remember I’m not.
“Listen, bring a date if you have one,” Mia whispers conspiratorially, and I can’t help but laugh. “Don’t deny it. I saw you with that gorgeous man in my restaurant a few days ago. Rome’s been in a few times, but I have never seen him so… intrigued.”
Realization hits, and I smile. “Oh shit, you saw me with him.” My heart thuds wildly at the memory of that lunch. It feels like so long ago.
“Yes,” she giggles. “Bring him along. I’d love to meet him properly.” She pulls me in for a hug, and we say our goodbyes. I wonder if he would like to join us for dinner. I haven’t met any of his friends yet, so perhaps this could be the next step for us. Maybe this will finally push us to talk about what we’re doing. I pull out my cell phone and tap out a message to him before I go back to work.
The elevator deposits me on my floor at five-thirty. It’s been a long day, but we got the shop all cleared out, the walls have been primed, and tomorrow, we’ll be painting. I can’t wait to see the peach shades and soft grays that I chose.
I’m smiling when I unlock my apartment and push open the door. When I step inside, I’m assaulted by the scent of lavender and patchouli. A sweet fragrance, but calming at the same time.
I shut the door, my gaze darting around, and Rome saunters down the hallway with a glass of red wine, wearing gray sweatpants and nothing else. There’s a small smile on his lips. In an attempt to swallow the shock, a giggle escapes me before I ask, “What are you doing here?”
“Well, I had to bring some paperwork for you to sign along with the spare key for the apartment. Your message mentioned dinner with your friend, and I figured you could do with a soak in the tub beforehand.”
I’m utterly blown away at the gesture as Rome closes the distance between us. He wraps one arm around me and hands me the glass of wine he’s holding. I look up, taking in the man who hasn’t failed to surprise me yet.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” I say, hoping he knows that I’m happy, but also that I appreciate what he’s doing. “I wasn’t sure you’d want to come with me tonight.”
“Why wouldn’t I?” He seems genuinely confused, and I wonder if I misread everything. The anxious twisting in my stomach from earlier returns, and I lower my gaze to the bathroom floor. I set the glass down, needing to think about my answer. “Hey,” Rome says, his hands holding my face gently as he tips my head back, making me look up at him. “I’m here. I told you, nothing you confess to me is going to make me leave. And to be honest, I figured after you learned about my past, you’d be the one running a mile.”
“Rome, it wasn’t your fault. And I’ve had time to think about it. To consider what we’re doing here. I’ve also come to the realization that you’ve changed, and I can see you’re no longer that person.”
“I have. I’m responsible. At least, as much as I can be. But I’m not someone who goes out partying every day, or every weekend. I much prefer spending time at home, hopefully with you.” His tone holds an honesty that steals my breath.
“So, are we making this official?”
“Do you want to make it official? Because I’ll gladly shout out to the world that you’re mine.” His gaze shines with mischief and happiness, and I can’t help but smile.
“Then I guess we better get washed up and dressed so we can go out on our first official date.” Emotion holds me tight, and Rome’s warm embrace is calming. Even though I’m happy and excited, deep down, I wonder if this is the calm before the storm. I need to call Marco and tell him I’m opening in a couple of weeks. If I don’t, he’ll come here, and I don’t want him near my new life. Even though he’s been lenient, I can’t push him.
“Come on,” Rome says, releasing me from the hug. “In the tub, and I’ll go get dressed in the meantime.”
“Aren’t you joining me?”
“No, because then we’ll be late, and you’ll be in trouble.” Rome offers me a wink, and the corner of his mouth tilts playfully, offering up a grin that makes my stomach flutter.