Page 28 of Loving Roman
“I could stand here all night kissing you, but you really should head home to the kids.”
I look at my watch over her shoulder. It’s after eleven, and I have an early start to get the kids ready for school. I still have to make their lunches when I get home. “I don’t wanna let you go.” I sound like a kid who doesn’t want to leave the park, but deep down, I never want to let her go again. I want her with me, by my side, day in, day out.
She presses up onto her toes and kisses my mouth tenderly before dropping her hands from my waist and pulling away too soon. I step back from her so she can climb into her car.
“When will I see you again?” I sound desperate because I am. I fear if she has too long to think about this, she’ll close the door on me; on us.
She looks out of her windshield and then back to me, studying my face closely as I rest my arms on the roof and door, leaning forward so I’m almost inside her car. “I’m visiting my son and his wife this weekend. Working out a time is going to be tricky with our schedules.” She fidgets with her shirt buttons. “I’m still finding my feet in this new job. Can I promise to call you late the week after next?”
“Will I hear from you?” I need to know if this is one-sided. Sometimes I feel as though she feels the same. Other times, I feel she’s halfway out the door. I lock eyes with her, waiting for her answer.
“Yes. Yes, you will. I promise.” She places her hand on my thigh. “I really enjoy spending time with you. From what I know of you so far, I know for sure you’re a man I’d like to get to know further.”
I blow out a long breath of relief, anticipating the worst but hoping for the best. My body sags in the doorway, and I crouch lower to be at eye level. Cupping her face in my hands, I pullher forward and seal our mouths. As is the norm for us, we soak up each other in the moment. When we pull away, Alice’s lips are swollen, her eyes twinkling. A small grin touches her lips, and a giggle escapes her. When I evaluate my own emotional state, I find I feel lighter than I have since my vacation.
I feel happier saying goodbye, having faith she’ll contact me.
Arriving home, the kids are in bed and I feel guilty for keeping Kate and Oliver so late when I find Kate asleep in Oliver’s arms on the couch. I genuinely lost track of time, and being so reluctant to let her go, I dawdled when it was time to part ways. I’m tempted to leave them asleep, but they won’t get proper rest on the couch as they are. I gently wake them both, and they open their eyes and stretch.
Kate’s lips spread wide as she wiggles her eyebrows up and down. “So … that’s Alice, huh?” I accidentally let it slip that I’d met someone when she was pestering me for all the details about my week away. She wanted to help me track Alice down. Oliver even offered to hire an investigator, but I refused. There were legitimate reasons we agreed not to share too many personal details, and I wanted to respect that.
I tuck my hands deep into the pockets of my jeans, trying to pull off a casual look. “Yeah.” But I’m certain I’ve got a stupid-ass look on my face.
“She seems really lovely. I’m so excited for you,” Kate says, her denim-colored eyes twinkling beneath the light of the lamp.
“Sunshine, I think you might be getting ahead of yourself.”Oliver tugs his wife in tight, kissing her forehead. “They just shared a meal. He didn’t propose marriage.”
“Yet,” Kate replies cheekily.
“I need to be patient with her. She doesn’t want to do anything that may hinder her career, so she’s a little gun-shy.” Oliver and Kate lock eyes, sharing a secret smile. I look pointedly at Oliver. “Any tips?”
He huffs out a laugh. “Respect her boundaries and go at her pace.” He looks down at Kate with adoration. “Be persistent and show her you say what you mean and mean what you say.”
I nod. All good advice. From the start, Alice and I haven’t played games. We decided that at our age, we were beyond all of that. Even tonight, neither of us minced our words or hid how we were feeling.
“Neither of us wants to play games. She’s visiting her son and his wife this weekend, and she’s still finding her feet with the new job.” I run my hands through my hair. “She promised to contact me late next week. I trust her words, her intentions.”
Kate steps out of Oliver’s hold and embraces me tightly, squealing quietly. “As I said before, I’m so excited for you.”
Oliver shakes my hand. “I’m happy for you, man.”
“I’m feeling pretty great myself, to be honest.” I allow myself to feel excited at the prospect of a relationship with a woman who’s pretty close to my perfect match.
16
–alice–
Unexpected barks soundfrom inside when I knock on the door of Noah and Heather’s new home. Noah didn’t mention they got a dog, but I’m unsurprised—he’ll do anything for Heather. She grew up with pets and made it known that she’d love a puppy of her own.
The front door opens, and Heather scoops up a tiny bundle of dark fur before opening the screen door, beaming from ear to ear. “Hey, Mom. I’m so happy to see you.” She’s always been such a cheerful person. You can’t help but feel joyful in her presence, and she’s been wonderful for Noah, dragging him out of his shell. She’s such a wonderful addition to our little family.
“Hi, lovely.” Heather’s having trouble containing the little bundle in her arms as Noah comes up behind her.
“Moooooom.” Noah drags my name out as he embraces me, rocking me side to side, crushing my face into his chest. I remember when he was a toddler and used to stretch up his arms, expecting me to pick him up for a hug. He pulls me inside, slamming the screen door behind us. Heather releases the puppy and joins in the hug, making asandwich out of me—I can’t help but chuckle. I’m so happy I made the move to be closer to these two—my favorite people in the world. Little claws scratch at our ankles, wanting to join in the love fest.
“Who’s this little character?” I bend to pick up the adorable pug puppy. His cute little black face and tan bottom wriggle like crazy as he tries to lick my cheeks, drawing giggles from me.
Heather scratches behind his ears. “This is Taco.” I chuckle at his name. “He’s ten weeks old. We fell in love with him and had to bring him home. There was no other option.” She looks at me with sparkling eyes and hugs me tight. “Come in. Come in. Noah, go get Mom’s stuff from the car.”
