Waiting for Romeo (24 page)

I laugh out loud. “Come, on. How do you know that?” I pause. “Did you put the frogs out there to add to the ambience?”

He chuckles. “No. I can’t take credit for that.”

“I’m glad you told me the frogs are trying to get lucky at the end of dinner rather than at the beginning. Thank you for that wonderful image.”

“Ha…you’re welcome.” He pauses a beat. “I heard the crème brulee here is excellent. I hope you don’t mind I ordered it…you have to order it in advance.”

“Sounds delicious, although I would certainly be happy with having dessert in the limo.” I say, brazenly and lick the upper corner of my lip with the tip of my tongue.

“We can always have seconds.” He says, staring at my lips.

When we finish eating our entrees, the waitress returns with the crème brulee and two spoons for dessert. The almond milk crème brulee is made with soaked, whizzed almonds and served with organic berries. It tastes divine.

Logan gazes at me while I lick my spoon, enjoying the rich dessert. He runs his fingers along his jaw.

“Would you like anything else?” He asks. His eyes are on mine.

“No. Thank you. Everything was delicious.” I smile.

He hands the waitress his credit card.

“We’re going to have that lovely drive back soon so would you like to ask me your earlier question and I promise I won’t make any jokes and I won’t be offended.” He smiles.

“Might not be in the mood to talk later?” I gaze at him as he takes my hand in his.

“I’ll be in the mood for whatever you’re in the mood for, Emilia.” He says, quietly as he strokes my knuckles with his thumb.

“I’m in the mood now.” I lift a brow.

Logan leans forward and run his fingers along my jaw. “I am too, but I want you to ask me your question. If there’s something on your mind, I want you to be able to ask me about it. I know I’ll be distracted later so I’d prefer you ask me now. Then we can go. Okay?”

I nod. “I was wondering…I’ve been wondering…how is it possible that you can drink? And, you always seem fine when you drink. You never drink too much and I just wonder…” I ramble, uncomfortably not wanting to insult him, without making much sense.

He finishes my question. “You want to know how it’s possible for me to drink and not have it spiral it to something more or do you want to know if it’s safe for me to drink without it turning into a problem?”

I nod.

“Both?” He asks, amused. “I’m not offended, Emilia.”

I let out a breath. “I’m relieved. I just don’t know how that works and honestly, it amazes me that you can drink and not have it be an issue. In the past, I’ve been known to get quite tipsy and you are always so in control.”

“I like it when you’re tipsy.” He smiles. “I enjoyed those times when I got to carry you after you had one too many margaritas.”

“Exactly. You didn’t know me very well…you probably thought I had a problem.”

“I never thought that…I think people have conflicting thoughts on whether or not an addict should drink. I can drink in moderation and have it not be a problem. It depends on the person just like with anything. I can drink small amounts, but I know for some addicts it doesn’t work that way. It’s kind of all or nothing. For some, drinking increases their desire for drugs and that’s obviously a problem. For me, I can drink beer and wine every now and then and it doesn’t make me want to go get high. It probably helps I’m in your company and not in the company of others who are using.”

“That makes sense.” I frown.

“What’s wrong?” He asks.

“I just don’t want to lose you to that.” I murmur.

He squeezes my hand. “You won’t. I know now I was throwing my life away. I didn’t care much about my future until I met you. And, then when I lost you…I knew I couldn’t live without you. Don’t you see, Emilia? You are my new addiction.”

I smile and whisper. “And, you are mine.”

THE LIMOUSINE PARTITION IS UP, when we slide back onto the sleek leather seat, ensuring our privacy. Logan switches on the built-in iPod and the soft music of Snow Patrol fills the car.

“Do you mind if I take my shoes off?” I say while I’m already in the process of slipping my wedges off.

“Take whatever you want off.” He smirks.

I laugh. “You certainly don’t have a problem saying whatever is on your mind, do you?”

