Wowsers. He was serious.

Salem had already made that rule, but she really hadn’t expected Roman to say the same thing.

They managed to get down the stairs without her slipping over. She really did have better balance than he thought she did.

It was just bad luck that she always seemed to be slipping over something or falling off furniture.

“I’m really not clumsy, you know.”

“I know,” he said as they walked into the kitchen. “But you’re easily distracted, and you don’t take as good care of yourself as I think you should.”

“And I suppose the three of you would do a much better job?” she asked.

He smiled. “Well, if you insist.”

She groaned. “That was terrible.”

But she liked the way he laughed as he led her into the kitchen. After making sure she was safely sitting on the breakfast bar stool, he set about making himself a sandwich. She kept a close eye on what he was doing so she could make it for him in the future.

“You look very intent there, darling girl. What are you thinking about?”

“Just memorizing how to make you a sandwich next time.”

He stood across the island from her with his sandwich. “You don’t have to make me lunch.”

“I know. I wanted to.”

Roman nodded. “Well, that’s sweet. I just don’t want you to think you have to . . . uh, well, for want of a better word, serve us.”

“What if I was a service sub?” she asked.

“Well, that would be different. We read the book about Claire, she was a service sub. Do you think you’re like Claire?”

Umm.

“No, I don’t think service is my love language. Well, not that sort of service.”

“What do you mean?”

“You know . . . there’s other sorts of service. Like if Salem was to order me to . . . you know what? Never mind.” She could feel herself growing red and Roman’s cheeks were tinted red too.

So he got what she was saying.

Sheesh. That was embarrassing. She couldn’t believe she’d been about to talk about blow jobs with Roman.

“Right. Yes. So what were you planning on doing this afternoon?” he asked.

“I thought I might go roller skating.”

“Roller skating? Really?” He looked a bit ill at the idea.

“Is that . . . is there a problem?”

“You just hurt your foot. I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“But my foot was fine on the treadmill so I don’t think it will hurt it.”

“Right. All right, then. You do realize it’s a bit nippy out there today.”