“You have to let my ass cheek go first,” I counter.
The warmth from my butt moves, and slowly, I drag my body down his.
He turns away, and I fix my jacket.
“Sorry about that.” I can feel the shame creeping up my neck.
“No shame. Come let them smell you,” Cliff says.
Slowly, I walk to Cliff, and he takes my hand. I tremble as the big wet noses touch my finger.
“They were in the forest at the back,” Cliff states. He signs to the two dogs, and they both run to the back of the house.
Elizabeth claps. “Enough about dogs. It’s getting cold; let’s head inside.”
“Wait for me,” Roman whispers near my ear. He moves to the trunk and takes out our luggage.
Liam lets go of Tessa and runs back to Roman. “Let me help you with that.”
“No, I got it,” Roman mumbles as he lifts the bag up the first stair.
Liam grabs the handle of my luggage. “I can help.”
“I said I got it,” Roman roars. Everyone stops and looks at him.
“Roman, let your brother help,” Elizabeth says it like she was scolding Roman. Reluctantly, he passes Liam his luggage.
We all move across the courtyard to enter the house. The air inside feels expensive. This is not a house scented by cheap aerosols. No, it smells of fresh pine and something floral. The foyer opens up to a glossy brown and cream marble floor. Thesweeping staircase curves perfectly, with green garlands curling around black wrought iron scrollwork.
Of course, the Christmas tree looks like it belongs in Rockefeller Center. What is it, fifteen feet tall? Every inch of this house exudes wealth and restraint. No clutter, no chaos, no life. It was well-curated, but despite all the glam, it felt…cold.
“Let me show you all to your rooms. Take this, Cliff.” Elizabeth passes the flowers to her husband. She smiles and turns to Tessa. “See how lovely it is to get flowers from guests upon arrival?”
Wait a minute. Was that a dig at Tessa? I don’t get to think as Elizabeth, Liam, Roman, and I ascend the stairs.
“Who would think that my boys are both engaged?” Elizabeth voices as we walk down the long hallway.
We stop at the end. “This is Roman’s old room. We are not so conservative that you have to sleep in separate rooms. You’re engaged after all,” Elizabeth says as she opens the door.
“Conservative is such a façade, right, Mom?” Roman murmurs.
When I step into the room, I expect a bed with maybe WWE posters on the wall.
No, when the door opens, there are large windows with valanced dark blue velvet curtains, a huge four-poster bed, and shelves with trophies and medals. The walls were decorated with Roman’s past achievements. On the other side of the room, there is a sectional and a TV and near the window, two chairs are set up for chess. This is not a bedroom; it’s a suite.
“I had Jarvis give the room an extra cleaning,” Elizabeth says like she was waiting for Roman’s approval.
“Thanks, Mom.” Roman drops my luggage. “Thanks,” he says to Liam. His mother stands, twisting her hands nervously, her smile dying. Her eyes are only for Roman.
“I absolutely love the room, Elizabeth,” I say, trying to break the tension in the room.
“Good. Well, I will let you get your rest and get tidied up. Remember, pictures are at 6:00 sharp, then we will have dinner.”
Liam groans. “Do we have to?”
“Yes, the dress code is cottage casual. Now, let’s go. Oh, and your cousins are coming in tonight.” Elizabeth grabs Liam’s arm, and they both leave the room, leaving Roman and me standing in the middle.
He stands with his hands on his hips and his eyes closed.
