Page 90 of Before I Say I Don't
“Y-You are?”
“Yeah. But only if there’s a reason to stay.” Roman let that hang, not blinking.
Rising from my chair, I stepped between his knees and eased into his lap. His hands slid to my bare thighs like they belonged there.
I bent to his ear and pressed sweet kisses down the slope of his neck, feeling him grow harder beneath me. Then I whispered the words that made his grip tighten.
“Is this a good enough reason?”
“More than enough. But you know me… I don’t domaybe; I domine.”
“I know, Roman. Just let me get through this week. After that…”
“After that,” he interjected, thumb stroking my spine, “you’ll be all mine. No negotiating, no takebacks. I’m taking that offer… if there is one available. And… I’m taking you to breakfast where someone else washes the dishes.”
I chuckled, easing back just enough to meet his eyes. “I’ll give you a better deal. I’ll cookandwash the dishes.”
He smirked, shaking his head. “Nah, you can cook; I’ll do the dishes. Teamwork, baby.”
I raised a brow. “So I guess I have to do the dishes today, huh?”
“Hell yeah!” he fired back, making both of us laugh. Then he softened. “Nah. I got the dishes, baby. I know you gotta get home.”
On cue, his phone buzzed on the counter and mine rang in the bedroom—but neither of us moved.
I sighed, brushing my forehead against his. “Unfortunately, yes.”
He kissed my hairline and said, “When you’re ready, text me the schedule for this week. I’ll be wherever you need me—front row, back door, or across the street with my lawyer face on. Just say the word.”
I slid off his lap, feet meeting the floor again, and swiped a strip of turkey bacon off his plate. I stole a quick kiss, then returned to my seat like nothing had shifted—although everything had.
After breakfast, I went back to the room and opened my phone. Jayla’s message still sat there, dripping with hearts and fake bestie energy. I swiped it away like lint. Viangelo’s “good morning” was waiting too—that got the same treatment.
For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel like answering anybody but me.
Chapter Twenty-Two
KAMIRA
It was the evening before the wedding, and the entire bridal party was gathered at the venue for rehearsal.
I couldn’t stop stealing glances at Roman. The worst part? He wasn’t even attempting to hide that he couldn’t stop looking at me either. Each time our eyes met, the corners of his mouth would lift in a smile that ignited an electric connection between us. It was a quiet war—stolen looks, half-smiles, and the kind of heat that made my skin hum.
Meanwhile, Danica was in full command mode, exuding an aura of authority. With her hair pulled tightly into a ponytail and a headset secured around her ear, she held a clipboard with a list of instructions that was nearly as detailed as a military operation.
“Alright, people!” she called out, her voice carrying across the room as she took center stage and snapped her fingers at a groomsman who was distractedly texting. “Eyes up! Phones down! Posture straight!” she clapped firmly. “We’re running this rehearsal clean and quick! If you can’t walk in a straight line, I’ll replace you with a floral arrangement!”
A few chuckles echoed through the group, but there were also nervous gulps as her commanding presence settled over everyone.
With a pointed pen in hand, she gestured authoritatively like a conductor leading an orchestra.
“Order of procession—listen carefully so I don’t have to repeat myself like a bad chorus,” she said, flipping her clipboard to the next page. “Groomsmen, you will enter from stage right to the instrumental of Luther Vandross’sHere and Now.” She lifted an eyebrow for emphasis. “Yes, instrumental. No one needs to be mouthing the words like it’s karaoke night. When the beat drops, you move—got it?”
Danica turned the page and continued.
“Grandparents will be escorted by ushers, then Dian, since you’re the only living parent of both parties, will follow to a string cover ofI Found Loveby Bebe and CeCe Winans. The groom will stand with the officiant at the altar. And Angelo—” she declared without even glancing in his direction, “no hands in pockets!” Her tone left no room for argument. “Bridesmaids, you’ll float to Marc Nelson and Beyoncé’sAfter All Is Said and Done—that means slow, deliberate, shoulders back, like y’all actually practiced! No gum! Spit it out now if you need to! If I hear one pop, I’m collecting a fine!”
Serena discreetly tossed her gum in a napkin.
