“Go on in,” Mac says to Roman. “I’ll get the bags and park the car in the garage for you, boss.”
“Thanks. Is Cameron still here?”
“He just left. He said he’ll come back tomorrow to say hi and meet Iris.”
“Perfect. And Leslie?”
“She left, too. But not before stocking the fridge and pantry. She said she made a couple of your favorite meals—high protein,of course—in case you arrived hungry enough to eat a team of horses.”
Roman chuckles. “She knows me well.” He takes my hand. “Leslie is my private chef. Wait till you taste her food. It’s even better than my mother’s cooking, but don’t you dare tell her I said that, or I’ll deny it.”
I didn’t realize Roman has a team of people taking care of him in his real life. In Hawaii, he was humble and capable—always making cocktails and sandwiches for us and then running off to the market when we ran low on supplies. In Orchard Blossom, too, Roman seemed like a totally normal person. I guess it makes sense for Roman to delegate basic stuff in his daily life, though, given the intense demands on his time during the football season. He’s a superstar in his real life, after all. I keep forgetting that.
“It’s too bad you’re seeing the house for the first time at dusk,” Roman says as we approach his front door. “In full sunlight, the ocean views are spectacular.”
Is Romannervous?“I’ll see the views in all their glory tomorrow.”
Roman takes a deep breath before opening his front door and inviting me inside. “Welcome, Iris,” he says, his voice brimming with excitement and nerves. “I hope you love it.”
I walk inside Roman’s new home and gasp. “Wow,” I murmur, looking around. “This is incredible.” The ceilings are high. The furnishings and décor are elegant and sleek, yet warm and homey. The general theme appears to be “Southern California, beachy elegance” mixed with “sports hero.” There’s abstract art on the walls in beach-evoking colors, along with framed jerseys and photos and memorabilia scattered throughout. And of course, given the house’s proximity to the ocean, there are lots of large windows providing panoramic views as far as the eye can see.
“I barely know my way around the place, honestly, so it’ll be the blind leading the blind here—but I’ll try to give you a tour, if you’d like.”
I laugh. “Lead on.”
Roman takes my hand and off we go, exploring all the rooms of the sprawling house: a stunning gourmet kitchen that’s so big, it needstwoislands; a trophy room; an office; a home gym; a home theater; a darling bedroom for Maverick; a game room; several guest rooms; and on and on.
Eventually, we make our way to Roman’s bedroom suite, and it’s so lovely, I feel inspired to twirl across the expansive floor.
Laughing at my exuberance, Roman says, “I’m open to changing anything, if you want.”
I stop twirling to stare at him. Roman’s comment felt like a record scratch to me. He wouldn’t have said it if he’s only intending for me to stay two weeks, right?
“No, everything is absolutely perfect,” I manage, even though my throat feels like it’s closing up.
Roman exhales with relief. “Glad you think so, too.”
I bite my lip. “If I wind up staying with you longer than two weeks, the only thing I’d change is putting a framed photo of my mother somewhere.”
“If?” Roman looks deeply confused. “You’re not already planning to stay here longer than two weeks?”
I fidget while gathering my courage. “You said Maverick will be away for two weeks, so I’ve been assuming ...”
I stop talking when Roman’s expression morphs into one of pure shock.
“As far as I’m concerned, you’re home,” he says. “I only mentioned Maverick being gone for two weeks to emphasize the point that we’d be able to settle into our new life together, at first, without him being here.”
Relief floods me. And then joy. I’ve been feeling ready tothrow my love at Roman with both hands, without an ounce of hesitation. But still, I’m not too far gone to know that’s batshit crazy, given our timeline. I haven’t known him all that long, even though it feels like a lifetime.
Roman steps forward. “You flew here with me, not knowing that I want you here with me for good?”
For good.It’s a shocking phrase. One that’s a synonym forforever,in my book. As in, Roman never wants me to go away. My brain isn’t firing on all pistons right now, though, so I’m not sure if my definition of his word choice matches Roman’s.
“Oh my God, Iris.” Roman wraps me in a bear hug. “You’re home, baby. I never want you to leave.” He kisses the top of my head before leaning back and sliding his fingertip underneath my chin. “I was miserable without you. I felt like I was missing a limb.”
Tears prick my eyes. “I felt the same way. Wherever you are, that’s where I want to be.”
“I feel the same way.”