He leans back, pulling my legs up onto his lap. “Does it bother you?”

“No. I like your honesty.”

“You do, do you? So, I think you wanted to know what I was wearing last night when you were texting me.” He stares at me as he slowly starts to unbutton his shirt. “Is that right?”

I smile, sweetly at him. “I’ll do that.” And, I take over where he has left off on his shirt.

Logan clasps my face with both hands as he leans and kisses me deeply. My fingers work there way down his shirt and then when the last button is off I slide it off his shoulders, down his arms. His hands wander up my dress.

His tongue pushes into my mouth, caressing it with my own. I kiss him more forcibly, swirling my tongue around his and he moans as he tightens his grip around me. His one hand is under my dress while the other twists into my hair.

“Do you know how badly I’ve wanted you, Emilia? All day.” He whispers as his mouth moves along my jaw and nears my ear.

I move my hands to the zipper on the front of his jeans. He leans back and gazes into my eyes.

“Yes?” He breathes.

I nod and pull down the zipper. He pulls me into his arms again as my hands push his jeans from his waist. His lips part from mine for a brief minute while he leans back and shuffles out of his jeans and boxers in one swift move.

Grasping my waist, he slides me down and pushes his weight on top of me. His tongue strokes the roof of my mouth and twists and turns, tempting and teasing along the way. His lips then suddenly move in a slow delicious pace over mine.

“I’ve wanted to peel this dress off you since we left your house.” He breathes.

In one quick move he slides it from my waist up over my head. His tongue sucks deep into my mouth as his hand caresses my breasts. His fingers stroke every inch of me, down my waist, my leg and under my panties, while his mouth never leaves mine.

“You’re sure you’re okay?” He breathes while he leaves a slow, delicious trail of kisses along my jaw.

“Not in the mood to talk.” I breathe as I throw my head back.

I feel his smile against my neck. “Oh, Emilia. I love that you’re not in the mood to talk.”

He kisses me passionately and I kiss him back with the same intensity. His tongue moves with expertise from my mouth and then down along my neck, licking and tasting along the way. He reaches my breasts and kisses them and sucks them deep into his mouth.

I groan and push my hips against his hardness while his fingers stroke over the thin layer of my silk panties. “Okay?” He whispers again.

“Hmm. Please, Logan. I want you inside me.”

His lips continue to kiss my breasts as he slips the panties down my legs. I push myself up against him so he can free myself of them. He’s panting when he leans back and slides them off at my ankles.

I’m lying down, gazing up at him as he reaches for a condom from his wallet. He tears it open with his teeth and then rolls it on as he moves between my legs.

“God, you are so beautiful. I don’t ever want to lose you.” He whispers as he slowly slides into me.

He stares into my eyes and all my earlier worries about his demons dissolve with his touch. We are wrapped around each other, making love, completely exposed in every way possible.

HE SITS BACK ON HIS HEELS and helps me quickly put on my panties and my dress. Tugging on his boxers and jeans, he leans forward and kisses me tenderly on the lips.

“You will always be my favorite dessert.” He says, softly as he picks up his shirt and slips it back on.

“You didn’t even try the crème brulee. It was really quite delicious.” I smile.

He laughs. “You know, there’s no dessert more delicious than you, Miss King.”

“You’re pretty damn yummy, yourself.”

“Yummy? Well, whenever you’re hungry I will certainly be more than willing to let you have a little taste.”

“A little?” I tease.

“Hm. As much as your heart desires, baby.” He pause a second. “Can I get you anything? Water? Champagne?”

“No, thank you. Did I tell you how much I enjoyed today? Tonight?” I ask as I snuggle into his side.

He kisses the top of my head. “You did and I’m glad you did. I enjoyed it as well. I almost forgot I have something for you.” He reaches into a side compartment by the water bottles and snacks that line a shelf along the inside of the car.

I sit up and look at him. “Logan, you already did too much and you’ve already given me way too many gifts. I can’t accept it.”

