Page 20 of When a Soul Cries

“I’m Roman,” I said.

“I know. Your card says Devereaux.”

“Most people call me Rome.”

“Do I look like most people?”

My smile widened.

“No. That’s why I’m still standing here.”

Her eyes held mine for a second before dropping to the next item.

“Sol,” she said quietly.

“I saw your name tag.”

“Then why introduce yourself?”

“Because reading your name isn’t the same as you giving it to me.”

She looked up again, studying me as if she were trying to figure out what my angle was.

I didn’t have one.

That was the strange part.

Usually, I knew exactly what I wanted from a woman within seconds. With Sol, I only knew that I wasn’t ready to walk away yet.

“Is Sol short for Soleia?” I asked.

“Depends on who’s asking.”

“Rome.”

“You already told me that.”

“I wanted to hear you say it.”

She shook her head, but another smile tugged at her lips.

“You’re full of yourself.”

“I prefer confident.”

“I’m sure you do.”

The register beeped as she scanned Kai’s cereal.

“You eat Cinnamon Toast Crunch?” she asked.

“My little brother.”

“Sure.”

“I don’t have to lie about cereal.”

“Men lie about less.”