by Rose Croft
Roman’s cavalier attitude should’ve been my first clue that he would never throw down the gauntlet if he couldn’t win. However my job had me on high alert as I saw patrons in my section giving me impatient looks, and I couldn’t stand here and argue about it. Chris’ eyes were narrowed in our direction as he poured out a shot of Patrón. “I need this job. Don’t ruin it for me,” I said softly.
He nodded in understanding eyeing me solemnly. “It seems like you have a dilemma, don’t you?” He clasped his hands together, propping them under his chin. I thought maybe he had an ounce of sympathy in him. Too bad, I was mistaken with his next words. “Make your decision, Theodora.”
His eyes bore into me like a cat toying with a wounded bird.
“Why are you doing this?”
“Do I need a reason?” he asked, fighting a smile making me hate him more. Was this a joke to him?
I glanced behind me toward the bar again, and Chris had a look of concern on his face as he tossed the towel in his hand aside, carrying a draft beer in the other. He walked around the bar, out onto the floor toward us. I was already picturing Roman being asked to leave and shown through the door. “Fine,” I rushed out. “Double or nothing.”
There was a brief flash of excitement that shone in his eyes. “Good choice.”
“Is there a problem here?” Chris approached and eyed me. Before I could speak he was reaching across me, holding a hand out to him. “Hey, Roman, is she giving you trouble?” He set the beer down on the table. “On the house.”
Wait. What? Is she giving you trouble? Free beer?
My jaw dropped. “He’s—”
“Not at all,” Roman said smoothly. “Theodora is my cousin, my closest cousin, and today is her birthday. I wanted her to hang out with me since she was so worried and too shy to say anything, I was wondering if you could cut her shift early so we could celebrate. You know. Do something nice for her with me being the only family member around.”
“Wait—”
“Sure.” Chris and I spoke at the same time.
“That’s not—” I started again, and Roman cut in.
“She was so afraid she would lose this job if she asked for time off since she’s only been here a short time. I told her it wouldn’t be a big deal, and knew you were such a cool guy.”
Chris peered at me with his tatted arms crossed. “Why didn’t you tell me you were related to Roman? Or that it was your birthday?”
Wouldn’t Chris know my birthday if he looked on the application I filled out? I guess he didn’t care. I thought my head might explode it was pulsing so hard and I could feel his eyes on me daring me to negate his story. I tried to form words, but nothing came out.
My manager turned away from my stunned silence to Roman. “I wanted to thank you again for the season tickets to the games. The platinum suite is awesome.”
“Anytime.” Roman was acting like the epitome of humanity and took a sip of his beer. Why was I even surprised anymore?
“Theo, take the rest of the day off and enjoy your birthday.” Chris patted me on the back like we were close friends. “Can I get you anything else?” He glanced at Roman.
“Yeah, two El Diablo burgers and an order of cheese fries fully loaded with jalapeños. And another draft beer for her.”
“You got it.” Chris snapped his finger and walked off. He wasn’t even going to ask if I was legal to drink, which I wasn’t? All it took was being a star player and hooking someone up with prime seating at a football game.
I glared at Roman, who was so smug I wanted to claw his face. He again patted the inner space beside him. “Sit down with me, cuz, so we can officially celebrate.”
Roman
She wanted to kill me, and I had to hold myself together to keep from laughing. I knew her game too well. Not to mention, it wasn’t a coincidence I was here since I knew where she worked. I went by her dorm earlier this afternoon, and her bulldog of a friend Kenzie greeted me. She almost slammed the door in my face, but I caught it just in time and good ole Justin was there to give me the information I needed.
It wasn’t too difficult to lull her into believing she could have me thrown out. I’d been coming here ever since I arrived on campus, and Chris was a big fan. I could lie and say being a football star on campus didn’t have its perks, but it did. My poor gorgeous nemesis never really stood a chance.
I stood up, directing to the spot beside me. “Slide in, birthday girl.”
