Page 133 of Lease to Love

His hand went to the back of his neck. “I’m gonna give myself more time to plan the next one though… I had to call in a lot of favors and spend an ungodly amount of money to make this happen with a week’s notice.”

A disbelieving laugh escaped me before I leaned up and kissed him.

He chuckled against my mouth, hands settling at my hips as he held me close.

"Come on, baby." He kissed me once more. "Let's sit."

Dinner was a revelation.

Four courses. Each one somehow better than the last. The wine was rich and smooth and probably cost more than my monthly grocery budget, and I made a mental note not to ask how much the bottle cost because ignorance was sometimes self-care.

For the first time in a week, I relaxed.

Really relaxed.

Roman told me everything about the meeting with Mama E, and when he got to the part about her signing over her remaining properties in Langston Park to Sterling Group, I nearly choked on my wine.

"What the hell did you say to her that made her do that?"

His mouth twitched.

"She made me promise her something."

"Must've been one hell of a promise." My eyebrows climbed toward my hairline. "What was it?"

He looked at me.

Something softened in his eyes, and his lips curved. "She swore me to secrecy."

I stared at him. "Seriously?"

He nodded. "Yup."

I narrowed my eyes. "That's suspicious."

"You wanna know before I make good on it, take it up with Mama E."

I blinked. "Oh, she's Mama E to you now?"

"Yup." He took another sip of wine. "Told me so herself."

I smiled into my glass.

Of course she did.

Later, when dessert arrived, some kind of soufflé that probably had more sugar and chocolate than I usually had in a year. I took one bite and nearly closed my eyes.

"Babe..." I said, pointing my fork at him. "Don't take this any type of way, but this might be better than sex."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, that includes sex with you." I added, because apparently I enjoyed risking my life. "With anyone."

Roman laughed.

"I guess I'm gonna have to put in a little extra work tonight, then." His gaze dropped to my mouth. "Can't have my manhood being usurped by a damn soufflé."

Heat climbed up my neck. "Tonight, huh?"