Tempted (Tempted #1)

by Heather Doltrice

  “Ethan, what do you think about this?” Ava asked.

  She must of noticed his lack of reaction too.

  “I wish Roman could be here for this and it’s my fault that he’s not. I’m sorry, Emma.” He told as his blue eyes filled up.

  This wasn’t his fault, it was Luca’s fault. He was the one I blamed. Not Ethan. And I know Roman felt the same. Ethan was the best person I know.

  “I don’t blame you. So I won’t accept your apology. You done nothing wrong.” I said as I walked over and grabbed his hand. “And I know your brother feels the same way.”

  He let the tears out, like really let them out. I had never seen a grown man cry. Until now.

  He walked out of the room and up the stairs. And I heard a door slam.

  “I guess he’s taking this harder than I thought.” West said.

  “I hate that he’s blaming himself.” Maddie said.

  “Emma, can I speak to you privately for a moment.”

  “Yeah. Sure.”

  “Let’s go in the kitchen.”

  Walking in the kitchen, I sat at the table and watched her stir whatever was cooking.

  “Are you mad at me? I mean, if you are I understand completely. You have every right too.” I told her as I stopped myself from rambling.

  “Not at all. I just wish this would have happened at a better time.”

  “The timing does kinda suck, huh?”

  “Just a little bit.” She said with a little laugh.

  How would Roman take it? That was the burning question now. Would he do what my mom said and leave? Or we he do what I thought and stay?

  “Emma?” Ava said breaking me from the inner struggle going on in my head.

  “I’m sorry. I spaced out. What were you saying?”

  “I was saying that I don’t want you to worry about Roman. He will be thrilled, his love for you is something special. It doesn’t happen all the time.”

  I knew she was right. Our love was the kind you fight for. I believed in us. It wasn’t our love that I doubted, it was his reaction to us having a baby. That’s what I was worried about.

  “I know.” I told her but I wasn’t so sure he would be thrilled.

  Maddie walked in the kitchen just as I started to share my fears about telling Roman with Ava.

  “You ready to go? It’s starting to get late.” She said as she pointed to the clock.

  Looking up, I saw she was right. I had to be up early in the morning for work. So did Maddie.

  “It was good talking to you. You’ll be at the trial, right?”

  “Wouldn’t miss it.” I told her.

  We all said our goodbyes and got in West’s car.

  “I got a call while you were talking to Ava.” West said as he turned the radio down.

  “Okay. Why are you telling me this?” I asked as I looked at Maddie, who just shrugged.

  “Roman couldn’t afford a good lawyer but someone hired the best lawyer in the state of Georgia.

  “They don’t know who?” I asked.

  “Nope. No clue. Whoever it was wanted to stay anonymous, at least for the time being.”

  I couldn’t help but wonder who would do that? Pay all of that money for Roman a lawyer. I wish I knew so I could shower them with a million thank yous. They were my new favorite person.

  Maddie turned around and looked at me.

  “Do you understand what this means?” she said she jumped up and down in her seat.

  “Calm down, Angel. You’re gonna mess up my seats.”

  “Shut up. Like I was saying, this means he really has a shot at getting out. Now he stands a chance.” She said as she flicked him off.

  I laughed as their bickering, something I hadn’t been able to do in a while. I felt hope and it felt good. Maddie was right, he really stood a chance now. And that brought a huge smile on my face.

  Chapter 29

  The morning of Roman’s trial, I woke up and got dressed. I had a good feeling about today. I just hoped that it wasn’t false hope. I needed him to tell me everything was alright. I needed to feel his arms around me. I missed seeing his face. I was so nervous about seeing him.

  West came by to get Maddie and I, we were going to meet Roman’s family at the trial. The car ride there was excruciating. It felt like we were driving cross country. Pulling up to the building, West pulled in the nearest parking space. I flung the door open and ran to the door.

  “Wait up!” I heard Maddie yell.

  I knew I should have stopped but today determined everything. He might get to come home today. I ran past everyone until I saw his mother and brother standing in front of the door. Her eyes had the familiar twinkle , that had been missing since Roman got arrested.

  “They’re about to unlock the door. I can’t believe we’re so close to seeing his face.” She told me.

  “I hope I don’t cry.” I told her with a small laugh.

  Looking over my shoulder, I saw West and Maddie approaching us.

  “Listen, I know he’s got the best lawyer in the state but you can’t get your hopes up. This could go either way.”

  I knew he was right but I couldn’t think that way. I had to think the best possible outcome. The one that involved Roman being back where he belonged. With me.

  “Shut up, West.” Maddie said as she slapped his shoulder.

  “You’re so abusive.” He told her as he rubbed his shoulder.

  I was about to laugh when I saw the doors open. It was time. My heart started beating a hundred miles an hour. This was it.

  We walked in and filled up the first bench. I looked up and saw two officers brining Roman in the room. He had his eyes glued on me. I felt my heart flutter. Had he gotten better looking? Was that possible? I smiled at him and gave him a thumbs up. He mouthed “I love you.” to me. I mouthed back “I love you, more.” He give me that smile that always made me so nervous. And it still had the same effect on me.

