Page 43 of Deceptive Desires

“Am I being crazy? Delusional? Naïve?” I groan in exasperation. “There’s no way he feels the same this early.”

“Feels how?”

“In love.” I’m sure I look just as shocked as she does at the words. I didn’t expect them. Didn’t realize I was feeling this way. But now that I’ve said it, I know it’s true.

I’m falling in love with Roman…what’s his last name?

Oh my goodness!

I’m falling in love with a man whose last name I don’t even know!

“Calm down. You look like you’ve seen a ghost. It’s not a bad thing. I think some studies show that you know if you’re going to marry that person by the third time you meet… or something like that, right?” She sounds less sure by the end.

“You’re asking me? Why are you asking me? I don’t know these studies!” I cry out hysterically.

“It’s fine. The premise is some people just know early on. That’s not a bad thing.”

“You don’t think it’s just because he’s the first guy I’ve cared about?”

I’m scared that’s the truth. That this isn’t love, but infatuation. That I’m confused because he’s the only guy I’ve ever engaged with.

“I think that’s a great reason. Many guys have thrown themselves at you. He’s the first guy because he’s the only one you’ve returned feelings for. You’ve finally found someone worth giving a chance.”

“Oh. That… that actually makes sense,” I concede, not having an argument for it.

“Duh!” she grumbles, as if she always makes sense.

“Do you think he could like me back?” I ask, praying she says yes. Praying he likes me. Loves me.

“Babe, look at him. How many times has he saved you? And he’s never once demanded anything in return. Hell, he even respects your boundaries. He slept on the floor next to you because you were drugged. He had me undress and shower you because he didn’t want to take advantage of you in that state. Heasked you nicely to take you out to dinner. He came to a club full of people over a decade younger than him just to see you.”

I see the point she’s trying to make, but I also see another point.

“What if he just sees me as a friend? He’s had ample opportunities to make a move, and he hasn’t. What if I’ve been friend-zoned?”

“Girl, I saw the dance floor. He had to physically pull himself back. And his concern over you and anger at the guy, that’s not friend feelings,” she counters, so sure of herself that I start to believe her. “And let’s not pretend that your lips aren’t red and swollen.”

I flush at the reminder of our kiss.

It was so sweet, full of restrained need.

I unconsciously run my fingers across my lips, feeling his phantom kiss.

“Yeah, he’s so not friend-zoning you.” She snorts and grabs the remote. “As much as I love hearing about your love life, I need to finish this episode and find out who murdered this woman.”

On that disturbing note, I take my leave. I have no interest in finding out who killed that woman.

“Those shows only make you crazier! How are you ever going to trust someone when you suspect every man is capable of murder?” I sigh as I leave.

“Every man is capable of murder,” she counters obstinately.

“Not Roman. My hero could never!”

She doesn’t respond, too engrossed in her show, so I leave.

And as I fall asleep, all I can think about is him.

Chapter 26