He shakes his head and bends to kiss me. “I like giving you gifts. Besides I’ve had this since Christmas, but I knew you would never accept it then. And it actually is better now because it’s quite fitting for Valentine’s.”

“You gave me an iPad! What was that for?” I grin at him in astonishment. “Did anyone ever tell you that you’re insanely generous?”

“Emilia, I don’t go around buying gifts for everyone. Just you.” He says as he hands me a familiar looking pale blue box with white ribbon around it. “Please take it. It would mean a lot to me.”

I reluctantly slip off the ribbon from the Tiffany’s box and when I open it I find a beautiful diamond band. There are three tiny rows of diamonds. The middle row of round diamonds is enveloped between two rows of heart-shaped diamonds.

“Logan, it’s stunning.” I whisper as I stare with wide eyes at it. “But I…we…” I stammer because I think this is all too soon.

He chuckles. “It’s a promise ring. May I?” He says as his fingers lift it from the case. “You own my heart, Emilia. I promise I will always love you. If you wear it, it means you’ll promise to love me in return.”

“So you’re not…” I look at him confused.

He smiles. “You are my future Emilia, but I don’t want to scare you away. When I asked you about moving in with me after graduation you looked kind of freaked out…one step at a time…unless you’re ready for that.”

“I wasn’t freaked out. I just…we got back together just a few weeks ago. I don’t think we should rush into anything. I don’t want you to ask me to do something and then regret it down the line.”

He laughs. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Is that so hard for you to understand?”

I sigh. “You need to be sure, Logan. We’re young and we have so much time ahead of us.”

“I know you’re a bit reluctant.” He smiles. “I just think when you find that someone…why wait?”

“I love you, Logan even if you are a little crazy.” I tease and I hold my hand out for him.

He slips it on my ring finger on my right hand. “The only thing I’ve ever regretted was making the foolish mistake of losing you once. But I understand your reluctance, Emilia.”

“You do?”

“Sure. But I will do
anything
it takes to get you to change your mind.” He grins.

“Is this the part where I say
anything
?” I tease. “Or what are you wearing?”

He shakes his head incredulously and then sweeps me back into his arms, kissing me passionately.

“I’ll show you no regrets.” He breathes. Our laughing quickly dissolves as our kissing escalates into something more passionate.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

“HOLY CRAP! WHAT THE HELL IS THAT ON YOUR FINGER?” Chloe asks, excitedly.

It’s Saturday morning and I’m in the kitchen with Bryn and Chloe, who stopped over to borrow a book. Although I think this lame excuse of Chloe’s to borrow a book, is actually code for I need a girl powwow to discuss Tyler. When I head downstairs I hear Chloe asking about Tyler and what, if anything, he said to Bryn or Josh about their Valentine’s date.

Her fishing expedition quickly changes course when I walk in the room after I’ve showered and changed from my early morning run. It takes Chloe a split second to focus in on my newest piece of bling, like a hawk on a mouse.

Bryn’s head spins in my direction. “What? Let me see that.” She then jumps up from the barstool and grabs my hand, examining the diamond band. “Aw, shit. You’re engaged and you didn’t even tell me?” She sounds devastated.

“No. It’s not like that…” I start to say, but Bryn interrupts me.

“What do you mean it’s not like that?” She pouts and leans back against the kitchen counter. “Why didn’t you say anything? When did he give this to you? I can’t believe you didn’t say anything to me.”

“Of course I would have told you! He gave it to me on Valentine’s, but it was a bit loose so I haven’t worn it. He just gave it back to me in a smaller size, but it’s not an engagement ring. It’s a promise ring.”

I watch Bryn and Chloe glance at each other and collectively roll their eyes so far up to the ceiling that I’m surprised they don’t fall over backwards.

