He leaned down and brushed his lips over her knuckles. “So many hidden sides to you.”
“I try to be well rounded.” She didn’t understand why she felt so at ease talking about such sensitive things with him. “Let’s talk about something less emotional. Do you have brothers or sisters?”
“No, I’m an only child… since my sister died.”
“Oh my God.” She turned away, fighting tears. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s OK.” He tugged her back to him. “You didn’t know. Please don’t cry again.” He sighed. “I can talk about her. I swear.”
She nodded as she snuggled into him. “I’m still sorry.”
He kissed the top of her head. “She had leukemia. My parents had me because they couldn’t find a donor. I wasn’t a match though. They refused to have more children and spoiled me rotten. The story has a happy ending.” He tipped her chin up and kissed her lips. “How about I get you home?”
“That’s a good idea.” She gripped his hand after he tossed their trash and walked with him to his vehicle. “We learned a lot about each other tonight.”
“That we did. I’m so glad you gave me this opportunity. I’ve never met a woman like you.” When he opened the passenger door for her, he laid a hand on the middle of her back. “Forgot you had this on.” He rubbed the large Highlander logo. “Should’ve worn my Passionate Dreams jacket.”
She turned to him. “I like your hoodie. She tapped Avenged Sevenfold’s logo. Great band.”
“Agreed.” He helped her into her seat and grinned. “Who came up with ‘Got Crabs?’”
“Caleb did. He’s lucky it caught people’s eye, or my dad would’ve killed him.”
“Ha! I have a t-shirt. You guys have good marketing for them.”
“That’s Noah. He handles the website and our social media.” She glanced at the crotch of his pants, which clearly outlined his erection. “Do you need that blowjob?”
“Need and want are two different things. I’m going to do the right thing and decline. No matter how much I want relief.”
“Ah, OK. I agree it’s nice to get to know you without constantly thinking about your dick.”
His eyes drifted to his crotch, then back up at her. “It’s not easy, but I’m enjoying this. You are so much more beautiful than I realized.”
“I’m hotter with my clothes on?”
“No, I mean now I see what’s inside you.” He heard her soft snicker. “Seriously, I mean your heart and mind. What I found… is something I didn’t expect. You’re generous with a soft spot for arrogant men who need a strong woman to knock them down a notch.”
She smiled but tilted her head. “How am I generous?”
“Are you kidding? You give back everywhere you go. You teach, give your time, put up with me, which isn’t easy.”
The last part made her smile. “True. It’s all worth it though.”
CHAPTER NINE
“Hey.” Sal’s left hand clenched and unclenched the next Sunday afternoon. “Got a favor to ask to shut my mom up.”
Roselyn laughed. “Is that how you talk about her? They say the way a guy treats his mother means a lot.”
“It’s not what you think. My parents are in town. Mom keeps bugging me about grandkids.”
“Whoa! I’m not telling her I’ll have your baby.”
He gasped. “Hell no! Don’t tell her that. She’ll ask me every day if you’re pregnant.” He sensed her calm down. “Just want to switch our date to my place and show my parents I’m dating a real woman. If you don’t wanna do this, I understand. She’s been bugging me ever since I let it slip about tonight.”
Roselyn burst into laughter. When she caught her breath, she put the phone to her ear again. “Sorry. I was imaging my dad doing that. He once told me I had to be a lesbian so he doesn’t have to kill my boyfriends.” She gasped and froze.
“You OK?” When she didn’t answer, he pleaded, “Ros, what’s wrong?” His mind reeled with reasons for her silence. Something she said on their first date flashed by. “Are you thinking of that piece of shit? I swear on all that’s holy… I would never hurt you or force you to do anything. Ros, talk to me.”
She nodded, although he couldn’t see her. “I believe you.”
“If you ever feel threatened by me, tell me and I’ll stop whatever it is. Promise.”
“OK.”
“Would you rather we cancel tonight?” He wanted to hug her.
