Page 2 of Fair Play
“I’m fine.” I smile. “But I appreciate you stepping in. He just wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
“I was trying to mind my own business, but when you tried to impale him with those heels and he still grabbed you, I figured it might be time to say something.”
“I appreciate it.” I glance up at him and despite his friendly demeanor, I see a trace of annoyance in his eyes.
Interesting.
“Have a good night.” He starts to turn away and I gently reach for his arm.
“You want to dance?”
He doesn’t even think about it before shaking his head. “Dancing isn’t really my thing.”
Figures.
“Well, you can’t blame a girl for trying.” I smile. “Thanks again.”
Now he hesitates, like my response wasn’t what he expected.
“What?” I ask, lifting one eyebrow when he doesn’t move. “Didn’t we just agree that no is no? Did you expect me to beg or something?”
“Yeah, we did say that.” He scratches his chin. “And no, I definitely didn’t expect you to beg.”
“It’s okay. I’m probably going home anyway—my friends are…unfriendly.”
This time he’s the one who arches a brow. “Then why are they your friends?”
“Because I needed a cheap place to live and I found them on a message board at school.”
“How old are you?” he asks, his eyes suddenly narrowing like he’s worried.
I chuckle. “Twenty-two. I’m finishing college, and life in L.A. is expensive, so I’m sucking it up with the shitty roommates.”
“I hear that.” The expression on his face tells me his thoughts are far away, and that he’s a man with a lot on his mind.
“You know… I would neverbeg, but I wouldn’t be mad if you changed your mind about a dance. They play a slow one every six songs, and this is number five.”
His gaze shifts to mine and I see the uncertainty there, making me wonder if he’s married or something.
“Unless you’re taken,” I add quickly.
He shakes his head. “No, nothing like that. Totally single. I was just ready to leave. But yes—if the next one is slow, I’ll dance with you.”
I almost laugh because he makes it sound like he’s doing me a huge favor.
And maybe he is.
He’s handsome and isn’t pawing at me, but his presence means other guys will leave me alone.
“What’s your name?” I ask curiously.
“Rome.”
“Rome.” I repeat it slowly. “You look like a Rome.”
“Yeah?” Those blue eyes darken slightly. “What does a Rome look like?”
“Well, in your case, strong and powerful, with a commanding presence, reminding me of the Roman Empire.”
