Page 41 of Roman and the Hopeless Romantic
Brushing a finger across her lips for the millionth time, she could still feel the ghost of his touch.
“I’m sorry I got mad at you,” she said to Cade. “I was just scared.” Scared she’d never be normal, scared her anxiety would keep her from living her life.
Maybe it would. But she didn’t think so. She’d overcome it to repair her relationship with Roman, hadn’t she? And then asked him to kiss her.
Was that dumb?
Probably. Did she care? Yes. She released a sigh. How was she supposed to leave her room and face him now?
Solution! She wouldn’t. It wasn’t the first time she planned to stay in bed with her books all day. The twins could be coerced into bringing her food.
She burrowed further under her covers to avoid the chill in her room. Even when Florida cooled off in the winter, Jesse blasted the air conditioning.
Her stomach growled, but she tried to ignore it.
When it growled again, she reached for her phone and dialed her brother. Jesse picked up on the second ring. “Why are you calling me from inside the house?”
“I’m hungry.”
“And? Your legs aren’t broken. Rome and I are making bacon. Come get some.”
Her breath hitched at the mention of Roman. “I can’t.”
“Lazy bones.”
“Jess, I can’t get out of bed.”
His voice went from teasing to concerned. “Are you sick?”
“Yes. That. I’m sick.”
“Shit, Cass. I’m sorry. I’ll bring you up something to eat.”
“Thanks, bro. You’re the best.”
“I know.” He hung up.
Guilt gnawed at her for lying to her brother, but she needed to get over this awkward desire to kiss Roman again.
Jesse nudged her door open a few minutes later, carrying a bowl on a tray. He set it down on her bed.
“Oatmeal?” She leaned forward to peek into the bowl. “I thought you were making bacon.”
Jesse eyed her. “I didn’t think your stomach could handle the grease if you’re sick.”
He knew. Somehow, her brother could tell she was lying. Annie would be very disappointed at how her patient was failing the honesty assignment.
Jesse pulled the desk chair to the side of the bed and sat, crossing his arms over his chest. “So, what’s… ailing you this morning?”
She coughed. “My throat. My head.”
He nodded. “I should call Mary to come watch the boys so I can take you to the doctor.”
“No!”
Jesse smirked.
Cassie schooled her face. “I just mean… it’s Sunday… and you know how I am at public places like hospitals.” She stuck a spoonful of tasteless oatmeal in her mouth. He hadn’t even put any butter in it.