She sniffled and wiped the tears from her eyes. “No. It sounds like fun. Um… I don’t normally get upset.”
“I know. It’s all right.”
“No, I mean I don’t let my guard down like I do with you.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“Seems good to me. Ciara tells me all the time I need to let someone in besides her.”
“Thank you for trusting me. Can I do anything to help?”
“No. I’ll be fine. When should I come over?”
“How about six? I wanted to cook, but my mom said she won’t eat burnt chicken.”
“I like my dinner edible also. Seems you need a few more cooking lessons.”
Sal chuckled. “I’m up for more lessons from you. How about naked cooking lessons?”
“I’ll have to think about it.” She glanced at her planned outfit. “Should I dress conservative?”
“No, just be you. They’re not like that.” He grinned. “They’re going to love you, so don’t be surprised if they bring up marriage.”
Her breath caught. “Um… we’re not telling them it’s gonna happen, right?”
“Of course not. That’s a decision to make in private… if we get to that point in this relationship.”
“Not on my radar. Sorry.”
“You don’t have to be sorry. I have no expectations about this thing between us. Whatever happens, does. If we find happily ever after in each other… great.”
She closed her eyes and took calming breaths. “OK, I promised I’d be open about my feelings and accept yours.” She paused a moment to gather her thoughts. “I haven’t imagined that as a possibility with a partner for many years. I was happy alone until I met you.”
“Are you happy with me?”
“Yes.”
“Do you miss me when we’re apart?”
“You know I do.” She frowned at the phone. “Things are building faster than I anticipated.”
He smirked. “Don’t let that scare you… please.”
“I’m not. Ciara says I need to tell you if I get the urge to run.”
“She sounds like someone I should get to know.”
Roselyn agreed. “I’ll have to set up something where she can meet you with your clothes on.”
“Funny. I’m down for it whenever I’m not working.”
She checked the time. “I better get off the phone and jump in the shower.”
“OK. I’ll see you soon.”
☆¸.•*¨*★☆ * ☆★*¨*•.¸☆
Roselyn sat in her car staring at the steering wheel. Her hands shook, and her heart pounded. What am I nervous about? Her gaze flicked to Sal’s building, and it hit her. I want them to like me because I care about him.
She let out a long breath and leaned back. “I can do this. They’re just people. We can talk about fishing.” Less anxious, she grabbed the banana bread next to her, climbed from the car and walked toward his place.
When she reached the door, she heard Sal’s laughter and smiled. The simplest things he did made her happy. Just before she knocked, the door opened. “Hey.”
“You’re early.” Sal hugged her while holding a bag of garbage away from her body. “Gimme a minute to toss this.”
A peek inside the apartment told her his parents weren’t in the living room. She debated going in and introducing herself. Footsteps came from beyond the door, and a man resembling an older Sal appeared. “Um, hello. I’m Roselyn-”
Sal rushed over. “Sorry. Ros, this is my dad.”
“
Roselyn Jensen.” She offered her hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Russo.”
“You can call me Matteo.” He shook her hand as he scrutinized her face. “Are you Rick Jensen’s daughter?”
“How did you know that?” Roselyn peered at Sal. “You gave them the low down on me, huh?”
“Nope.” Sal’s hands rose. “I only told them your name was Ros and you have a boat.”
Matteo chuckled. “My son has most definitely not told me who you really are. I’ve know your father a long time. We both worked my father’s boat. How is he?”
“Doing well. Still captain of the Highlander. He has all five of us fishing.”
“That’s great.” Matteo patted his son’s back. “This one’s a keeper.”
A blush crossed Sal’s face. “Thanks for your approval.” He waved at the doorway. “Can we come inside now?”
Matteo stepped out of the way. “Sorry. You threw me for a loop here. I haven’t seen you since you were maybe seven, Roselyn.” They entered the living room, and he turned to his son. “Don’t you remember? We went to that huge party in Oregon. You were eleven and bored. Then a little girl asked you to play on the swings with her.”
