Page 27 of Roses are Royal

She’s not going to make this easy on me.

“For kissing you and then yelling at you. It was unprofessional, and I crossed a line. It was a mistake.” I’m not sorry for kissing her, just yelling at her after. It was the best kiss of my entire existence, and I want nothing more than to do it again and as often as possible. But the lines of this job have already been blurred, and I can’t afford to get in any deeper with this amazing, brilliant woman, so I will just have to add to the pile of lies I’m telling her.

“Oh. Okay.” I can see her biting her lip again on the video feed like that wasn’t what she was expecting me to say, or maybe that she is disappointed I said it.

“Does that mean you accept my apology, Rose?”

“Yes, of course. This relationship needs to remain professional, and what happened can’t happen again. I appreciate the call, Dante, but this really could’ve waited until the morning. Like I said before, I need to get on the road, so if there isn’t anything else, I’d better go.”

“Don’t.”

“Don’t what?”

“Don’t drive back to the city. I would feel responsible if something happened to you.”

“Well, I didn’t book a room in town, so I don’t have any other options.”

“Stay with me. The guest room is still set up for you.”

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea, Dante.”

“Please.” I don’t know if I’ve ever said please in my life, but at this point, I’m not opposed to getting on my knees and begging this woman to stay. I feel a tether to her, and the farther away she is, the tighter I feel the pull toward her, like a rubber band stretched too far that might snap and break at any moment.

“Please, huh?” Now I can hear the humor in her voice and see the smirk taking over her face. She’s enjoying this, and I can tell. I’m not above letting her feel like she has the upper hand here, especially if it means she stays in my house, near me.

“Well, is that a yes?”

“Hmm, under one condition.”

“You and your conditions. Name it.” I would do anything for her at this point. Literally anything. Shit, that's a scary thought.

“You let me pay for staying. Call it rent or something.”

“Out of the question, Rose.”

“Then the answer is no.” God, this woman is determined to push every one of my buttons.

“Counteroffer.” Think, Dante.

“I’m listening.” I can tell from her tone she is enjoying this back-and-forth. My girl loves to negotiate. My girl? My girl. That’s what she is, isn’t it? I’ll have to unpack that epiphany after I get her safely under my roof, but I need to focus right now.

“You can make dinner tomorrow night.”

“Ha! I don’t think that is the benefit you think it is. I would likely end up poisoning you by mistake. I do not cook.”

“Just stay tonight, and we can figure out some other trade in the morning. Please, Rose.” There’s that please word again. This woman has really messed with my head, but I don’t think I’d have it any other way.

“Fine. But only because it’s late and I’m exhausted. We will be discussing the terms of this agreement in the morning, though.”

“Whatever you say. When will you get here? I can make sure I’m up to let you in.” Let’s see how she handles that question since I know she is right outside the gates.

“Oh, um, I’m actually pretty close. I’ve been driving since we were talking, so I should get there in a few minutes. No need to stay up, though. I can just use my key I had made for deliveries and let myself in.”

Watching her in the surveillance video and hearing her lie makes me smile as I watch her fidget. Fine, Rose. I will play along.

“Okay, then I guess I will see you in the morning.”

“Yes, that sounds good.”