This is Not a Double Date

by Grace Risata

  “True. But is it really his place to confess something like that? If I had an on again/off again boyfriend, met someone else, and you hit it off with my new dude’s buddy…would you be in any hurry to rat me out? Hell no. Because you wouldn’t want to jeopardize your chances with the guy’s friend.”

  “I suppose you have a point. From the way you’re defending Roman, it sounds like you’ve already made up your mind. Just take things slow and be careful, Andi. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Proceed with caution. Don’t do anything stupid like lend him money. I trust your judgment.”

  “Thank you for the vote of confidence, Hailey. I appreciate it.”

  “Love you too!”

  I have to admit that I felt a little better after talking to my sister. She had a certain way of getting me to realize what I needed to do without actually coming right out and saying the words.

  It helped matters greatly when Roman called an hour later to arrange a date for Thursday night. He sounded hesitant and cautious, as though worried I might hang up the phone and not give him the benefit of the doubt.

  Only time will tell…but I sure hope I’m making the right decision.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Roman – Thursday Night

  As I walked down the hall to Andi’s apartment, I tried to calm my nerves. Imagine…me…Roman Boswell…getting anxiety about going to see a woman. It’s crazy, yet it’s true. For some reason, she turns the tables and makes me want to do whatever it takes to keep her.

  Unfortunately, I haven’t figured out how I’m going to do that yet.

  And I’m absolutely running out of time.

  I suppose it’s a good sign that she buzzed me in and didn’t completely ignore me. That’s a start, right?

  Much to my relief, Andi answered my knock right away and invited me inside with a warm smile.

  “I made a new cake recipe,” she confessed, beaming. “I haven’t taken a bite yet so there are no promises about the quality, but it looks decent.”

  “I’m actually pretty hungry, so I’d be happy to taste-test your newest creation.”

  I followed my girl into her kitchen where she promptly pulled out a chair at the table and motioned for me to have a seat. This is quite an unexpectedly cheerful greeting. Honestly, I was ready to be peppered with a million questions when I walked in the door…not greeted with baked goods and happiness. Any normal person would have relaxed at this point, but I wasn’t any normal person. The rug could be pulled out from under me at any moment. Maybe she poisoned the food?

  “I’m on a quest to find a decadent recipe in order to compete with Hailey. She found a fancy chocolate layer cake on the internet and I have to one-up her. This is entirely home made from scratch…frosting and all,” Andi explained, setting down a pan and dishing up two slices.

  “It looks really good,” I admitted, slowly easing my fork into the dessert. I had no idea what flavor it might be, but the frosting was white and the cake was yellow. Is yellow a flavor? Butter cake, maybe?

  We both took large bites at the same time and then reacted to the flavor. The cake was dense, moist, and tasted like…nothing. Like a mouth full of nothing. And then I bit down on a slimy mystery chunk and forced myself not to gag.

  “What are the ingredients?” I asked hesitantly, careful to mask my internal horror.

  “This doesn’t taste like anything, does it?” she replied in disgust. “I expected a burst of pineapple flavor, but this is a huge disappointment.”

  “Pineapple?” Ah, that would explain the slimy chunk.

  “Yes. You’re not allergic or anything, are you?”

  “No, not at all,” I said, reaching my fork down for another bite. At least the frosting was delicious.

  “You don’t have to eat it just to be nice,” Andi insisted, standing up and holding her hand out for my plate.

  “It’s okay. I never get homemade desserts. It’s been a long time since I’ve had cake.”

  “Then you probably remember it as being a heck of a lot better than this! I bet you’re used to store bought birthday cakes.”

  “No. Birthdays weren’t a big deal at my house. Maybe I got a twenty dollar bill on the rare occasion my parents actually remembered, but that’s about it. No extravagant cakes…that’s for sure.”

