Page 65 of By the Letter

I tucked my hair behind my ear even though it was already pinned there, then dropped my hand to my side so I wouldn’t fidget. “As far as I’m aware, my money spends the same as everyone else’s. If there’s a rule against it, I guess I’m breaking it.”

“Yeah.” He pumped his fist. “I’m into your rebellious side.”

“I don’t know about that.”

“I do.” His gaze swept over me, then he reached out to touch the silver barrette keeping my hair away from my face. “I like your hair like that. You look really pretty.”

Despite myself, my cheeks heated. I had taken great care with my hair, which was in smooth waves down my back, and my subtle, glowing makeup. My dress was burnt orange, flowy and feminine, grazing over my newfound curves, leaving only my shoulders and collarbone exposed. I’d felt good about myself when I’d looked in the mirror, but really pretty? I didn’t know about that.

“That’s nice of you to say, Roman.”

“I said it because it’s true.” His lightness evaporated as he frowned. “Do you not like how you look pregnant?”

“Oh, no.” I laid my hand on my bump. “I love this part of me.”

“As you should. The rest of you is just as sweet.”

“Okay.” I forced a smile and shifted the focus to him. In his dove-gray suit and light-blue tie, he looked like he belonged in an ad for the designer. “You look great too.”

“Thanks, Goldie.” He leaned in, dipping down. “Think between the two of us, we’re going to make one cute kid.”

I had no response to that, so I just smiled. “Have you bid on anything yet?”

“Not yet. I just got here. I was hoping I’d receive a personal escort to all the auction items. I hear there’s a motorcycle up for grabs.”

I grabbed his sleeve. “You’re not riding a motorcycle. I need you whole for Beanie.”

“Come on, Goldie.” He slipped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me closer. “You can’t see yourself on the back of my motorcycle?”

My nose scrunched. “Maybe if it wasn’t moving.”

He chuckled. “Isn’t your friend Clara a biker?”

“She is, but I’m no Clara.”

“No.” His expression turned warm, as did his gaze as it bounced over me. “As lovely as she is, I’m glad you’re you. I’m probably too big to ride a motorcycle anyway. And I’ve sustained enough head injuries to last a lifetime. I shouldn’t take any chances.”

My heart leaped into my throat. “Head injuries?” I didn’t like the sound of that.

“Can’t be a rugby player without getting a concussion or two.” He rapped on his skull with his fist. “Lucky for me, I’m pretty hardheaded.”

“You’re in a good mood,” I observed.

“Why wouldn’t I be? I’m here with you, and once this thing’s over, you won’t be so busy all the time. I’ll be able to lure you over for naps on my couch.”

“I can take naps on my own couch.”

“But I have the fuzzy blanket you like.”

“I could get my own,” I pointed out.

Roman stopped and turned to me, putting us almost face to face. “I hope you understand I’m trying to lure you over to spend time with you. Do you get that?”

His bluntness was a hard pill to swallow, making it too difficult to speak. All I could do was nod, and he tucked me into his side again.

“Good. We’re getting to be friends, Shira. I want to continue that so we’re rock solid once our boy’s here. Don’t you?”

Again, I nodded. That made more sense. This was all for the baby. Roman and I should definitely be friends. It would make everything easier in the long run.

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