“It’s not my birthday, and you know it.” Theodora continued to scowl and made a move to sit in the booth across from me. How adorable she was in her meaningless show of defiance.
“It worked, didn’t it?” I stepped next to her, giving zero remorseful fucks. “Scoot.”
“No.” She stared straight ahead with her kissable lips pressed in a fine line.
“If I recall correctly, you took the bet and lost. Part of the agreement included you being pleasant the rest of the afternoon.”
“You knew I would lose. That’s cheating. The game should be null and void.”
This time I couldn’t hold back my chuckle. In a sense, she was right, but I never said I’d play fair when it came to her. “Too bad for you that’s not going to happen. Like I said, you doubled down, and it didn’t work in your favor.” I fingered her ponytail hanging over her shoulder and tugged gently. “I admire your spirit though. However, I also remember saying you’d lose your job.”
Her eyes shot to mine, glittering with anger and the threat of tears. “I can’t lose this job. I need the money. Not to mention losing out on tips I badly needed. Thanks to you.”
Her tears always had an affect on me in the past. Right now it was no different. “Relax, Theodora, you’re not losing your job.” I could take something too far, but I would’ve never gone that far. “However, I do expect you to lose the attitude and scoot the fuck over.”
Finally, after a stare down, she relented and inched all the way to the end until she ran out of real estate with her shoulder pressed against the dark wall paneling. I sat down, leaving some space between us giving her another minute to pout. Chris was approaching with a schooner of beer. “Here you go, birthday girl.”
Theodora conjured up a half-ass smile for show. “Thanks.”
“Your food should be ready soon. Need anything else?”
“We’re good,” I said.
After he walked off, I grabbed my beer and tapped her mug. “Here’s to spending a delightful afternoon together.” She stared down at the table like I’d stolen her sunshine, the moon, and the stars. For some reason, it didn’t settle well with me, although she’d lost the bet. As more time passed with the way she acted, the more it aggravated me. Maybe it was time for me to change tactics. “Hey.” I bumped my shoulder to hers. “Can we call a truce? I only wanted to spend time with you, and it’s rare to have an afternoon off like this during the season. Is it such a crime to just relax and enjoy the moment?”
Theodora didn’t look at me, but I could tell her face was beginning to relax and she ran her finger down her mug, collecting shaved ice as she went.
“We could spend the afternoon making friendship bracelets. I need another one anyway since the bracelet you made me doesn’t fit anymore.” I saw her mouth wiggle slightly. “Maybe after that you can practice braiding my hair again. Like you used to do when you were in elementary school.” I ran my hand through the longer strands on top of my head. “It’s probably long enough to do, if you still remember how.”
“I haven’t forgotten,” she answered quietly and gazed up at me; her green eyes were shining like rare jewels with flecks of amber. She looked both vulnerable yet proud at the same time and it was mesmerizing. Her tongue darted over her lips as she watched me, and I almost captured her mouth with mine. Almost. However, she reached up and fingered the strands of my hair. “Yeah, I think I could braid your hair, cousin,” she emphasized sarcastically and tugged my hair hard before dropping her hand glancing over my shoulder. She leaned bac
k against the booth putting more space between us.
I twisted my head to see Chris bringing our food. “Here you go.” He set down the burgers and fries.
“Eat, Theodora, you look like you could use a meal.” She had a gorgeous figure with curves in all the right places, but I did notice her shorts hung around her waist loosely. I took a bite of my burger and studied her as she unraveled the napkin and draped it over her lap. Sitting this close, I could see the faint circles under her eyes. I remember the other day doing my morning run well before dawn and saw her dorm light on. Not to mention, she did respond to my text. Maybe she was having nightmares again. “Why were you awake at four in the morning the other day?”
She was cutting her burger in half and paused. Perhaps I should’ve waited until she didn’t have a knife in her hand to ask. “Why were you awake?” she rebutted.