  I shook my head while conjuring the image of my thirteenth birthday. While all the other kids in school were having cool parties, I wasn’t invited to any of them because we’d just moved to a new town and no one knew me. Instead of trying to make my day special, my dad handed me a box of condoms and a six pack of beer telling me, “You’re a man now. Don’t knock anybody up because your bastard kids aren’t living with us,” to which my mom added, “Unless he gets a rich girl pregnant. Then it’s okay because we’ll be set for life.”

  Welcome to my nightmare.

  I realized I was going down a dark path mentally, and I didn’t want to bring Andi with me so I opted to change the subject entirely.

  “How was your day at work? Anything interesting happen?”

  Yes, I realize that’s something boring along the lines of conversation that a married couple would have after the spark is gone. However, I needed to take comfort in the mundane…just to make sure Andi and I were back on track.

  “Oh, don’t even get me started,” she exclaimed, slumping back down in the kitchen chair and taking a fork full of cake. “It’s totally obnoxious at the moment.”

  “Do tell,” I prompted, relieved that she seemed to harbor no ill will over the fiasco from Tuesday evening and wasn’t acting out of the ordinary in the slightest.

  “There seems to be endless meeting after meeting focusing on those stupid crown jewels. Don’t get me wrong, I love history in all its glory. Teach me about the people that wore the famous pieces, who bought what for whom, where the jewels came from…you know…something interesting. I don’t care how many carats of diamonds are in the tiara or what it’s worth in today’s prices. I’m certainly not going to picture myself parading around a medieval castle wearing them. I want to envision ‘King Fiercely-Brave’ giving a token of his love to ‘Queen Beautifully-Loyal’ and then they live happily ever after.”

  “What? More along the lines of ‘King Guilty-as-Hell’ appeasing ‘Queen Royally Pissed’ after he fathered his seventh child with one of the ladies-in-waiting.”

  She shot me a look that clearly let me know I was ruining her romantic fantasy.

  “I’m cynical, Andi! What can I say?”

  “I must be pretty jaded, too. I’m sure most women would be excited to see all the expensive jewels, but I can’t get on board with the program.”

  “You’re not doing anything with them though, right? I thought it was an entirely different department of the museum.”

  “Yes, it is. But we expect a lot more foot traffic, and I might get rotated to work in that section. A basic knowledge of the exhibit is required in order to answer any questions people might have. I’m preparing myself for a lot of ‘how much is this worth?’ and other such questions.”

  Before she could share any more details, we were interrupted by the sound of her apartment buzzer.

  “Are you expecting anyone?” I asked.

  “No,” she insisted, getting up and walking over to the intercom. “Who is it?”

  Once I heard the voice on the other end, my stomach immediately twisted into knots and the cake threatened to come right back up on me.

  “This is Eddie…uh…I’m Roman’s dad. I’m looking for him…is he with you? I need to talk to him about something and it’s kind of important.”

  I hung my head and slowly shook it. There was no way in hell this was going to turn out well. If I thought wing night at the Pit was a nightmare…well…let’s just say this was going to be a disaster of epic proportions.

  Before I had a chance to respond, Andi buzzed him in. I wish she hadn’t done that, but I couldn’t give her a valid reason without raising suspicion. Instead, my only course of action w
as to open her apartment door and offer a small warning.

  “Look…the guy is a complete asshole, okay? Let me handle this and don’t feel any pressure to get along with him. Under normal circumstances, it’s a milestone for people who are dating to ‘meet the parents.’ This is not a normal circumstance.”

  I had no time to elaborate on that, because my worthless prick of a father came stumbling down the hall. After years of practice scrutinizing his mannerisms, I could tell that this was completely fake. He wasn’t really drunk at all, but I have to give him credit for putting on a good show.

  “I’m so sorry to bother you, son,” he slurred with a silly grin. “I seem to have misplaced my wallet and I was wondering if I might be able to borrow some cash.”

  Andi stood behind me and off to the side, so I didn’t have a proper view of any emotional reaction. Most likely she displayed visible shock at seeing the man who so eerily resembled an older version of myself. Same chiseled cheekbones, sparkling blue eyes, dark skin tone, and unmistakable good looks that had the ladies desperate to earn our attention.