“Um…” Sal closed his eyes and imagined the day. “Oh! The place with the paddle boats? I took her out on the lake when the big kids were going.”
Roselyn stared at him with her mouth open. She remembered bits of that party too. “Wasn’t it for… some type of reunion?”
“Yes.” Matteo winked. “And where you two first met. Wow, those eighteen years flew by.”
Sal slid an arm around Roselyn’s back and tugged her close. “I knew we had some sort of connection. You were cute. Couldn’t resist that face.”
“Seems you still can’t.” Matteo hurried to his wife. “Celina! Salvatore’s girlfriend is Roselyn Jensen!” He pulled her from the kitchen. “Come say hello.”
Celina almost tripped over her feet as he rushed back to the couple. “Hello.” She peered at Roselyn. “I see the resemblance. You’ve grown into a beautiful woman.”
Roselyn tensed when Celina hugged her. “Thank you. I run my father’s deck now.”
“This is so weird.” Sal kissed Roselyn’s temple. “I had no idea our families were so close.”
Matteo shrugged. “We’ve grown apart over the years, but I still call Rick once in a while. How does he feel about this?” He wiggled his fingers at them.
“Oh… um…” Roselyn cringed. “He doesn’t know yet. We didn’t plan to bring our parents into this so soon.”
Celina gripped her husband’s hand. “So then this isn’t serious? Are you just casual lovers… like that friends with benefits thing?”
Sal’s face heated. “Mom, please.”
“I promise we are actually dating.” Roselyn squeezed Sal’s side. “It’s not in the serious phase yet.”
“No need to rush things.” Celina smiled. “Dinner is ready, so you came just in time.”
Sal glanced around. “I don’t have a table, so we can sit in here.”
“You need a bigger place.” Matteo shook his head. “No woman will want to move here.”
Roselyn chuckled. “If we decide to live together, he’ll have to move to my house. I’m not giving that up.”
“I wouldn’t either,” Sal admitted. “She has a great house on a lake.”
“Your mother would be proud.” Matteo met Roselyn’s gaze. “She always said you were destined for greatness.”
Roselyn lifted the container in her free hand. “I made banana bread for dessert.”
“Oh, that’s perfect!” Celina pointed to the kitchen. “I have everything set out on the counter. Orange chicken with jasmine rice and asparagus.”
“That sounds great.” Roselyn glanced up at Sal. “Doesn’t it?”
Sal grinned. “My mom is an even better cook than you. No offense.”
“None taken. Moms are the best.”
☆¸.•*¨*★☆ * ☆★*¨*•.¸☆
“That went better than I expected,” Sal said as he walked Roselyn to her car.
“Your parents are pretty awesome.” When they stopped at the driver’s side door, she took his hands in hers. “Your mom loves you very much.” Her lips trembled. “I miss mine.”
He pulled her into his arms and cradled her head. “If seeing my mom bothers you, we can avoid them.”
“No, that’s not fair.”
“Do you ever talk about her?”
“Guess not.” She sucked in a shaky breath.
“Will you tell me something about her? Bet she was as beautiful as you.”
“She was the most beautiful woman in the world.” Roselyn’s eyes watered as she recalled her mother alive and well. “She baked the best banana bread.”
“Is yours from her recipe?”
Her nod came as she buried her face in his chest. “Yes.”
“It’s better than my mom’s, just don’t tell her.”
“Maybe I’ll bake it for you again next week.” The act always brought on fond memories. “She never wanted me to be a fisherman. Do you think she’s pissed at me for following in Daddy’s footsteps?”
“No, she could never be mad at you, Ros.” He hugged her tight. “I’m sure she’s proud of the awesome woman you’ve become.”
“Hope so.”
Sal wove his fingers into her hair and massaged her scalp. “You’ve accomplished more than most women your age. I’m in awe of you some days. I bet one day there’ll be books about your incredible life.”
“Now you’re exaggerating.” She let out a laugh. “No one will write my life story.”