“I had a morning run before I went to the gym.” Not a complete lie. I did cardio and hit the gym after, but I normally trained a few hours later.
Theodora set the knife aside. “I couldn’t sleep. By the way, how do you have my number?”
“I asked Kenzie for it.” I have access to all your information.
Her eyebrows drew together, but she took a bite of her burger. Chewed, swallowed, and started waving her hand in front of her mouth. “Oh my gosh. This is spicy.”
When her face scrunched in discomfort, I lifted her mug to her mouth. “Take a drink.”
She took a large gulp as I tilted it for her, and her hand covered mine without pause to guide the glass back to the table. “Are you trying to kill me?”
“No. I thought you liked a little spice in your life. You used to, at least. Remember the time I dared you to eat a habanero pepper, and you did. Granted, you downed a whole gallon of water afterward, but I was impressed.”
“Yeah, and I couldn’t feel my taste buds for at least two days.” She grabbed a cheese fry and popped it in her mouth. “You thought it was so funny.”
I did. Not gonna lie. “It was funny.”
“Not as hilarious as when I ordered a pizza with extra anchovies and told you it was bacon and you believed me. You took one bite and sprinted to the bathroom to puke.” She nudged me and teased, “Mr. Gullible.” Theodora took another drink. Good, she was finally relaxing around me. She was now beaming.
“You’re irresistible.” I reached out and touched the side of her mouth as she sucked in her breath as though anticipating something monumental. She wanted me. “Even with cheese hanging from your lip,” I teased and swiped it away with my thumb, and she shoved me playfully on the shoulder. Defiant Theodora was delectable, but happy, flirtatious Theodora was lethal. “I dare you to take another bite of your food.”
“Does everything have to be a contest with you?” She raised an eyebrow but picked up her burger and clamped down. This time she stared at me as she chewed and swallowed, putting on an act like the heat didn’t affect her. That lasted about ten seconds before she grasped the mug and downed more of her beer.
“Yes. I like challenges.” I slid my arm around her shoulder and bent close. “But you know what my biggest challenge is?”
“No,” she whispered, and we were so close our noses touched.
“You.”
Theodora
“Where are we going?” Somehow, Roman convinced me to ride with him. Okay, maybe the beer had gone to my head. Nevertheless, I stood by the passenger door as he opened it for me.
“My house.” He held my hand as I climbed in, as though I couldn’t do it without his help.
“Why?”
“Does there have to be a reason? I thought we were going to relax and enjoy the day.” He lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed my palm, letting his lips linger on my skin with his eyes gazing at me intently. Heat shot up my arm and blossomed through the rest of my body. Ever since Roman had mentioned a truce, he’d been kind and gentle. Much how it was when I fell in love with him years ago. It woke up feelings I swore I’d never allow to resurface. It also made me skeptical. “Don’t overthink, Corazón, just live in the moment.” This time the endearment sounded, well, endearing.
He tucked my hand in my lap and closed the door while I exhaled a shaky breath. It was one thing to confront Roman when there were people around and have my guard up. It was another story entirely to be with him alone. However, I needed to remember how he could manipulate a situation to suit him.
Roman climbed in and a thought occurred. “Is Nick going to be there?” I didn’t want this to be another pissing contest between them if that was his reason for taking me to his place.
He clenched the steering wheel tight. The muscles in his biceps constricted, but he spoke calmly enough, “No.”
“Do Axel and Dmitri live at the house too, along with Nick?”
“Yes.” He started the Jeep and pulled out of the small parking lot in the back that was now crammed with cars as more people filed into the pub for happy hour. Roman had removed the top and the late afternoon sun shone in while the wind whipped through my hair as we picked up speed and took off down the main road leading off campus.
It wasn’t a long drive, but quiet as far as conversation went, although the music was blaring since Roman cranked up the volume when he pulled out of the parking lot. He sped down the two-lane road, shifting gears, and his hand landed on my mid-thigh. I tensed, and he side glanced me but said nothing. However, his fingers were tracing a slow pattern up and down my skin as though this was a daily occurrence. Soon, we were turning off the main road into his secluded neighborhood, and he released me to down-shift as we navigated through the curvy road.