  The trial was going along better than I thought. That was until they called someone to the stand, to ask about Roman’s overall attitude and his place in the community. That someone was my dad. Of course they were going to choose him. Why didn’t I think of that?

  “Mr. Everly. What do you think about Mr. Charles?” The judge asked.

  I looked over at Roman and saw his face drop.

  Closing my eyes, I braced myself for all of the bad things he was going to say about Roman.

  “I think Mr. Charles has a wonderful overall attitude. He attends church regularly and always has something nice to say. He recently lost his father and he has maned up to take care of his family. To sum it up, I would say he is a wonderful addition to this community.”

  I didn’t know if I looked as shocked as I felt. Turning to look at Roman, I saw that he had his mouth wide open. My dad was defending Roman Charles. I was so afraid I was going to wake up and it was all going to be a dream. And just add to the craziness of the situation, my mom was smiling. She was there to support Roman too. Miracles really do exist. I was witnessing one right now.

  “This is the second time he has broken probation. What do you have to say about that?” The judge asked.

  “He was doing what he had to do for his family. He didn’t mean any harm. Like I told you, he had to man up to take care of his family. He done what anyone would have done for their family.”

  How did he know that? I never told him the reason why Roman raced that night.

  “Thank you Mr. Everly. The jury will start their deliberation.”

  While we waited for the jury to come to their decision, I asked to speak with my father. When we walked out into the hall, I pulled him into a huge hug.

  “Thank you, daddy.”

  “Your welcome, sweetheart. But his doesn’t mean I’m happy about the situation.” He said giving me a stern look.

  “I know. Why did you do that in there?”

  “Because no grandchild of mine is going to grow up without their father. And because I know that boy in th
ere makes you happy.”

  Wait a minute, was my dad the one who hired the lawyer for Roman?

  “Was it you? Did you hire him the lawyer?”

  “I did. I wanted him to have a real shot.”

  I hugged him again.

  “I will never forget this. I love you.” I told him as I started to cry.

  “I love you, too.”

  “I had your car returned here. Hers’s your keys, sweetheart.”

  Reaching for the keys, I heard the door cracked open and Maddie stuck her head out.

  “The jury have reached a decision.”

  We ran back in and took our seats. I felt like I was going to throw up. It would have to wait till later. There was no way I was missing this.

  Roman stood as they read their decision.

  “We the jury found Roman Charles innocent.”

  Roman’s smile was almost blinding. But it had nothing on mine, he was really coming home to me. He turned around and looked directly in my eyes. I blew him a quick kiss and then turned my attention to his mother who had tears streaming down her face.

  “Thank you for everything.” She said as she hugged my dad.

  “Your very welcome.” He said as he hugged her back.

  We walked out in front of the building to wait on them to release Roman. Even my parents waited.

  “Remember everyone, I don’t want him to know yet. I don’t want to throw this on him.” I told them.

  They all nodded. I really hoped they didn’t slip up.

  I heard the door open and when I turned around Roman was walking toward me. Wait, I take that back he was running toward me.

  I took off running and jumped into his arms. I felt electricity course through my body at just his touch. He pulled me towards him and pressed his nose against mine.

  “Pumpkin, I missed you so much.” He whispered to me.

  “I missed you, more.”

  “Impossible.” He said as he slammed his mouth on mine.

  It was rough and hungry. Normally I would care that my parents were standing right there but right now they were the last thing on my mind.

  “I’m spending the night.” I said as he kissed my ear.

  I giggled as he spun me around.

  “Go see everybody. I love you.” I told stealing one more quick kiss.

  “I love you, more.” He said as he placed me on my feet but he didn’t let go of my hand.

  I watched as he talked to his mother. She kept rubbing his face. After talking to our friends and his brother, he made his way to my dad.

  “Sir, I just wanted to say thank you for what you did in there. I love your daughter. I hope you know that.” He said as he held his hand out for my dad to shake.

  “I know. She loves you, too. But do something for me will you?” he asked.

  “Anything.”

  “Stay out of trouble. She needs you.”

  “I plan on it, sir.”

  “Call me Patrick.”

  I smiled as I watched their interaction. Everything was right again. I hoped that it would stay like that. We didn’t need any more drama. Now I just had to figure out how to tell Roman my big news. Now that might bring some drama.

  Chapter 30

  Maddie decided to stay at home with her parents to give me and Roman the night alone. It’s good thing she did because I don’t think she would have gotten any sleep.

  Roman had me pushed against the wall in the living room. He had my arms pinned over my head with one hand while he undressed me with the other.

  “I missed this so much. I dreamed about your body every night.” He said against my skin.

  When he finally had me completely naked, he let his mouth work its way down my body. I laughed as his tongue massaged my breast. And but when his mouth hit the spot between my thighs, I had to suck in a breath.

  “Your tongue should be the eighth wonder of the world.” I said breathlessly.

  The way he rolled his tongue my me ache in all the right places. He pulled away and I let out a whimper. I watched him undress his self and made sure to never let my eyes leave his body. I didn’t want to miss one second of it.

  He stroked his self and I wished it was me.

  “Roman, your killing me. Please make love to me.”

