Page 271 of When a Soul Cries

He rested one hand against the doorframe.

“I meant what I said.”

I waited.

“I want you.”

My breath caught despite myself.

“I want to pursue you. I want to see where this goes.” His gaze stayed steady on mine. “I’m giving you space because I respect what you’re trying to build. Not because my feelings changed.”

He paused.

“So don’t confuse me stepping back with me walking away.”

For once, I didn’t have anything smart to say.

Rome’s mouth curved slightly.

“Goodnight, Sol.”

“Goodnight.”

He turned and headed toward his vehicle.

I watched him walk down the path before realizing I was still standing there.

Rome reached his SUV, glanced back, and caught me.

His grin appeared immediately.

“Go in the house.”

I rolled my eyes. “Boy, bye.”

His laugh followed me as I closed the door.

I turned the lock and stood there for a moment.

The townhouse was quiet again.

Upstairs, Halo was asleep.

My kitchen was clean.

There was fifteen thousand dollars sitting in my bank account that I still hadn’t agreed to keep.

My rent and utilities were paid.

A brand-new Mercedes sat outside.

And somehow, in the middle of rebuilding my entire life, Roman Devereaux had quietly become part of it.

I pushed away from the door and walked through the living room, trailing my fingers along the back of the couch.

I loved this place.

I loved what it represented.