We pulled into his driveway and the house appeared even more ginormous in daylight. It was gray and had a very modern feel surrounded with oak trees and ashe junipers spread about the property making it naturally secluded. Out in the distance beyond the home was a lake. I was fixated on the breathtaking scenery and heard the door open. “Come on.”
I stepped out, allowing him to guide me into his not-so-humble abode. When we were inside, I gazed around in awe as we passed through the expansive living area to the kitchen. I gawked since the last time I’d been here it was packed full of people and was only in this room briefly. Roman slid the strap of my backpack off my shoulder. “Relax. Stay awhile.”
“As if I have a choice,” I mumbled while he deposited my bag on the counter.
“You always have a choice.”
“Okay, then I choose to go home.”
He shook his head as his chest rumbled with chuckles. “You’re cute. A pain in the ass sometimes, but still cute.” He walked ahead of me to the hallway.
Me, a pain? How about him being a borderline stalker? “Where are you going?”
“Giving you a choice, but you have to follow me to find out.”
I stood eyeing him skeptically, not budging until he cursed under his breath and stalked toward me. “Now you’re giving me no choice.” Before I could reply, he ducked into my stomach and threw me over his shoulder, gripping the back of my thighs with one hand.
I dangled over his back. “What the hell are you doing?” I squirmed around, trying to get out of his grasp.
“Making sure you don’t break the deal we had.” He clamped my thigh tighter when I struggled. “Stop being so damn stubborn.”
We were heading down concrete stairs to the lair. He passed through the door and flipped on a light, carrying me across the room. “Put me down. I’m here, aren’t I?”
He tugged on my thighs, until I was slithering down his chest slowly and one hand slid up my back while I felt his other closing over my butt. He had a triumphant grin on his face. “How do I know you won’t bolt when I let you go?” he asked with fake concern as he walked me over to the pool table until my butt was on the edge. He released me and leaned in, caging me in with his arms.
“Now, are you ready to play?” Roman stared at me as his eyes darkened. His face was inches from mine and I broke eye contact, glancing at the tan skin that
peeked out under the collar of his T-shirt, and the defined chest muscles outlined under the cotton material. The woodsy, spicy scent of his cologne filled my senses.
“What are we playing?” My voice sounded breathy, and why did I feel like he was toying with me? Maybe that was part of his ploy. Maybe that’s why I was contemplating running out the door earlier as soon as it sunk in we were alone. Yet, being this close, all I could think about was how I wanted to feel his lips on mine.
He leaned into me, and I heard the scraping of fingers over felt as he reached behind me and pulled back, holding the eight ball in his hand. “A game of pool. Do you think you’re up for it?” He was flicking the ball in his hand and brought it down on my thigh rolling it under his palm, moving up to the edge of my shorts. “You do remember I taught you how to play, in spite of your little show of not knowing what to do that night with Nick,” he said his name with irritation. I did know how to play. Nick just assumed I didn’t, and I let him because I did want to get under Roman’s skin that night if I were honest.
“Yes, I remember.” Roman and I used to play all the time at his parent’s home. He taught me everything. I’d even become so good we were evenly matched.
“Good.”
“So what’s my choice?”
“If you win, you make the rules. That simple.”
“And, if I don’t…”
“Do I even need to answer that? I already told you I wanted to spend more time with you.” He set the ball aside, tugging me to my feet and my legs felt like Jell-O. He winked before he sauntered away to the mini bar. Grabbing a bottle of beer and mixing a drink for me.
When he handed me the cup, I sniffed the clear drink that smelled like blueberries, which was my favorite fruit, something he obviously remembered. “What is this?” I asked after taking a sip as he gathered up the balls and put them in the triangular rack.