  “We’ve got all night, pumpkin.” He told me as he walked toward me.

  Throwing me over his shoulder, he carried me to the bed and tossed me on it. Going through the drawer, he pulled out a condom. He crawled on top of me and started to push his way into me.

  “Don’t tease me.” I begged him.

  He thrust his hips and all of him slid in.

  “It’s so sexy when you beg.” He said as he pulled out of me and slammed right back in.

  Sex with Roman was like him rough and rugged. And lucky for me that’s just the way I liked it. He grabbed my hair and gave it a tug. Oh, I liked that. And to let him know I moaned in approval.

  “I knew you’d like that.” He growled in my ear.

  I gripped the blanket under me in my hands as I scream in pleasure. Roman Charles rocked my world.

  “You’re going to wake the neighbors, pumpkin.” He said as he pulled out of me and laid on his back. “Take it away, Beautiful. Show me how much you missed me.”

  Climbing on top of him, I started to kiss his neck.

  “Get up and go sit on the chair.” I told him

  He looked at me and winked. “Yes, Mam.”

  As he took his seat on the chair in the corner of my room, I walked over and slid down on to him. He grabbed my breast and squeezed them. Bouncing up and down on his length, I quivered as I felt the pressure building up. I was ready to release. My walls tighten and then let go.

  “You really miss me, huh?” he said as he gritted his teeth.

  I could tell he was close so I kept rocking back and forth.

  “I’m almost there baby. Keep doing that. Yeah, just like that.” He said as he shut his eyes tight.

  I felt his body shake under mine and saw the huge smile take over his face.

  “That was the perfect welcome home.” He said as he carried me into the bathroom.

  He place me on my feet and as turned on the shower. And we had round two.

  When we dried off and got dressed, we made our way to bed. Climbing under the blanket, I place my head on his chest.

  “I was thinking about something.” He told me as he played with my hair.

  “What?” I asked.

  “When I get the money, what do you think about moving in together?”

  That made me so happy. I would love nothing more than to move in with him and start our life together.

  “I think that’s the best idea I’ve ever heard.” I told him smiling from ear to ear.

  That made me feel better about telling him about the baby. If he wanted us to move in together then he would for sure want children. Right?

  “Do you want kids?” I blurted out without thinking.

  “Yeah, I do. I want two kids. One boy and one girl. What about you?” he asked me.

  “I want the same.”

  He didn’t seemed freaked out. Thank God. I needed to find the perfect way to tell him.

  “Pumpkin?”

  “Yeah?”

  “You know I love you right?”

  “I know, baby.”

  That was the one thing I was always sure of. His love for me was undeniable.

  We talked until we finally fell asleep. For the first time since that Halloween party, I didn’t cry myself to sleep.

  The next morning I woke up and felt the bed for Roman’s body. But he wasn’t there. I walked out into the living room and heard voices coming from the kitchen.

  Roman was sitting around the table with Maddie, West, and Ethan.

  “Good morning, Guys.” I told them.

  “Good morning, Pumpkin.” Roman said as he pulled me onto his lap.

  I placed a chaste kiss on his lips and turned to find out what was going on.

&n
bsp; “What’s going on?” I asked.

  “We were trying to make plans for Maddie’s birthday but she busted in like she owned the place. She ruined the surprise.” West said.

  “I do own the place.” She said as she rolled her eyes.

  I laughed put my arms around Roman’s neck. Having him back still felt like a dream. Placing kisses along his jaw line.

  “Since the surprise is already ruined the party is tomorrow. It’s at the field.”

  That was the perfect place for Maddie’s party. It was her favorite place in town. I could never understand why. But I had to admit it grew on me because it’s where Roman and I began.

  “A party sounds so good right now.” Roman admitted. “But please, tell me Luca isn’t invited.”

  “Hell no. Don’t get started on that jerk.” West said slamming his hand down on the table.

  I jumped at the sound the impact made.

  “West is the president of the, I hate Luca club. He even has the t shirt.” Ethan said rolling his eyes.

  Before he left with West and Ethan, Roman told me to get ready because he was taking me on a date. As I got ready I thought about if I should tell him about the baby tonight. I decided to see how the night went.

  I picked a long sleeve purple dress with bell sleeves and brown ankle boots. Braiding my hair in the front, I let the rest of it hang wavy. And I stuck with minimal make up. I needed to find Maddie to make sure I looked fine.

  “Mads!” I yelled.

  I heard her running through the living room.

  “What’s wrong? Are you okay?” she asked as she burst in the room.

  “Fine. Do I look super pregnant?”

  I did a little spin so she could get the full effect.

  “You’re like two seconds pregnant. How could you look super pregnant?” she asked giving me a small smile.

  A knock interrupted us.

  “I’ll get it.” Maddie said.

  Grabbing my coat and purse, I walked into the living room. Roman was standing there in a black button up and jeans. I felt an urge in between my legs and butterflies in my stomach. I swear it was like he was a siren or something.

  “You look beautiful, pumpkin.” He told me as he looped his arm around my waist and kissed me softly on my lips.

  “You don’t look so bad yourself.” I told him.