“Promise ring? Puh-lease! It’s the same thing, but you have it on the wrong finger. You’re supposed to have it on your ring finger on your left hand, not you’re right hand.” Bryn says. “And, for the record, I’m still mad as hell that you didn’t say anything to me about this.”

“Bryn, seriously, it’s not like that.” I shake my head.

Behind me, Chloe squeals with delight. “Oh my God, I love weddings! Did you set a date?” Bryn and I turn towards Chloe and I roll my eyes at her.

“
Shut up
! No. We did not set a date.” I frown.

Chloe continues. “You do realize your wedding to Logan Prescott is going to be
the
social event of the year. You’ll be in all sorts of magazines…even
Vogue
.” She fans herself, dramatically. “Ooohhh…your biggest decision now will be what designer gown you’ll wear.”

“Oh, right. Didn’t I mention I’ve already been working with Vera Wang for the past month?” I say, my voice drips with sarcasm.

Apparently, Chloe either is very gullible or doesn’t get my sense of humor.

“Vera Wang? What about Carolina Herrera or Jenny Packham? I don’t think you can go wrong with Vera, but you should really check all your options.” She says as she holds her mug of coffee with both her hands and takes a sip.

“Have you heard a word I’ve said? No. Wedding. And, my biggest decision right now is toast or yogurt before I head to work.” I say as I open the refrigerator door.

“Ohhh…I get it. You don’t want some big formal to-do. You’d prefer something small and intimate.” Chloe says as she leans forward and rests her chin in the palm of her hand.

I turn from the refrigerator with my yogurt in hand and shoot Bryn a pleading look.

“Chloe, Take a chill pill.” Bryn chimes in and I smile at her. “Apparently, our girl here is a bit of a reluctant bride.”

My mouth drops open. “Gah! That’s enough you two.”

Bryn laughs out loud. “Oh, Em, don’t you see we’re just happy for you!” She pulls me into her arms and hugs me tight.

“But it’s not…” I start to say. I’m totally exasperated, but Bryn, leaning back, fills in the blank.

“An engagement ring? I get it.” She shoots a look at Chloe.

“I get it too.” Chloe adds. “Well, sort of.” She mumbles under her breath, but loud enough for us to hear.

“Do you really get it? You know you’d be the first to hear.” I stare at Bryn.

“Yes, although I don’t really see much of a difference between a promise ring and an engagement ring. Did he bend down on one knee and give it to you?”

“No.” I say as I grab a spoon and eat the yogurt.

“Well, he probably can sense your reluctance. I bet that’s what he had planned.” She pauses a minute. “But honestly, I’m glad you’re reluctant. You just got back together two minutes ago and while I’m thrilled everything is going great and most importantly you’re happy…
and
he’s behaving I think you should look before you leap.”

“But we already did leap.” I tease, referring to our cliff jumping.

“
Exactly
! You were lucky you didn’t break an arm or leg or plunge to your death…you might not be so lucky next time.”

“That’s harsh…even though I don’t really know what you’re talking about.” Chloe says from behind me as we both turn to face her.

“Cliff-jumping.” Bryn says as if that’s an adequate explanation. “I’m not being harsh, Chloe, I’m just keeping it real.”

“Aw. Have you ever listened to those two? I sit next to them in class and they’re too fucking perfect.”

The change in the conversation is amusing to me. On one side, there’s Chloe, who is Logan’s biggest admirer. And then on the other side, there’s Bryn, who has always been wary of Logan.

I lick my spoon and look over at Bryn. “Yeah, Bryn. We’re fucking perfect.” I say, pressing my lips together to keep from laughing.

Chloe leans forward and says dreamily. “It’s like watching Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling in
The Notebook
.”

“Wait a minute. Isn’t that like the saddest movie ever? I think that’s bad mojo comparing us to some heartbreakingly sad couple.” I wash off my spoon and then put it in the dishwasher.

