Page 46 of When We Meet Again

CHAPTER 24

ROMAN

This is happening. A kiss in front of my parents. Waverly melts into me, but I gently poke her away. Her eyes open as if she’s just realized what we’ve done. I take notice of her red cheeks and allow myself to glance at my parents. I tug her arm, pulling her behind me. Almost as if I need to protect her.

My dad has his hands on his hips, shaking his head and staring at the cake. I genuinely don’t know if he’s upset about the kiss, or the fact we haven’t cut the cake yet.

“Well, I can’t say I’m surprised this happened, but I didn’t know it was going to be so sudden.” That’s all he says. Dad stops talking, taking a long look at my mother.

My gaze wanders to Lena, who’s standing in between my parents like a scorned child. The disappointment in her eyes is apparent. Her frown is pronounced, as is the unshed tears in her eyes. I want to tell her that I was never dishonest about where we stood. And technically, she wouldn’t be here if I would have just woken up on time this morning, but I want to have this conversation in private. I’m not one to air my laundry in public.

My eyes waver before finding my mom’s. She’s the one person I don’t want to disappoint. And with her favorite expression, “I’m not mad, I’m disappointed” tarnishing my teenyears up until two years ago when I opened my business, it’s a feeling I can’t bear to stand. It’s like opening an old wound just when it’s starting to heal.

Finally, I chance it. Her lips are pulled into her teeth while the sides of her mouth are slanted upward. Her eyes are smiling.

One thing I love about my family is we have private conversations. We don’t have loud confrontations or make scenes. I know that if theydohave something to say, they will, but with class.

She offers me a nod of understanding and breaks the silence. “Who wants cake? If we don’t cut it soon, your dad might throw himself overboard.”

Everyone awkwardly laughs except for me. I dart my eyes back to the woman who is destined to be my forever, and she’s staring up at me. A telling look as her eyes bounce between mine.

She’s ready for more. And hell will have to freeze over for me not to give it to her.

Eventually we all sit down for cake and champagne. My parents ask Waverly about her childhood. I know Patrick never brought her around at the beginning, but it seems they never really got to know her at all. In between her childhood anecdotes, I rest my hand on her thigh. Her eyes widen briefly at the touch, she stutters once or twice and recovers without any true hiccups, aside from her cheeks turning a light shade of pink. It’s refreshing knowing what my touch does to her. I fight the urge to run my hand farther up to feel how turned on she is. My mom is like a super-sleuth. She catches every movement. I guess that’s what you get when your mom is a helicopter parent. I’d have to be happy with a hand on the leg. It’s like a little hit of dopamine to touch her in something other than a platonic way. As she speaks, I randomly move my thumb in circles trying to channel my energy anywhere other than my dick. My thumb touching her so intimately will have to do.

Hours filled with laughs and stolen glances from Waverly tick by and the sun starts to fall. Lena has been long gone to her room, or maybe somewhere else getting some sun. The gentleman in me should probably make sure she’s okay, but I’m not feeling very gentlemanly.

Waverly and I excuse ourselves from the table. Her face has been flushed for the better half of the afternoon as she’s wearing a lightly buzzed smile.

We no sooner get in her room than I lock the door behind me. “Roman.” She giggles as I kiss her neck.

“I couldn’t wait to get you alone.” A moan falls from her lips at my words. I pull her tight against me and her nails run down my back, urging me to continue. But I want more. I want her lips on mine.

Waverly pulls my face to hers as if she was reading my mind. Her lips lock with mine, haphazardly diving into a kiss that’s ruining both of us for anyone else—unlike the kisses last night that were passionate and slow.

“Rome…” she whispers through the dancing of our tongues.

“Mmm?” And she pulls away, leaving me wanting more of her. “What’s going on, Kensi? Talk to me.”

Her fingers find my jaw as she admires my face. I watch her in awe. Her freckles have become more pronounced from the sun, her hair has turned a lighter shade of blonde, and her skin is glowing with a tan. “As much as I want to skin you and wear you as a coat…”

“That’s dark, but hot. Keep going.” My eyes search hers as they narrow from her smile.

“We need to stay respectful. Not just for your parents, but I am also not the type of woman to rub a relationship…or…” She stumbles over her words. Waverly used the word relationship with me. “...I mean, whatever is happening here…” Her hand moves between us. “I don’t want to rub it in Lena’s face.”

Her eyes fall to her feet. “I also don’t want to make it weird for your parents. It’s like I’m over here jumping from one brother to the other—after one tragically passed away.”

“Look at me, Kensi.” And she does. “Trust me, they think no less of you. They’ve seen us joined at the hip. To be honest, I don’t think this came as a shock to either of them.” Confusion washes over her face as her nose scrunches like she smells something. It’s not me. “My dad pulled me away for a talk?—”

“Not a talk!” She rubs her hands down her face, and I can’t help but laugh. Genuine concern is consuming her, so I decide to have some fun.

“Yeah. I was a late bloomer. Better late than never to have a sex talk.” I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from losing my shit. Her face is priceless. Eyes wide and her lips in the shape of an “O.”

“I’m kidding. He was basically predicting this…” I gesture between us.

“Really?”

“Really. But!” I grab her hips and press her against me, craving her touch anywhere I can get it. “I respect your need for a clandestine relationship with me.” I dip my lips to hers and she relaxes against me, kissing me back.

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