Page 21 of Deceptive Desires

I pick up my phone.

I push my finger on the green button.

And I hold my breath.

Chapter 13

Cecilia

“Hey, sunshine,” Roman’s smooth voice flows through my phone.

“Hey, héroe,” I shoot back. It comes out breathless.

“I’m so glad you reached out. I was afraid I was going to have to stop by again, and you’d think I was a crazy stalker,” he teases lightly.

“Oh no! I know you’re not like that at all. You’re too kind and caring. You could never be accused of being crazy.”

He lets out a sharp, unexpected chuckle, and my heart stutters. The sound shoots through me, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Oh, sunshine. You have no idea.” He sighs wistfully. “So, you wanted to thank me for helping you?”

“Yes! I don’t know how I would’ve made it home if it weren’t for you. I’m so grateful.”

Gracie nudges me, then mouths, ‘put it on speaker.’

I roll my eyes but do as she says.

“To show your thanks, why don’t you let me take you out to dinner,” he offers as thoughhimtakingmeto dinner would showmythanks tohim.

“Shouldn’t it be the other way around? To show you my thanks, shouldn’tIbe takingyouto dinner?” I suggest teasingly.

“Sunshine, I’ll never let you take me out. I’ll always be the one spoiling you.” It comes out a smooth promise.

I giggle and redden.

“But then how will I be expressing my gratitude to you in this situation?”

“By gracing me with your presence,” he says it like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

I blush further and glance at Gracie for help, lost at what to say.

‘Say yes to dinner,’ she mouths to me.

“I’d love to go to dinner with you.” It comes out shakily. I’m shaking. I’m nervous I read into this wrong, and he’s not actually asking me out.

“Perfect. I look forward to our date.” He saysdatelike it’s his favorite treat. “How about tomorrow evening?”

“Ye–” I started but Gracie nudges me again. “Oof!”

“You okay?” he asks, concerned.

“Yes. But no, tomorrow doesn’t work for me. I’m sorry.”

“That’s okay. What about the next night?” he asks resiliently.

‘Invite him!’ she mouths.

“Yes, that works!” I agree, then continue. “Tomorrow some friends of mine are going to a club. Would you want to join us?” I cringe as I say it, bracing for the rejection.