“Come on, Emilia…you’ve never seen
The Notebook
? Seriously, we need to have a movie night like yesterday! Yes, it’s sad, but in a sort of happy way. It’s bittersweet, but that’s all I’m saying. No spoilers here. You
have
to watch it!”

Bryn clears her throat. “
Anyway
…I was going to say yes, they’re adorable, but.”

“No
buts
. They’re perfect and if they want to tie the knot then we need to be good friends and support their decision.” Chloe laughs.

I laugh along with her. “Chloe’s right.” I smile at Bryn. “Why can’t you be a good friend?”

“They. Just. Got. Back. Together.” Bryn stares at Chloe. I’m pretty sure if I sneak out of the house now and head to work, the two would never notice.

I laugh. “Okay, you two break it up. First of all, we’re not getting married and second of all, we’re not engaged.”

“That’s the same thing.” Bryn scrunches her face at me.

“I know. I’m just trying to make my point. This ring…” I hold up my hand and then finish my sentence. “This ring isn’t an engagement ring and that’s why it’s on this hand. Okay?”

They both nod. Then Bryn stares at me and starts to laugh.

“What’s so funny? I ask.

“I was just thinking how you should write a book. You know that Kate Hudson movie,
How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days
? You should write a book called How-to-go-from-Coffee-to-a-Diamond-Ring-in-Ten-Weeks.”

Chloe and I laugh along with her.

“I’d definitely see that movie.” Chloe says.

“Rich bastard.” Bryn murmurs as she takes my hand and looks at my ring again. “You know what Josh gave me for Valentine’s? A red lace bustier and a matching thong from Victoria’s Secret.”

“Well, that’s a nice Valentine’s gift.” I smile, sweetly at her.

“Hello!? A nice Valentine’s gift…for himself.” Bryn rolls her eyes.

“I think you’re not giving Josh enough credit…lingerie is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. It’s practical. I’m sure he thinks you’ll get a lot of use out of it.” I glance at Chloe who is biting her lip to keep from laughing.

“Practical? Like I said…for him and yes, I’m sure he hopes I get a lot of use out of it…with him.” We all start to laugh.

“Well, he did give me one other thing that’s sort of for me…actually now that I think about it…it’s also for him. I think we’re going to have to have a little chat about his selfish gift giving.”

“And what else did…?” I start to ask.

“He gave me those silver ball things like in
Fifty Shades of Grey.
Now, you see what I’m talking about? I swear if Josh didn’t have such a big dick and wasn’t so exceptionally gifted in the sack I’d be out the door.”

“TMI, Bryn, TMI.” I murmur.

Chloe starts to laugh. “Oh my God, I just thought of something.” She slaps the counter of the bar.

“What?” Bryn and I say at the same time.

“You know who is going to go ballistic when she finds out Logan gave you a ring…engagement, promise or whatever you want to call it…bottom line is a ring is a ring, especially when it’s covered in diamonds.” Chloe shakes her head and laughs.

She continues. “And, honestly I’m going to love that gossipy bitch being put in her place. You know she still thinks he has a thing for her? As if he even had a thing for her in the first place. Everyone knows she’s a total fucking slut.”

Bryn and I sit, staring at her in silence. We both know exactly who ‘you know who’ is without Chloe ever saying her name. But I’m sure we’re both wondering how Chloe knows her and how well.

“Wait. So, how do you know Seraphina?” Bryn beats me to the same question I was about to ask.

“We’re in an Economics class together. She and one of her bitches sit in front of me so I get to hear her bullshit three days a week. I can’t tell you how many times I bite my tongue, wanting to tell her off, but then I figure why waste my breath on her. First of all, she’s not going to give a shit about what I have to say and second of all, she’s completely delusional.”

“I’m sure you’re right.” Bryn says and moves to the refrigerator to grab a bottle of water. “Water?” She offers Chloe and I a bottle.

“Sure, thanks.” Chloe says.

I shake my head still trying to process Chloe’s words.

“Please don’t say anything, Chloe.” I murmur.

