Page 24 of Loving Roman
“Uh, yeah. If you think it’ll help Jack.”
I nod. “I think if I can gather enough evidence to report the entire incident to my boss, it’ll result in a more favorable outcome for Jack.”
Roman leans in slowly as his eyes catalog my face, giving me time to pull away, but I don’t want to. He places a kiss on my forehead, whispering against my skin, “Thank you.”
His relieved breath against my skin reminds me of the intimate moments we shared when his breaths fanned my face as he repeatedly thrust into my body. Clenching my thighs together, I try to bring my brain online and shut down the memory.
I’m working, for goodness’ sake!I need to remain professional. I’ve never had this problem before.
His proximity and his familiar fresh citrus scent are not helping my situation. He moves his face down, so he’s nuzzling my ear. “God, I miss you. I want you so badly.”
How did we get to this point so quickly?
This is exactly why I need space away from this man. I lose all rational thought when we’re together. Clearing my throat, I reluctantly step back as I draw in a deep breath, trying to gather my professionalism. “Can I speak with Jack now?” I’m afraid the huskiness in my voice betrays my false front.
With furrowed brows, he nods. Clearing his own throat, he directs me toward the door with an outstretched arm. “Sure. Come in. I’ll tell him you’re here.” We step inside, and it takes a moment for my eyes to adjust to the difference in light. “You can wait in here.” He gestures to the living room. “I’ll send him in. I’m assuming you’ll want to speak with him alone?”
“Actually, if you don’t mind, I’d rather you sit in on the conversation.” He nods and then heads toward the kitchen as I make my way into the living room. I sit on the single sofa and pull out my tablet ready to take notes.
Jack wanders in sheepishly, closely followed by Roman. “Hey, Jack.”
“Hi, Alice.” He swallows. “Am I in trouble?”
“Not at all. I just wanted to check in with you, if that’s okay?” I keep my tone light and friendly. No point in coming in with guns blazing. Especially when he was trying to protect the honor of the girls in his group home.
Roman takes a seat on the long couch, patting the cushion next to him. “Sit down, Jack. Alice needs to chat with you about what happened at school. You’re not in any more trouble. Okay?” Jack sits close to Roman, and their comfort with each other is obvious in their small gestures of support.
Jack nods and then looks toward me. “Roman filled me in on what happened, but I’d like to hear about it from you. Can you start from the beginning for me, please?”
He nods and starts to tell me everything from the beginning, with Roman’s encouragement. I can’t help but feel proud of him for dealing with the situation; however, physical violence can’t be condoned from a professional standpoint.Personally, I want to high-five the kid and celebrate his strong moral code.
I record everything in my notes and then speak with Evelyn and Ivy to get their take. Jack is clearly their hero for defending their honor in this scenario, and I agree with them one hundred percent—internally. I need to be careful not to outwardly show it, though.
The way Roman shows his caring soul as he supports each of the kids as they share their stories fills my heart with warmth. I could tell he was a good soul when we met. It’s why I felt safe enough to let go and live in the moment with him.
Roman walks me out. “So, what happens now?” He runs his hands through his hair again. Inwardly, I’m starting to recognize his nervous habits. He loves these kids, and he’s obviously concerned about Jack.
“Well, tomorrow, I’ll meet with the school. Then I’ll put my report together for my boss.” He opens his mouth as if to speak, but I cut him off. “And no, I won’t be able to tell you what the school says about the situation.”
He huffs out a frustrated breath and jams his hands into his hips, dropping his head to look at the wooden boards beneath his feet. “I know you can’t. Can you at least tell me how you think this will affect Jack in the long term?”
“Look, this will have to be noted on his record.” He tries to interrupt me, so I hold up my hand to stop him. “But, after gathering the information from Jack, Ivy, and Evelyn today, I don’t foresee anything drastic coming from this.” I rest my hand on his arm. “I don’t think you need to worry.”
Roman steps in closer to me as a fancy sports car pulls up in front of us. He stops, retreating from me, causing my hand to drop. A striking woman with the most gorgeous red hair I’ve ever seen climbs out of the passenger side, and an equally stunning man exits from the other side. Roman smiles at them andmakes his way forward, leaving me standing in place on the front porch.
With arms open wide, he engulfs the woman in a bear hug. “Kate. Oliver. Who told you?” They separate, and he steps forward to shake the man’s hand. This must be the billionaire Oliver Stone, and Kate, the volunteer Gloria told me about.
“It doesn’t matter who told me. It matters that you didn’t.” Kate swipes at Roman playfully.
“I didn’t want to worry you. The kids are okay, and apart from the suspension, Jack shouldn’t get in too much trouble.” He looks back toward me over his shoulder with raised eyebrows, as though he’s asking, ‘Right?’.
Kate and Oliver notice me on the porch. “Oh, hi. Sorry, I didn’t see you there. I’m Kate, and this is my husband, Oliver. We volunteer here every Saturday.”
I take the three steps down to greet the couple. “Hi, I’m Alice.” As soon as I say my name, Kate’s eyes snap toward Roman. “The new social worker.”
“Jack isn’t going to get into trouble with the department, is he? He was only protecting the girls he thinks of as his sisters.” The creases between her eyes, and the tension around her mouth portray her concern for Jack.
Oliver steps in, wrapping a protective arm around his wife’s shoulder, and tugs her close to his body. “Sunshine, take a breath. I’m sure everything’ll be okay.” He looks toward me, his features drawn tight. “Right, Alice?” His tone switches from gentle and coaxing to one that is rather intimidating.
