Page 16 of Deceptive Desires

“Cecilia, are you being serious right now? That man could be downright terrifying if he wanted to be. I’d never want to get on his bad side. That doesn’t mean he’s not hot as hell. But ‘gentle giant?’ Come on, that’s ridiculous.”

I really don’t see it. All he’s been is kind and caring to me. I’m not scared of Roman at all.

“And don’t think I didn’t notice younotdeny him being sexy as fuck,” she says with a grin.

“I guess if tall, dark, and giant does it for you, then yes, he’s handsome.”

“Shut up! You practically swallowed your tongue when he came in. Now, spill! What all happened? I want every last detail!” she demands.

So, I do. I recount every part to her, and when I’m done, I let her sit in silence, soaking it in.

“Okay, babe. He’s so into you. He stopped his day tocarry you home. Took care of you. Gave you his number. And stopped by to check on you. You lucky bitch.”

“Oh, stop. He would’ve done it for anyone. He’s just a good Samaritan. It wasn’t about me,” I add, but secretly hope maybe I got a special treatment. Maybe he is interested in me a little.

“I seriously doubt that. And based on what I saw, he’s definitely interested in you. You have to go on that date with him.”

“I’ll think about it,” I mumble.

I haven’t been on a date in so long. I find it hard to put myself out there. And finding someone who matches me hasn’t been easy.

“Cecilia, what is there to think about? The sexy god wants to go out with you. He wants you to teach himyogafor fucks sake!” She saysyogaas if it’s absurd.

“What’s wrong with yoga? Maybe he genuinely wants to learn. It’s a great way to center your life and find inner peace,” I say, somewhat offended. I love yoga. I know it’s not her thing, but it means so much to me.

“I know. It’s great for you. But do you seriously think a man that looks like him wants to be around a woman that looks like you just to learn yoga?” I huff and she continues. “That man wants to be doing so much more than yoga with you. Look at you! Yoga is not the only thing on his mind. He wants to do a different kind of exercise with you.”

I blush at the innuendo and smile unconsciously.

“HA! See, I knew you’re into him!” She points at my face as she says it.

“Fine. Yes, I’m interested in him. Not only does he look handsome, but he also has a heart of gold. How could I not be into him?”

“This is so exciting! I’m so happy for you!”

“I can’t believe you’re not more skeptical of him.”

“Oh, I don’t trust him at all. But it’s good to see you happy. You lit up talking to him. I think he could be good for you. I haven’t seen you look at a guy like that since… ever.”

“I know. He’s different.” I smile, then scowl. “I can’t believe you stayed the entire time!”

“I wasn’t about to let him into our apartment to murder you.” She huffs. “Plus, I was curious. I couldn’t let a man looking like him in without knowing the full story.”

“Fine. You really think he likes me?” I can’t help the hope in my voice.

I’ve never had this kind of connection with a man before.

And I don’t want to lose it.

Chapter 11

Roman

I’m leaning against the wall across from a worn-down apartment complex. This shitty place needs to be condemned.

I straighten when my target exits the front door.

Long, sexy legs covered in scrubs take a left, and I follow.