Page 134 of Rome: The Ballerina

“It should, because it makes me feel good, too.”

She exhaled.

“In case there are cameras out here, I need you to pull yourself together.”

“Okay, baby.”

She began to lift her body from mine. I wasn’t ready. I urged her to lay back down.

“I took the liberty of hitting the shops to pass time. I had a few pieces sent to the room. I figured you could rock something tonight. If you don’t like any of it, I’ll have August and Koen take you to th–”

“I will make it work, Saint.”

“Alright.”

“Can I get up now?”

“Nah. Just lay right here. I’m not ready to let you go.”

I’m never letting you go.

Rome didn’t protest. She relaxed against me. Right where she belonged.

“VULTURES.”

Everyone’s hand dropped from the circle we’d formed. I tugged just below my waistline. My pants came off with ease. I looped my hand around my shorts, stuffing my shirt inside. The last thing I wanted was for it to get in my way as I handled the ball.

My teammates took their positions as I did the same. The empty seats to the left of me sparked concern. Rome was on the verge of missing the tip off.

I followed the trail leading to the door as everyone prepared for the blowing of the whistle. Just as it sounded, the woman of the hour came into clear view. It was as if she’d heard my thoughts and felt my despair. Her timing was perfect. So was she.

Mellow…

Oh Mellow…

Deep, shallow breathing tried saving my heart. There was no use. She’d stolen the oxygen stored in my lungs. I needed new air. New legs. New arms. New everything. Because, what I had felt useless.

The jeans she wore were cut low, hugging her hips and starting just below her nonexistent waist. A chain trained from her neck down to her stomach, ending nearly where her jeans started.

A denim top clung to her well-oiled skin. There were no sleeves and there was hardly any coverage at all. The cut off shirt left little to the imagination but was the furthest from inappropriate.

Rome was fully clothed and classy. However, the exposed midsection gave her the edge I never knew she needed. Rome was safe. She didn’t take many risks, so to see her rocking the fit I was most skeptical about had me feeling good inside. The switch up was unexpected but it was appreciated.

“Sac!”

Though it was a struggle, I cut my eyes in the opposite direction. The ball came straight toward me. I gripped it firmly and maneuvered to the right.

To the left.

Over.

Back.

Dribble.

Dribble.

Front.

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