“You okay?” I don’t touch him because he looks like he needs a minute.
“Yes, just being here. I get…” He breaks off as he searches for the word.
“Anxious?” I add, walking to his side.
He doesn’t reply. He clenches his jaw, looks around, and his shoulders drop.
“The bathroom is through there.” He points to the door on the far right of the room. “Everything you need is most likely in there, knowing my mom.”
I smile. “Okay.”
Roman bends to unzip his luggage and begins digging. I take the chance to look around his room. My eyes drift to Roman’s trophies. Some were for track and field. The others were for various sports.
I chuckle when I see a small Roman, gangly and thin with a cowlick, holding up a trophy. The small plaque under it reads “Spelling Bee. Roman, age 10.”
“Wow, Roman, smart and athletic. Who would have thought?”
My view lands on a picture of five people around age 16 and under. I can see handsome teenage Roman, a smiling Liam, and Tessa, looking up at Roman with love. I feel a twinge of jealousy.
“Here, I forgot to give you this.”
I turn just in time to see Roman standing with a diamond ring between his fingers.
“My God. That’s huge.” I take the ring.
“It’s a pear diamond ring, platinum,” he replies, watching me as I look at the ring.
“I love the halo of the smaller diamonds. I love it; thank you.”
Roman frowns. “What’s there to love? This is not a real engagement.”
I smile. “You’re right.” I slide the ring down my finger. “I always imagined a beach with candles for my proposal. A girl can dream.”
He turns again, taking off his jacket and throwing it on the chair.
“Hey, should we practice hugging or kissing? Just in case?” I ask. I don’t know why the hell I ask, but I do.
“There is no reason for that. I already planted the seed that we are not a touchy couple.” Roman walks to the window and looks out.
“I have a question, Roman.” I feel a need to know.
“What?”
“What is your goal for the end of this trip?”
He pauses and frowns. “I don’t get what you mean.”
I shake my head in disbelief. “What do you want to accomplish at the end of this trip?”
“Mind your business. Get ready…maybe rest, I don’t know.”
He turns and walks out of the bedroom, leaving me all alone.
ROMAN
No fucking touching; that’s what I told her. It’s in the fucking rule book. Now look at me, walking through my parent’s home with a hard-on. I pause at the top of the stairs. Honestly, I don’tknow who I am angry at. Her for jumping on me or myself for holding her close, enjoying her soft body pressed against mine.
Every part of her felt soft especially her ass cheek that I held on to firmly. I wanted to squeeze her hard, bury my face in her neck. Fuck, she is turning me inside out, and it’s only day one.