  However, if you looked close enough, you would see the subtle differences between us. Where I had smooth skin, his was weathered with wrinkles around the eyes and scarred from too many fist fights. Where I had dark hair, his was now streaked with salt and pepper coloring as he slowly aged. Where I stood tall and muscular, his posture was stooped as though the years were starting to take their toll. Where his smile was fake and honed to perfection after years of lies, mine was…well…that’s why I rarely smiled. I never much had a reason to in the first place.

  “How did you know where to find me?” I asked nonchalantly, playing his game. The question wasn’t necessary, since I already knew the answer. Tyler told him Andi’s address and I’m sure he spotted my truck in the parking lot. This wasn’t really a friendly visit to bum some beer money…it was a not-so-veiled threat. They knew where Andi lived and could walk right up to her door and do whatever the fuck they wanted. Of course, there wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it.

  “Ah, you caught me,” he replied, holding up his hands like a man that would confess without offering any resistance. “Your cousin gave me an idea of where I might find you. Said you’ve been spending all your time with a new lady friend. Aren’t you going to introduce me?”

  Eddie peeked over my shoulder and gave Andi a megawatt grin. I had no choice but to act civil and avoid causing a scene by throwing him out on his ass.

  Turning around, I explained, “This is Eddie Boswell. He’s my father.”

  If dear old dad thought I was going to invite him inside, tell him Andi’s name, let her shake his hand, and perhaps share a piece of her pineapple cake, he was sorely mistaken. One wrong move on his part, and he really would be tossed out like yesterday’s trash. I had no patience for this shit.

  Being the classy woman that she is, Andi smiled warmly and took a step forward with the intent of being polite to the dirty bastard.

  I didn’t let that happen.

  Instantly moving in between the two, I got right up in Eddie’s face.

  “I don’t have any money. Payday isn’t until tomorrow. You’re on your own. Is there anything else you need or can we all go on with our lives?”

  “Maybe I wanted to meet your girlfriend,” he replied. “You never tell me what’s going on in your life. That’s one stunning lady, you’ve got there. Can’t I come inside and get a drink? Even a bottle of water? I’m thirsty.”

  It’s literally taking every ounce of willpower not to punch him in the face right now. I hope Andi can see through his gypsy mind games. Eddie figures that he’ll give her a compliment to win her over, and then make a simple request to gain her sympathy. It’s an old trick to get in the door of any mark he’s trying to con. Usually it works wonders, but not this time.

  “Maybe you’d like to take a piss in her toilet too? There’s a gas station right down the street. I suggest you use it. We’re done here.”

  “That’s no way to speak to your father, Roman,” Eddie growled, suddenly losing the drunk act entirely. “I’ve supported your lazy ass for a long time…and if I come looking for payback, you damn well better provide for me. Just because I’m older than you doesn’t mean shit. I can still knock your lights out any day of the week. You’re not better than us, Roman, and don’t you forget it. This is a friendly reminder to get your head on straight. Next time won’t be so friendly. You got that?”

  “Sure thing, pops. Loud and clear. Have a nice night, okay?”

  He narrowed his eyes at me before turning and stomping towards the exit, mission complete. As if I need one more fucking thing on my already overflowing plate of shit.

  I took a deep breath, walked back into Andi’s apartment, and locked the door.

  “So…that went well, hmm?” I asked, not really waiting for an answer and just collapsing on her couch in embarrassment. Andi could say or do whatever she wanted, but there was no way I was leaving anytime soon. Especially not after Tyler purposely sent my father as a warning. He might as well have hired the wicked witch to fly by on her broom and write ‘Surrender Roman’ in a cloud of smoke.

  “Is it always like that with you two?”

  The woman looked absolutely mortified and I couldn’t blame her.

  “Pretty much,” I admitted, patting the spot next to me. Andi got the hint and sat down, but her posture remained stiff and uptight. Time to do some damage control.

