Page 125 of Dark Romeo

“Yes. Plants, herbs and their medicinal uses. But come, Julianna. You didn’t come here to talk about my hobbies.”

I sighed. “There’s this boy. No, not a boy, far from a boy. He’s most definitely a man Although, he often acts like a boy.” I stopped suddenly, realizing I was rambling.

“You like him.”

“Yes. I mean, no.” I let out a frustrated noise. “I don’t know.”

“And he…likes you?”

“Sometimes I think so. Then other times… He’s hot, then he’s cold. He’s the most confusing, frustrating man I’ve ever met. He’s bossy and stubborn and jealous and he has such a temper on him. Sometimes I wish I could just…” I shook my hands as if I were choking his neck.

“I see,” Father Laurence said quite simply.

Did he? Because I couldn’t.

“Have you told him how you feel?” he asked.

Told Roman how I feel? I almost laughed. Then I felt like crying. I squeezed my eyes shut and shook my head.

“Why not?”

“I… I don’t think I should. I don’t know if it’s right… But I don’t know how to make this feeling stop.”

Father Laurence let out a small hum.

I stayed in the safety of the darkness of my lids until Father Laurence spoke again. “Many years ago, I was in the same position you find yourself in now.” He paused.

I opened my eyes. Father Laurence was staring at the floor, his eyes misty as he weighed his next words.

“Did you tell her?” I asked.

The corners of his mouth turned down. “No.” That single word seemed to contain all the gravity of the world. “I failed to tell the woman I loved that I loved her. I failed to fight for her. Because at the time, I told myself it wasn’t right.”

“Why not?”

“At first, it was because I didn’t want to risk the friendship we had. I was scared. Eventually, it was because she married another man. She died before I could tell her.” Father Laurence raised his eyes to mine. I was startled to see they were wet. “It was and still is the single greatest regret of my life.”

“Father…”

“Life is over much too soon,” he said. “If you love him, Julianna, don’t hold it back.”

* * *

Father Laurence’s words were banging around in my head as I dug around in my bag for my apartment keys. My phone rang. My heart did its usual skip at the thought that it could be Roman.

It was Christian. He’d already called a few times since our date and I hadn’t returned any of his calls. I debated whether to ignore it. Roman’s ignoring you and look how that’s making you feel. I shoved these feelings inward and picked up the call, juggling the phone and my bag. “Hey, Christian.”

“I heard about what happened. I can’t believe someone tried to kidnap you. Thank God you’re okay.”

“How did you…? My father,” I muttered, answering my own question. “Thanks for your concern, Christian. But I’m fine.”

“What are you doing tonight? What if I come over and make you dinner? You shouldn’t be alone.”

I opened my door and froze. I wasn’t alone. Roman was standing in my living room, waiting for me.

JULIANNA

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