Page 30 of Roses are Royal

“Whatever, Lucy. Show me the updated wood finishes so I can get back to my paint contemplation.” I use his old nickname in a joking manner, but when he doesn’t immediately respond, I wonder if I’ve crossed some weird imaginary line between us. After all, that was literally the last word I said to Luc before he disappeared from my life. Turning to face him, I didn’t expect to see such a goofy grin on his face.

“What is wrong with your face? Maybe you have been huffing too many fumes from the wood stains.”

“Sorry,” he responds, but I can tell he isn’t sorry because the smile on his face only grows even though he tries to hide it with his large palm over his mouth. “I just haven’t been called ‘Lucy’ since high school. It’s just nostalgic and brought up some old memories.”

Is he thinking about the last time we saw each other too? Ugh, this is not what I want to discuss right now. I need to change the subject now.

“Forget I said it. I don’t know why I called you that. Let’s just go look at the work you finished so you can head out for the day. It’s getting late.” I know exactly why I called him that, but I’m not about to admit it to him. And it actually is getting late if the color of the sky is any indication. It’s turned dark gray like a storm is approaching as the sun sets.

“Sure, Rosey, whatever you say.” Luc’s eyes are glittering with myrrh.

He knows I like to pretend I hate that name, but I refuse to react and give him any more ammunition. Instead of giving him a verbal response, I hold my head high and march from the room to review the work he needs my sign-off on. Without looking back, I can tell he followed me by the tingle starting in my lower spine and moving its way up my back to the base of my neck, causing goose bumps to break out across my exposed skin. I hate that my body still has that reaction to his presence when my mind is warring with his nearness. Luckily, I have work to keep me focused until he leaves.

33

LUCA

Lucy. That nickname from Ro’s lips could bring me to my knees. I don’t even know if she realizes the power she had over me all those years ago and apparently still does. With a single word from her, I would follow her into a burning building if it meant I could be in her presence.

I can tell she’s fighting what she feels between us, and I am okay with that for now, but I am not opposed to giving her a little push in the right direction. I miss her and being around her, and not being able to talk to her or touch her like I used to is slowly killing me. Not to mention, witnessing the looks between her and Dante makes my blood absolutely boil.

I can tell he is interested in her by the way he watches her when she isn’t looking. I just need to ensure I keep a closer eye on things so it doesn’t go any further than looking. Plus, I need Ro back in my life for good. Nothing will get in my way of telling Ro how I really feel about her this time. But I understand the damage I’ve done, and I’ll need to start by rebuilding our friendship first. And if I know Ro, the way to her heart is food and caffeine.

“Hey, so, I was going to grab some dinner at the diner in town now that I’m finished up for the day. Did you have plans for the evening or would you like to join me?” That was good, Luc—a very casual and friendly invitation.

“Oh, um, I’m not sure. Dante and I had discussed dinner, but I haven’t seen him since this morning to confirm plans.”

Stay calm, Luc, stay calm. Dinner? They are having dinner together now? And what were they doing this morning? Did I miss something? I will need to fill in the gaps on what is happening between the two of them, but that will have to wait. Right now, I need to focus on acting like that information doesn’t bother me.

“He told me he had some business in the city he was handling today.” Did he tell me that? No, but it’s not a complete fabrication. I know Dante is in the city because that is where the tracker I placed on his vehicle is currently located. I made sure to check his location before coming to see Ro, knowing she would be alone in the house.

“Oh, he didn’t mention anything to me.” Does she sound disappointed?

“So, dinner then?” I don’t want to waste any more time discussing Dante. And if the audible rumble from Ro’s stomach is any indication, I know she’s hungry.

“I guess I am pretty hungry. I didn’t have lunch now that I think about it. I guess I was, um, captivated by that paint longer than I thought.” She responds with a slight blush on her face. Was she really thinking about the paint or something else?

“Grab your coat. I can drive us.”

“Oh, that’s okay. I can drive myself.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Ro. It’s not that far. I’ll drop you off back here afterward so you can grab your car.”

“Fine but only because I’m starving and need caffeine to function properly.”

“I’ll meet you outside.” I can’t contain my grin with her acquiescence and the fact that this is the first time she hasn’t corrected me to call her Rose instead of Ro. This day keeps getting better.

34

ROSE

Dante went into the city today? Why didn’t he say anything to me? And when would he and Luca have spoken if he’s been gone all day? Maybe he forgot about my offer for dinner? Maybe he has a girlfriend in the city? Ugh, cringe! Did I kiss a taken man? No, he kissed me, remember, brain? I definitely need some caffeine before I can process all of this information.

I also need to process the memory of Luc and me from graduation, but that will have to wait until I’m home. Home? This isn’t home, Ro. Maybe staying with Dante is a bad idea. I can’t start referring to his house as home even though I am starting to feel like it is when Dante is around. Focus! Dinner with Luc. Dinner with my first and only love, Luc. Dinner with the first and only person to rip my heart out and stomp on it. Dinner with my now colleague, Luca. Great idea, Ro, I’m sure this will end well. But I am hungry, and it would be nice not to have to eat alone tonight. Grabbing my matching suit jacket and purse, I head out the door, locking it behind me, and hop into Luc’s work truck.

“Ready, Ro?” Luc asks as I pull myself up into the passenger seat. I can practically taste his cloves and sandalwood smell. It is amplified in such proximity and overwhelming my senses.

“Yes, let’s go.” My response is clipped as I try to camouflage my inhale, soaking up the comforting scent that is all things Luc.