Page 70 of DadBod

“I don’t know. She hates me enough as it is. I’d rather try to figure it out on my own. For now, anyway.”

Rome’s eyes are looking into mine. I’m surprised they don’t appear angry. Instead, they soften. They’re kind––something I haven’t seen a lot of in the time I’ve known the man. “You’re doing a wonderful job here, Elizabeth. Thank you for helping me.”

Okay. Why am I suspicious of his words? I shouldn’t be.

“Thanks.” I make my way to the kitchen in search of my purse. “I’m heading out.”

“No movie?” Glancing back, I shake my head. “I need to get home to study for that stupid driving exam.” That I’m going to fail because I’m a terrible test-taker.

“I could help.”

Wait one gosh-darn second. “You want to help me study?”

“Sure. I’m the one who asked you to do this. I should help you study.”

“That’s true.” I give this some more thought. “Okay. Yeah. You can quiz me.”

“Great.”

* * *

How the heckdid I end up falling asleep on Rome again? One minute he’s asking me about U-turns, the next thing I know, I’m drooling all over the man’s white dress shirt. Again. I feel something heavy on my leg. Reaching down, I touch a head. A small one with soft, dark hair. “Calvin?” My voice sounds dry, husky.

“Shh,” my boss says as he taps my shoulder. He’s got his arm behind me, resting on the sofa back. I hate to admit it. I like it. “Don’t wake him up.”

“How am I going to get up without waking him?” I’m sandwiched between two James men. Glancing down at Cal then up at Rome, I’ve got an idea. “You move first, and I’ll slide out from beneath Calvin.”

“Can we watch the end of the show first?” Rome nods at the screen.

“You let Cal watch Bridgerton?” I haven’t seen it, but I want too. “It’s”—I whisper the last part—“not child appropriate.” What I’m trying to say but didn’t want to say is––I heard it was dirty. In a good way.

“You wanted to watch it. I turned it on after he fell asleep.”

“Right.” I remember that now. Maybe it’s because I’m not quite awake or because I’m an idiot and notorious for ruining a perfectly good moment, I say, “Um. Don’t you think it’s a bit weird?”

“This show?” Rome looks at the television, then back at me. “It’s not my cup of tea, but if you like it.”

“No.” Shaking my head a little. “Me and you.” Shit. Should I say it? “On the sofa together.”

I’m not sure what I expect him to do or say next, but I didn’t expect this. “I don’t mind it, but if you feel uncomfortable.” He pulls his arm from behind me, and I’m sad at the loss of it.

“No,” I say quickly. Too quickly. “I don’t mind it. I just don’t want you to think––”

“What don’t you want me to think?”

Shit. Shit-shit-shit. What do I say next? “I’m sorry I keep falling asleep on you.” No, I’m not truly sorry. He smells delicious. “I drooled on you.”

Rome reaches down, pulling his shirt out enough to see the wet spot. “You did drool on me.” His smirk me gives me chills. Geez, that man is s-e-x-y.

“Sorry.”

He chuckles. “To be quite honest, Elizabeth. I enjoy this quiet time with you.”

“And Calvin.” He didn’t mean to say that. I know he didn’t.

“And Cal, of course.”

I guess I’m a glutton for punishment or something, because I keep right on talking about it. “You like watching television with me?”

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