Page 54 of With Wine Comes War

“Then you better dance with me all night.” I bit my bottom lip as I thought about being pressed up against Roman on that crowded hot dance floor and a pool started to form between my legs. His eyes got darker.

He looked at me and said, “You know I can feel you when you look at me like that?”

“I’d like to go see my dad today. I haven’t told him what’s going on yet and I’d rather do it in person.” I changed the subject before things got too heated. I don’t know if I’m ready for that yet.

“Do you want me to go with you?” he asked cautiously.

“I really do. Safety in numbers kind of thing. Can we visit the girls today too? I want to see the kids. I’ve been a bad aunt.” I missed everyone so much in the past month.

“Are we going to have enough time for all that?”

“If we get moving soon we will.”

Back in the room I rifled through my bag taking out some black leggings, a white tee shirt with a thin gray sweater over it and some white tennis shoes. I packed a bag for the gym in case we didn’t have enough time to come back before then. I went back out to the kitchen and called dad to let him know we’d be coming over. Then I called Maggie and Abby on three-way.

“Hey Jerkface, what’s up?” Music to my ears.

Abby said, “Girl, you good?”

“All’s good. I’m just in the mood for a visit. I’m heading to my dad’s in a few, then I wanted to see all of you and the kids.” It seemed like the only time we talked, the shit had hit the fan, so it’s nice to be able to say things are good andmean it.

They both got excited, and Maggie asked, “Are you coming by yourself?”

“No, Roman’s coming. He’s going to be my bodyguard for a couple of weeks so I’m just going to drag his ass around.”

Abby practically swooned when she said, “Yeah well, that’s an ass worth dragging around for sure.” Abby was not shy about how she felt about Roman.Ha.

“So, do we have juicy info for brunch then? Or does he have to come with you?” Maggie inquired.

“He will not be coming to brunch, no way, I’ve got things to talk about.” I poured a cup of coffee and put a bagel in the toaster.

“Oh, hell yeah. I need some serious gossip.” Abby sounded like one of those Housewives of wherever. She loved those shows and loved all the gossip. She used to have watch parties for them when we were in school.

I laughed. “I’ll call you when we leave my dad.” The girls were exactly what I needed right now.

I took a sip of coffee. It was delicious. I grabbed the coffee bag from the pantry and checked the label.Hmm, Colombian dark roast. I heated up the bacon and spread some cream cheese on a bagel. It was just what the doctor ordered. I felt like I was starving. He was so right about the bacon. This grease was the absolute golden ticket for this hangover bullshit.

He came out dressed in jeans and a black tee shirt that hugged him to perfection. He looked so freaking hot and here I was shoveling bacon in my face. He walked over and reached out to wipe a little bit of cream cheese off the corner of my mouth. I almost licked him.

“Good lord, we really need to get out of this house today, quick.” He laughed and kissed me then grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and picked up his keys.

“Ready.” He said as he held the keys up and spun them on his finger.

“Let me clean this up first.” I can’t stand leaving dirty dishes in the sink and food out, so I cleaned up the kitchen and we went to see my dad.

Dad was out in the front yard with Sadie when we pulled in. Sadie came running over and I pet her head and gave dad a hug. I loved this dog so much. She couldn’t play like she used to, so I had to be careful with her.

He shook Roman’s hand. “This is a nice surprise. I was worried about the two of you.”. Roman and I glanced at each other and smiled then followed dad into the house. When we told him what was going on, he was freaked out at first and then he was glad that I was staying with Roman. I knew my dad liked Roman but didn’t realize he was worried about us not being together.Geez, does no one think I can take care of myself?

“Sorry I haven’t been to visit. I’ve been having a hard time with mom’s death.” It was hard to even say the words and being in the house was still an issue for me.

“I know what you mean sweetheart.” Dad seemed to be doing better since mom’s accident too. He said the boys came over and helped him clean up the house.

“I wanted to let you know I’m going back to work. Not working just leaves too much time to think about what I don’t have anymore, and it’s been useless.”

“I think that’s a good idea. Now don’t be a stranger.” I hugged dad and we left for Maggie’s.

As we were pulling into the driveway Abby was walking down the street with Jack and Jax.

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