I give him a sleepy smile back, unable to fully function yet. Then we are deplaning, and the heat from the Hawaiian island of Waikiki hits me like a sun-filled tsunami.
"Come on. Let's get to the hotel and freshen up," he says, and I agree, following him to the waiting car.
Everything feels surreal and I barely have time to process it. This week will be full of emotions and unforgettable memories.
Chapter Eight
Romeo
Holding Nell's hand, I guide her off the plane. The Hawaiian heat hits us hard; she gasps as it steals her breath. We never get used to it.
“Come on, Asher is waiting for us.”
“You mean your ‘Asher’?” She tugs on my hand, gaining my attention.
I look to her, frowning at the sudden hesitation from her.
“Yes, my brother, Asher. You knew you would be meeting him.”
“I-I know but actually meeting him is a huge deal, Romeo. What if he knows that we are faking it?”
“He does know.” I take both her hands in mine once we reach the bottom of the stairs.
Her eyes go wide with fear, making me laugh. She looks over to Asher, who is leaning against the car.
“You have nothing to fear; Asher knows the deal. He may not like it— he thinks you will fall in love with me and I will hurt you,” he states, so blasé. “He knows what my mother can be like.My mother sent women who are daughters of her friends to my club to try and make me pick one to be my date. Heaven forbid that I arrive solo. I am thirty-eight; I can find my own date.” I chuckle.
Her eyes swing back to me once again; her eyes are wide but with shock this time.
“You are thirty-eight?” I nod. “How?”
“Well, I mean I am sure you know how babies are made and how they are brought into this world,” I joke with her.
Nell slaps her palm against my bicep, and I fake her hurting me.
“Damn, bruiser.”
“I know all that, you dick. I mean that you do not look your age. Hell, you are older than me by twelve years.” I nod to her.
I know how old she is. I had a deep dive on her done when she agreed to be mine for this week. A pang hits me in the chest that I only get one week with her, as per our deal. I can already feel emotions stirring in me, and me, Romeo De Massy, known manwhore and not known for being committed to women, can’t work out my feelings when it comes to a woman like Nell Bana.
“Age is nothing but a number, Nell. Now come on, I want to wash the flight off, and I bet you want to freshen up, too. We have a meal with the family later tonight, and you get to meet my parents.”
We start walking toward Asher, her hand in mine, and fuck, it feels nice.
“Okay. I need to look the part of the glamorous girlfriend, I suppose.” She gasps, making me look down at her.
“What?”
“I did not mean girlfriend; I meant date. Like you could be dating many women, but I am lucky enough to be here.” I give her a look, and she sighs. “I will shut up now.”
“Stop freaking out. You will be fine. Please try and be yourself this week, okay.” I say, giving her a smile.
“Okay. But maybe without my misfortune of the mishaps.” She giggles, and I laugh, kissing the top of her head.
What the fuck? I am kissing her head now?
Asher cocks a brow at me, and I shake my head, telling him not to bring it up now.
