I blink at Roman, wondering how it’s fair that not only he is attractive and alluring, speaks like the devil himself is whispering in his ear, but he can also speak a different language fluently, and a sexy one at that. I speak German fluently. Which is impressive, but hardly sexy.
Drew comes looming behind Aunt Constance, reminding us that it’s time to go.
“Constance, if Lavinia is Angel Pie, what does that make Drew?” Roman asks.
I’m already giggling as Drew says, “We don’t have time for this.”
Aunt Constance says, “Drew is Pudding Pie.”
Drew slams his eyes shut, so he misses the wide grin spreading across Roman’s face. My brother shakes his head, leading Aunt Constance away before she reveals more embarrassing nicknames. I finish the rest of my drink in one gulp and stand up. Because Roman is standing so close to me, our bodies are flush together and I place a hand on his chest to steady myself. The drink seems to be going to my head.
“Be good,” I whisper.
“I’m always good,” Roman whispers back. I raise an eyebrow, and he laughs lightly. “Fine, I’ll try, but it’s not going to be easy.”
“I’m sure you’ll manage.” I kiss the corner of his mouth and pull away. His eyes drop to my mouth momentarily before flicking back to mine. There are emotions in his eyes I refuse to acknowledge.
“Good night, Roman.”
“Good night, Blossom.”
THIRTEEN
ROMAN
Blossom
Have I thanked you for the other night?
Roman
You have, and you didn’t have to. I’d pretend to be your boyfriend any time.
Blossom
Hopefully, I never have to see Josh’s face again, so you won’t have to pretend to be my boyfriend.
Roman
There are better ways to ask me to be your real boyfriend, but I accept.
Blossom
Hahah. I’m not going to be your girlfriend before we even go on a date. What if I don’t like you?
Roman
Is that why you were eye fucking me?
Blossom
I have no memory of doing that.
I grin down at my phone. Texting Vin wasn’t part of the plan when I got on the Titans jet. Everyone around me is talking to someone and no one is talking to me. I know I chose this, but I can’t help feeling a little left out. I’m blaming Coach Cross and Kita with their mind games about fitting in and being a part of the team.
The guys have thawed towards me a little after our game against the Falcons. It’s almost like I passed a loyalty test I didn’t realize I was taking. What surprises me is that no one has brought up Lavinia and the way these guys gossip, I already know it’s because they’ve been told not to talk about her.
As if I would ever be loyal to a team led by an asshole like Josh Whitmore. How the fuck do you get a woman like Lavinia Callahan to agree to marry you and then you blow it because you think she always needs to win? I can spend my whole life letting her win and I’ll be the happiest man alive.