“Are you kidding? I’d never say anything to that bitch. You know I’ve got your back, Em. Don’t even worry about that. Seraphina’s full of shit and everyone knows it. I only brought her up because maybe she’ll finally get the wake-up call that Logan isn’t interested in her and never has been.”

Bryn hands a bottle of water to Chloe and then leans on the counter so her side is against mine. “Maybe you should put the ring on your other finger, Emilia…just to make sure that wench finally gets the picture.”

I wonder if that would even stop Seraphina from thinking she had a chance with Logan. He has always insisted they were friends, but obviously she always hoped for something more from him.

“Emilia?” Bryn interrupts my thoughts.

“Huh?” I ask.

“Don’t let her get to you, Emilia. She’s a fucking whore and Chloe is right she’s completely delusional. Logan only has eyes for you and don’t you forget that…don’t even waste your time thinking about her.” Bryn tries her best to reassure me.

I take a deep breath and look at Chloe. “What did she say about Logan still having a thing for her?”

“Shit, Em…let it go.” Bryn throws her arm around me and squeezes my arm.

I frown. “I will…I just want to know what she said…”

“Like I said, Emilia, she’s full of shit. She just says Logan will always have a thing for her…”

“Chloe, tell me. I want to know.” I narrow my eyes at her.

Chloe glances at Bryn, who shrugs her shoulders, and continues. “She thinks Logan is wasting his time with you. He’s only after one thing and once he gets it he’ll be begging her to take him back.”

“See, Emilia? She’s full of it.” Bryn bumps her side into mine. “They never went out in the first place and somehow in her sick head she thinks he’s going to be begging her to take him back. She’s fucking deranged.”

“I’m sorry I brought her up.” Chloe says, sadly.

“No. It’s fine. You didn’t really tell me anything I didn’t already know. Honestly, I hope she doesn’t find out about the ring.” I sigh.

“Hate to be the bearer of bad news, Em. But that’s quite a sparkler and it won’t go unnoticed. Besides, you already know, firsthand, how everyone is obsessed with the two of you. You’re the campus’ hottest topic.” Bryn tosses her empty water bottle in the recycle bin.

“Great.” I pause and then add. “You know what this means, right, Bryn?” I arch a brow and ask in a conspiratorial tone.

Bryn beams. “That’s my girl! One wrong move and she gets a fucking cunt punt.”

“Exactly.” I smile.

“Brilliant. Count me in!” Chloe adds as we all burst into a fit of laughter.

DETECTIVE FERNANDEZ IS WALKING OUT the back door of the store when I’m heading into work. We both smile and say a quick hello as we pass. Despite my curiosity on her early morning visit, I refrain from asking her because it’s obvious she has no time to chat by the way she rushes by me. My eyes follow her as she climbs into the car with Detective Rooney in the driver’s seat.

“Hi, Emilia.” Rosemary calls out from the front of the store when she hears me shut the back door.

“Hey, Rosemary.” I smile as I approach her. “What’s going on?” I ask, referring to the police just leaving the store, but she misses my point.

“Not much. Sam is out surfing…I’m pretty sure he was meeting Logan so it’s just me and you, kid.” She quickly glances up from the pile of paperwork and various invoices she’s looking through at the front desk.

I lean against the counter. “Can I help you with that? Math isn’t really my thing, but if you hand me a calculator I’m sure I can help.”

“No, thanks. I’m good…just about done. I hate doing the accounting, but if I leave it up to Sam it won’t get done for weeks.” She makes a few notations on an invoice and then her attention shifts.

Her lips slowly curl up into a mega-watt smile. “Sweet Jesus, Emilia. Why didn’t you say something when you walked in?” She takes my hand in hers and leans over the counter to get a better look at my gift from Logan.

“It’s not what you think, Rosemary.” I smile.

She gazes up at me. “I think it’s a gorgeous diamond ring…you two, aren’t?”