Page 68 of Romeo

"I do," he replies, eyebrow raised.Butterflies dance in my stomach, an innocent attraction I haven't felt since before Glen got his hands on me.Any part of me that wanted kids and a future died after that night—or so I thought.

“We have a great collection of movies.If you’re interested.I understand if you’re tired.”

“Actually, I would love to watch something.”

“Really?”

“Really.It’s been a while since I had a good movie night.”

“Well, then you’re in luck.Come on.”I leave the study, closing the door behind me, then head down the stairs.We pass by the kitchen where Tucker has set up shop, and Riley wasn’t kidding—he really is a dog with a bone.The man doesn’t even notice us as we pass through the kitchen and head down the steps into the basement my grandfather converted to a theater nine years ago.

Red carpet adorns the stairs, and all of the walls have been painted a dark midnight blue.I flip on the light at the bottom of the steps, illuminating the basement in a soft, pale light.

“This is amazing,” Riley breathes as he moves further into the theater room.

“Thanks.My grandfather had it remodeled nearly nine years ago.It was our escape when we didn’t want to leave the house.”

On the far wall, a counter is adorned with baskets of various chocolate bars and a popcorn machine.There’s a refrigerator on the back wall that’s stocked with bottles of water and Poppi sodas.

It hurts to be standing here, in this room, without the man who built it.But with Riley here, it is a bit easier.

“The movies are over there on the laptop,” I tell him, gesturing to the computer set up on its own table on the left side of the room.“It’s a digital collection, and they all route to the projector screen.Do you want something to drink?”

“Sure.Whatever you’re having.”He heads toward the computer and fires it up.“What do you want to watch?”

“Anything.You pick.I’ve likely already seen it.”

He chuckles.“Are you a movie rewatcher?”

“Chronically,” I reply.“You?”

“Depends on the movie.”He continues scrolling through the movies.“Okay.I picked one.”He turns toward me.“But no judgment from you, and you can never tell my brothers I chose it.”

“Intrigue.”I carry two Watermelon Poppis over to the leather sectional and place them in the cupholders.“What movie did you pick?”

“You’ll just have to wait and find out.How do I kick this to the projector?”

“With this.”I reach into the console between our two seats and withdraw a small remote.After powering on the projector, I say, “Hit the play button and it’ll start.”

He does then heads over toward the chair as the opening starts rolling.I recognize the movie instantly because it isliterallymy favorite movie of all time.

“The Princess Bride?”

“I love it.Action, adventure, sword fighting, romance—it has everything.”

I stare at him.How does this man get even better the more I get to know him?

“What?Do you not like it?”

“No, I love this movie.”I smile.“Just surprised you picked it over the millions of war action movies that are on there.”

“I’m a romantic at heart,” he says.

“Oh?Is there a special someone who gets to see that side of you?”

He shakes his head.“I decided a long time ago that I didn’t want to settle down.”

“Why?”