“Roman,” I start, but he shakes his head and changes the subject.
“There’s going to be a company at the bar today to install security cameras.”
“Wait, what?”
“I have paid a company to come and install security.” He repeats.
“I heard you the first time, but why?”
“Because I don’t like that you’re there late with nothing to protect you. Your safety is not a compromise, and after…” He stops himself. “You’ll be provided with all the details and the software once they have the job done.”
“Do I get a say in this?” I quirk a brow.
“Only if your answer is yes.”
“You’re infuriating,” I snap at him.
“Ditto, sweetheart.”
See?Whiplash.
“What do you want from me, Roman?” I sigh.
“Too much,” He answers honestly. “Didn’t think I would, but herewe are.”
“So, if you hit this button here,” The guy who had installed all the cameras says, “It’ll bring up the feeds.” He demonstrates, and several little boxes appear on the tablet screen. “And then you can click on each one to make the feed bigger.”
“Oh, that’s great,” I say. “Thank you.”
“You’ll get a link in the next hour,” He starts to pack away his equipment, “So you can set up a permanent account and have all of this on your own tablet. Make sure the alarm code you set is one you’ll remember. It’s rigged to call the police after three attempts.”
“Got it.”
After seeing him out, I stick around for a bit longer, using the bar as a safe haven, and when I get the email, I set up the account and get it all logged in.
It’s high tech; the entire bar area is covered, the stairwell up to my apartment and the areas outside and in the stockrooms. Other than my studio and the bathrooms, not a single part of this place is missed. They also installed a new alarm system on the doors and windows with a code I need to enter within five minutes of unlocking. It’s new, and while I’m feeling a little salty about Roman just doing this without my permission, I’m quietly grateful. I had compromised on safety, and though this town is safe, not everyone in itis, especially when we get so many out of towners.
It’s a little after six when I finish my shift, leaving the bar in the capable hands of my manager and head back to the ranch, stopping by the pet store on the way through to get more of the high calorie kibble Darcyrecommended for Pumpkin. When I finally make it back, I notice Silas’s truck parked next to Roman’s.
Inside, the sound of childish laughter reaches my ears, and my eyes immediately find Rosie hanging off the back of Remy, who runs around the living room with her swinging behind him. Caleb is laughing from the couch while Silas watches them both like a hawk, his whole body strung tight. I almost feel bad for him.
“Just in time, sweetheart,” Roman’s voice is at my ear, his scent wrapping around me. My stomach tightens.
“For what?”
“Family dinner.” His fingers brush down my arm. “Want to help?”
I meet his eyes and nod a little before I follow him through to the kitchen where he hands me the silverware to lay on the table and he collects the dishes for the center. It smells good, something rich and spicy that has my stomach growling in response.
“Do you always cook?” I ask to fill the silence in the dining room.
“Silas does it sometimes, but for the most part,” He nods.
“It smells good.”
The smile that breaks across his face makes my heart do a flip. It looks so boyish — charming and, fuck if that doesn’t make him ten times more attractive. He has smile lines I want to trace with my finger. I wonder if that’s how he feels about my dimples.
Dropping my eyes, I continue laying the cutlery down at the placemats.
