Page 118 of Tempting Promises
He glances down at the phone. “It’s not Faye.”
“Who is it?” I ask.
“Nope. It’s my turn to ask the questions. What’s your favorite color?”
“Hmm, you know, my favorite color has changed so many times. I loved pink when I was younger, then blue when I got into my teen years. Then I had a crazy teal phase. Now, I’m more of a sage girl. It’s neutral but still has color, and it reminds me of being warm.”
He shakes his head. “If you say so.”
“I do. Next one, favorite food?”
“Can I say you?” Rowan asks.
“I mean, it’s not a bad answer.”
He wiggles his brows. “You and then tacos.”
“Who doesn’t love tacos? They’re the best.”
“Agree, so they’re yours?” Rowan asks.
“No, I love dessert. My favorite foods are sweets. I love cake, brownies, pies, cannoli, ice cream, you name it...I love it. For my wedding, I didn’t dream about the food or the parties or even the guy,” I admit. “I dreamed of the cake. I know exactly what I want, how it’ll look, the flavors, the icing, it’s going to be perfect.”
He stares at me like I have two heads. “The cake?”
“I like cake.”
“You should like the groom,” he says with a brow raised.
“I’m sure I will, just not as much as the cake.”
Rowan laughs. “All right then.”
I refill my wine glass and then move so I’m next to him, my head resting on his shoulder. This day has been perfect. He made it perfect, and I’ll never forget this. If I thought I might have been falling for him before, this solidified it. I’m head over heels in love with Rowan Whitlock.
Loving him will cost me some things, but not loving him would’ve cost me everything.
So, once we tell my sister and his family, I’m going to tell him how I feel and figure out a plan moving forward.
I hear a rattling noise, but before I can say or do anything, the door opens.
“Charlotte! Happy . . .” The voice trails off as Rowan and I come face to face with my sister. “What the fuck?”
I jump up quickly, realizing that was probably a bad idea since I don’t have pants or underwear on. I grab the blanket, pulling it up. “Aurora.”
“You’re fucking him? You’re kidding me, right? Please tell me this is a joke. You’re sleeping with my loser ex-boyfriend?”
Rowan stands, his impressive height and size causing Aurora to step back a little. “First, I was never your boyfriend. Second, do notcome in here after being out of your sister’s life for two years, show up on her birthday, and yell at her.”
I put my hand on his arm. “Rowan . . .”
He turns to me. “No, not today. I will not let anyone ruin this day for you.”
The tightness in my chest eases just a little.
Aurora laughs. “Get out of my house.”
No. He’s not leaving. Absolutely not. I step toward my sister. “It’s not your house anymore. It’s mine, and he’s not leaving.”
