Page 131 of Rome: The Ballerina

“Is that what this is all about? The unanswered calls. The avoiding me. The–”

“I’m not sure you understand our situation, Aliza. It’s complicated. I don’t want it to be, but nothing is easy when it comes to you.”

“Yet, things are so simple with Rome, huh?”

I nodded. “Actually, they are. But, we’re not here to talk about my relationship with Rome.”

She scoffed, “Your relationship?”

“Aliza,” I ignored her question, “Coming to the game tonight is not happening. I have a guest already. Is there anything else you need?”

“To know why you’re treating me like I’m the bad guy here?”

“There’s no bad guy. There are two adults who are going on about their lives after attempting a relationship that failed after years of being stagnant. No growth. No progression. Just stillness. That’s it. There’s nothing more other than one of us hoping that we can get back to being friends one day. However, that day is not today.”

“Sa–”

“Goodbye, Aliza. Do me a favor and try not to call so many times in a row. One time is enough. I’ll return that call as soon as I’m in the right headspace.”

“Really?”

“Goodbye, Aliza.”

With a sigh, I ended the call. Hadn’t I, the conversation would’ve dragged with more pointless rebuttals, questions, and assumptions. With a damper on my mood, I slid from under the covers and prepared to hit the shower.

The girl ofmydreams was on her way to me and would be here in a few hours. Not even Aliza’s entitlement would make me feel anything but joy about that shit.

With my backagainst the Lincoln truck, I waited on the tarmac for the door of the plane to hit the black strip of carpet awaiting its arrival. Shortly after, a flight attendant emerged. My heart sped up a few notches as I grew anxious.

There were only two hours left before I was to meet the team at the hotel’s entrance so we could travel to the arena as a unit. However, right here, right now felt like the only location of importance to me. The person I was ready to create a unit with was just seconds away from revealing herself. And, still, I was battling with my patience.

But…

She appeared. As her face came into clear view, my worries washed away. I felt the wind touch my tongue. My mouth slackened and I pushed off the SUV. Even in one of my tees andthe same heels that were in the air when I slid into her last, she was stunning. How she’d managed to snip and tie my shirt a hundred different ways to fit her frame was beyond me, but that shit looked good on her. She caught sight of me.

Oh, my heart. I tapped my chest with two fingers.

At that moment, the moment our eyes met, I knew my world was in trouble. Because, instantly, I imagined the lengths I’d go for her. For us. To protect what we were building. They were limitless. I’d bend every rule and break whatever laws necessary to keep that smile on her face. The minute I caused it to fade would be the minute I considered myself a failure. And, I was no failure. Not in life. Not in love, either. Not our love.

I stepped up, taking Rome by the hand and helping her down the stairs. She hit the pavement and wrapped her arms around me. Her body pressed against mine was wavering. I silently thanked the Man above for his grace and looking out for me on this one.

“Baby,” she cooed, “You said to meet you at the address. I was coming.”

She pulled away, attempting to fix my shirt.

“Not quick enough, Mellow. I miss you.”

I pulled her back in, this time lifting her from her feet. Three hundred and sixty degrees, our bodies spun. Soft giggles against my chest made me feel the wealthiest I’d ever felt. The richest I’d ever felt.

I lowered Rome to the ground and took her by the hand. I’d regretted leaving her since I pulled out of my driveway. Having her in my hands again made everything right.

“That shit looks like it was made just for you.”

“You like it? Sorry if it was one of your favorites.”

I shook my head. “It wasn’t. Not until today.”

Rome climbed into the SUV. I nodded toward the empty Yukon, urging August and Koen to hop in it and follow us. Theyfollowed the silent instructions without protest. I met Rome in the middle of the third row seat.

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