A rough sound rumbled out of his chest. “I can’t fucking wait anymore.”
Then he kissed me.
It wasn’t careful this time. It wasn’t tentative.
It was Rome.
Certain and hungry. Like he’d been thinking about this all day, too.
My hands slid up his chest and over hard muscle beneath soft cotton.
His arms tightened around me, pulling me closer until I could feel the steady beat of his heart.
I melted into him because apparently my body had decided Rome was safe. His beard scratched softly against my skin, and his hands stayed at my waist. Respectful and steady, but his grip tightened every time I kissed him back.
Like he was surprised I wanted this too.
I wanted this. God, I really wanted this.
When we finally broke apart, we were both breathing harder.
My cheeks felt warm, and my lips tingled. Rome rested his forehead against mine. Neither of us spoke for a second, then he smiled. And somehow that smile hit me harder than the kiss.
“I’ll pick you up at eight tomorrow night.”
I blinked. The party. Right. I nodded. “Okay.” My voice came out breathless.
Rome chuckled. He pressed one soft kiss to my lips that was as sweet as the ice cream I served.
Then he stepped back, and I immediately missed his warmth, which felt like something I should probably examine later. Much later.
He walked toward the door, unlocked it, then glanced back at me. “Lock it behind me.”
I nodded, still trying to remember my own name.
Rome gave me one last look and then walked out into the night.
I followed him to the door, locked it, and stood there watching.
He crossed Main Street. Unlocked Bad Habit, looked back once, and caught me staring. A smirk crossed his lips and then disappeared inside.
I pressed my forehead against the cool glass and closed my eyes.
Well.
Maybe...
Just maybe... Rome really did want me.
And that thought was equal parts terrifying and wonderful.
Chapter Twelve
Rome
I pulled my bike into Josie’s driveway at seven-fifty and stared at her front porch like an idiot while the engine idled beneath me.
Her house was a small ranch on a quiet street lined with maple trees. Nothing fancy. White siding, black shutters, a flower bed that looked like she tried to keep up with it but mostly lost the battle.