“You never know. They might, especially if it has a happy ending.” He grinned when she looked at him. “Once my parents leave, I’d like you to stay over and have breakfast together.”
“I don’t do sleepovers.”
“That’s my point. Let go of the restrictions and see where it takes us.”
Her whole body tensed. Is he worth the risk? Her feelings for him had morphed into something she didn’t recognize. But is it enough to be happy long term?
“You’re overthinking it again.” He held her face in his hands and kissed her lips. “All I ask is you let things flow naturally, without your usual barricades. In your heart, you know I’m not giving you a line or playing games. I have real feelings for you. Please give me the chance to explore them with you.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“That’s all I can ask.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Roselyn approached the Spitfire early Friday morning with a grin. She loved to give abuse victims a day out on the water. It reminded her how far she’d come since her brush with domestic violence. She expected a full crew to be waiting onboard.
Just as she walked up the gangway, Wyatt exited the main cabin. “Hey, Captain.”
His expression gave Roselyn a bad feeling. “What happened?”
“Darrius has the flu.” Wyatt frowned. “I haven’t found a replacement. Everyone is busy today. He feels so bad, but he doesn’t want to infect anyone else.”
“I wouldn’t want that either.” She tapped her chin a few times. “I may have a solution. Give me a few minutes.”
She rushed up to the wheelhouse and sat in her chair. Phone in hand, she stared at Sal’s last text. Before he fell asleep, he always sent her the same message: “Sweet and sexy dreams beautiful.” No man had ever treated her so well.
A glance at the time made her cringe. If she had another option, she’d take it. She held her breath while she hit the phone symbol. A muffled gruff voice emanated through the speaker. “I’m so sorry I woke you.”
“Is everything OK?” Sal’s heart pounded as his bedroom came into focus.
She heard the panic. “I’m fine. Didn’t mean to scare you.”
“You don’t normally call so early.”
“Yes. I have a huge favor to ask.”
He groaned as he stretched his arms and legs. “I do owe you one.”
&n
bsp; She chuckled. “That’s true.” She’d enjoyed the time with his parents the week before though. “Are you working tonight? Friday’s a popular night at the club.”
“I am, why?”
Roselyn sighed. “Never mind then.”
“No.” He sat up and blinked his eyes several times. “Tell me what you need. I’m sure I can work something out.”
“One of my crew called in sick, and I have a charter in two hours.”
“Can I get back by like six or seven?”
“It’s only a few hours, so you’ll be home before then.”
He swung his legs off the bed. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“Thank you. If I had any other option…”
“Don’t worry. I’m happy to pitch in. You can count on me for more than sex.”
She smiled. “I’m starting to see that.”
“Good.” He stepped into the bathroom. “I bet today will show you things are getting serious between us. See you soon.”
Wyatt enter the wheelhouse. “Did you find a solution? Your grin tells me someone gave you good news.”
“Oh, hi!” Her head snapped up. “Um, yes. Salvatore said he’ll be here as soon as he can.”
“Salvatore, huh?” Wyatt winked. “That man is really into you.”
Roselyn tried to hide the heat creeping up her neck. “Guess he likes me.”
Wyatt rolled his eyes. “You know he does. I’m surprised he hasn’t asked to upgrade your relationship.”
Her blush deepened. “Maybe he has.”
“And you turned him down, like every other man?” Wyatt sighed. “There’s nothing wrong with dating.”
She leaned back in her chair. “Never said there was. We’ve gone out a few times, but I don’t need a man to make me happy. I’m doing just fine on my own.”
“That’s not what good relationships are for,” Wyatt explained. “They make your life better. When I met my wife, I wasn’t expecting more than a few fun dates. As we got to know each other, our connection deepened. I can’t imagine my life without her. Can you say the same about Salvatore?”
Eyes closed, she mulled the question over. She rarely imagined anything past the next season. When she pictured Sal at Christmas dinner, she grinned. He’d fit right in with her brothers, and his father would have a great time with hers. It’s like the perfect match. Wait! It is?
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