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Did I actually hit my head when we hydroplaned on the drive in?

I pinch my arm and immediately wince, rubbing away the sting.

Okay. So I’m not in a coma.

Before I can conduct any further highly scientific experiments on myself, my phone vibrates with a string of texts.

Greer

Are we still on for the pool party this afternoon?

I hope so…because I already told Evie.

We’ll be there around noon. Let me know what I can bring. Can’t wait to relax by the pool with you!

Shit.

I just talked to my sister last night. How the hell did I already forget I invited them over today to celebrate the Fourth?

Probably because Roman gave you a complete factory reset with his tongue last night, my brain helpfully reminds me.

I bury my face in my hands and take a deep breath as I try to think of how I’m supposed to tell Roman I’m throwing a Fourth of July party at his pool this afternoon. Definitely should’ve run that one by him before I opened my big mouth and invited my sister.

But in my defense, I didn’t think he’d be home. The man is a social butterfly. He’s never home on the weekends.

That makes me perk up.

He probably already has plans.

I find Roman working outside in the front yard, attempting to repair a broken light while Matilda sits at his feet, supervising. His ball cap is turned backward as beads of sweat drip down his strong back.

Of course he fixes things around the house. I guess we can also add handyman to his ever-growing list of perfect qualities.

My feet lock in place as I stare at his impressive form, my mouth going dry. Dear God, this man is on another level.

His muscles ripple with each movement, making me completely forget what I came out here for.

Glancing over his shoulder, he gives me a wink, then flexes his bicep as he tightens a screw. I fucking hate how obvious I am, especially when I know every reaction only feeds his already overinflated ego.

“There you are,” he calls over his shoulder as he continues working on the light. “Matilda is helping me catch up on some of these weekend projects. But I should be finished within an hour or so.”

“Right. Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” Feeling embarrassed, I shake my head and turn to leave. I’ll make up the canceled pool party to Evie some other way…

“Wait. Don’t run off.” He hops down from the step ladder and wipes his greasy hands on the towel hanging over his shoulder. “I wasn’t asking you to leave.”

“I just wanted to make sure Matilda wasn’t bothering you,” I say, trying to think of an excuse.

He eyes me suspiciously. “Far from it. She’s been a great helper.” He pats her head affectionately. “She’s made sure no squirrels have come within a hundred feet of me. Haven’t you, girl?”

Her tongue lolls out as he rubs her head, and she looks to me as if saying, " See, he appreciates my security efforts.

I can’t help but smile because after last night’s reminder, I totally get it. I have the sudden urge to roll over and offer him my belly too.

“So what’s on your agenda for the day? Any fun plans?” Roman asks, pulling me back from the embarrassing daydream.

I shake my head, suddenly remembering what I came out here to talk to him about. My gaze drops to my feet as I toe the loose gravel. “Oh, yeah. I wanted to run something by you…”

His brown eyes crinkle ever so slightly, like he finds my awkwardness amusing.