  “Relax. You’re fine. It’s over and he’s gone,” I soothed, gently turning her body so I had easy access to her back and neck. Massage was one of my specialties. No woman could resist the magic touch of Roman Boswell.

  Kneading her shoulders, working stiff muscles, and caressing her skin in all the right places, it wasn’t more than two minutes before Andi’s shirt came off entirely.

  “How did you turn out so normal with a father like that?” she murmured, slowly becoming putty in my hands.

  “Who says I’m normal?” I asked with a laugh. “I’m not normal at all, in case you haven’t noticed. I just put on a good show when the need arises. I constantly worry about money and not having enough to pay the bills. There were times growing up when we had hundreds of dollars hidden all over the apartment…and times when the fridge was totally empty and I had nothing to eat. The uncertainty of not knowing where my next meal would come from…let’s just say it’s all the motivation I need to keep a steady job.”

  “That sounds horrible. I’m so sorry you had to live like that.”

  “You learn from other people’s mistakes, Andi. I learned what not to do. To this day, I never have anything stronger than a beer…and only one. I’ve seen the results of too much drinking, and it’s not pretty. Basically, I’ll do whatever it takes to avoid ending up like my parents.”

  “I think it’s admirable that you’re such a strong person,” she admitted, giving a compliment when it wasn’t earned. If only she knew what was coming…

  No. I can’t let my mind go down that road. As if it’s not always at the forefront of my thoughts anyway. But what if…

  What if I could have one night with Andi? Just one more? One last time to be together. Her and I. Alone in her apartment, alone in our own little world, away from all the stress of everything else.

  I want that.

  Fuck. I need it.

  In a few days, I’m going to be forced to shatter her illusions of me, break her heart, and get knocked right off that pedestal she puts me on.

  What if I could make sure she had just one good memory to go along with the all the bad ones I’m about to give her?

  Fuck it. I’m doing it.

  Leaning in, I began to kiss her neck. Slowly and sensually, I worked my way down her shoulder, relishing the soft moans of delight whispered from innocent lips.

  “I want you,” I admitted, tired of holding myself back.

  “Take me…I’m yours,” she murmured, head tipping back to give me better access to the tender spot beneat
h her ear. Taking her cue, I nibbled, sucked, and lightly bit, giving her a preview of what was to come when I explored different erogenous zones and brought my woman nothing but pleasure.

  “Mine,” I repeated, swiftly scooping her up and making my way to the bedroom. Once we hit the bed, there was no hesitation at all. I was about to show Andi how a real man treated his lady. Gypsies were equally skilled at fighting and fucking…and I had something to prove tonight.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Andi

  For some odd reason, I seemed to have the lost the ability to predict anything that might happen in my life. What began as an innocent evening of pawning my latest baking disaster off on an unsuspecting victim, quickly progressed into witnessing family drama and suddenly finding myself completely naked in bed.

  Was I complaining? Not in the slightest. Roman seemed to be quite adept in all matters involving my body parts and what to do with them. I was currently torn between the need to analyze the events that unfolded this evening and the desire to block out everything but the feel of his hands as they caressed my breast area. Obviously the carnal urges were winning, and I quickly got lost in the sensations of skin on skin contact.

  Roman was simply magnificent with his upper body on display for my enjoyment. I couldn’t help myself from touching his muscular shoulders, appreciating chiseled abs of steel, and wantonly sucking on his tight nipples. The man was a work of art and I was not holding back in my gratitude for all he had to offer.

  Instinct took over and we rolled around feverishly like two wild animals in a mating dance. Tentative stroking soon turned to ravenous pawing, clothes went flying, and nothing was hidden from view. The fact that I was completely exposed to someone I hadn’t known for very long should have inhibited my actions. However, it had the opposite effect. Instead of being shy, I just cast aside any nerves and shamelessly gave in to my feral lust.

  It had been a long, long time since I had any male attention, and I saw no need to put on the brakes. Every once in a while you have to let yourself go and savor the moment. This was one of those times.