Page 33 of Stay With Me

Roman seems so sure of us being a thing now. But the moment Tasha tells him no, he’s going to break my heart.

Who was I fooling? Thinking I could actually be with Roman. He’s rich, older, and my best friend’s dad.

I shouldn’t have agreed to this week. I should have turned away and gone home when I saw who was behind that hotel door.

Yet, even though I know I’m going to be hurt over this for a while, I don’t regret it. I can’t bring myself to. The past few days with Roman have been amazing. No, better than; they were everything.

He makes me feel sexy, cherished, and wanted. I’ll never forget the feeling of being able to bring a man like him to his knees, just for me, while having him look at me like I was the most precious thing in the world.

What do I do now? I should tell him what Tasha said. But if he knows what she thinks of us being together, he would end things right on the spot.

I’m not worth putting things at risk between him and his daughter. I’d never be able to live with myself or look him in the eye, knowing I caused so much hurt.

The car pulls up to our apartment, and Roman gets out, holding the door open for me. I get out, not making eye contact and let him grab Tasha.

“Come on, sweetheart.” He wraps his arm around her waist, holding her up.

“I was sleeping,” she mumbles.

“I know,” he chuckles. “You can sleep once we get you into your bed.”

Rushing ahead, I open the door for them, then head for the elevator to do the same. We stand there in awkward silence. I can feel Roman’s eyes on me, but we say nothing, not wanting to risk Tasha overhearing.

Why do I feel like crying? I haven’t lost him. At least not yet. And maybe I won’t.

It feels like a lifetime before the elevator dings. I rush out and head towards our door, digging the key out of my purse. With fumbling hands, I will my heart to relax and my hands to stop shaking as I stick the key into the lock.

“Thanks,” he tells me as he steps inside with her.

“Get her to the bed, and I can handle the rest.” He gives me a look like he wants to say more but nods.

He’s been here before, so he knows which room is hers.

Letting out a heavy sigh, I put my things on the counter and wait until he comes back out. “She’s sleeping, snoring away,” he chuckles. I give him a forced smile that he sees right through. “Are you alright?”

“Yes. I’m fine. Just tired.” He steps closer to me, wrapping me in his arms. I don’t have the heart to step away, to tell him no, because god, I love his touch.

“Thanks for coming tonight.” He chuckles at the double entendre. “And for helping me get her home safely.” He pulls back enough to brush some of my hair behind my ear, looking me in the eyes. “Come back to my hotel with me?”

I want to say yes, to go back there and have an amazing night of pleasure with the man I adore.

“I really should stay here with her. She’s pretty drunk.”

“She’s sleeping. She will be fine,” he murmurs, leaning forward to kiss my jaw. My body reacts, and I can’t help but melt into his touch. “Come back with me. Let me show this body who it belongs to.”

God, I want to. I really, really want to. “I want to. I do. But I really think I should stay here with her.”

He lets out a groan. “You’re such a good friend,” he concedes. Really? Because I feel like the worst friend in the world. “Alright, but I’ll see you tomorrow night, right?” he asks, brows furrowing. “We have a lot to talk about.”

“Of course.” I give him a smile, and it kills me to be letting him go.

“Sleep tight, Princess. I’ll miss you.” He grips my chin and leans down, kissing me deeply. I’m a sucker for his touch, so I part my lips and let him in, eyes fluttering closed.

My whole body hums at his touch. It’s over too soon, and when he steps back, I find myself wanting to pull him back in.

“Goodnight, Ava.”

“Night,” I whisper as I watch him walk out the door. Why does it feel like that was a goodbye, like this will be the last time I see him?