Page 10 of Teaching Roman

“You know Jillian's going to screw him all over that house now. This week is all about girl power,” I said. “No matter what country you’re in.”

“Oh, I’m getting laid, preferably by someone tall, dark, and handsome, who doesn’t speak a word of English,” she told me.

“Come on, chicks before dicks,” I reminded her.

“Whatever. I saw you with Markson just now. Someone’s hot for teacher.” She batted her lashes at me as we headed toward the taxi stand outside.

“I don't bounce from guy to guy, remember?” It was as much of a reminder to her as myself, because I knew she was right.

Cassie winced, and I instantly wished I could take it back.

“I’m sorry, Cassie. I’m being a jerk,” I said, letting go of my suitcase to give her a quick hug.

She forced a smile and opened her mouth, but instead of speaking she screamed, “Thief!”

I whirled around in time to see a man racing off with my suitcase in his hands.

“Crap!” I darted around, looking for police, or Batman, or something. No one even looked up. Shoving my other bags in Cassie’s arms, I started in the direction the thief had headed just as someone brushed past me running the same way. Roman was chasing the guy. I picked up speed, trying to catch up to him. He was fast, his muscles straining against his T-shirt as he gained velocity. Still by the time I caught up to Roman, the man who stole my luggage was out of sight.

Roman panted as he bent over. “Sorry, Jessica. I saw him too late.”

I tried to shake off his apology while catching my breath. “Not…your…fault. I shouldn’t have let go of my suitcase.”

But even as I said it, my heart dropped into my stomach.

“Did he get anything important?” he asked.

I had my passport and my laptop. The thief hadn’t gotten any of my money, which was in my purse, but I had no clothes, all of my toiletries were gone, and I was in a foreign country. “My underwear and every stitch of clothing I packed. I hope there’s nude beaches.”

A slight smile tugged at Roman’s lips and I realized what I’d said. How could it be so easy to say such humiliating things around him? I was a curious combination of too comfortable and uncomfortable at all times like a faulty shower that was constantly spitting out hot and cold water.

“Did you catch him?” The question died on Cassie’s lips when she caught sight of us panting.

I shook my head. “I hope you packed enough for two.”

“Always,” Cassie said, dropping her arm over my shoulders. “I have a tiny, red bikini that is going to look amazing on you.”

Of course Cassie would try to cheer me up with promises of scanty clothing. I’d packed my own respectable one piece, which was damn sexy if you asked me. Now I would be at the mercy of Cassie’s wardrobe. But when I looked up, I caught Roman staring at me as if he was imagining me in that tiny bikini. Suddenly, I wished I was wearing it.

“We should definitely go to the beach,” he said, a husky note in his words. Then he shook his head as if to clear it of the lusty haze that seemed to engulf us. “Do you want me to wait while you call the police?”

On you? I wanted to ask. Nothing I was thinking was illegal, but it was morally questionable. He was a teacher at my university, after all. He stared at me like he was waiting for an answer. Oh right, I’d been robbed. That’s what he was talking about. Why was it so hard to prioritize with him around? “Will they be able to do anything?”

Roman shook his head. “Probably not.”

“I’ll be fine,” I said, but my throat was thick as I spoke. I’d wanted to get away from my problems and here I was, already in trouble.

“Here.” Roman pulled his wallet out of his back pocket and produced his business card. “I’ll have my cell on me. If you need anything, please call me.”

“I’m guessing you want us to stay out of trouble,” Cassie said as I took it from him.

“I’ve already been robbed. How much more trouble can I get in?” I asked. Cassie winked at me like she had plenty of ideas.

Roman hesitated, something unreadable in his eyes, before he muttered an awkward goodbye and left to join his grandmother. Slipping his card into my back pocket, I took a deep breath and let Cassie lead me away. She threaded her hand through mine as we found our way back up to the taxi stand, and I let my head drop on her shoulder.

“You know,” she said, “there are easier ways to get a guy’s number.”

“Shut up,” I said, even as a giggle betrayed me. There was no way I would be calling unless I was in serious trouble, especially since I was pretty sure getting caught up in Roman would be trouble enough.