Page 8 of Deceptive Desires

Chapter 4

Cecilia

As he said, he had no problem carrying me home. We’ve reached my apartment complex, and he huffs a breath as he opens the front door and makes his way into the lobby. I swear I hear him mutter something about‘no lock’then‘safety hazard’when he bypasses the elevator.

My complex may not be the fanciest, but it gets the job done. It’s not in a terrible neighborhood either, so I’m not too worried about the lack of a lock on the front door.

“I’m on the fifth floor. You might want to take the elevator,” I explain, and it comes out willowy.

“Sunshine, we’re not getting in that death trap. It looks a ride away from collapsing,” he says with an eye roll as he takes the stairs two at a time. “And, again, I have no issue carrying you.”

My hero’s so strong.

He grins.

“Here we are!” I squeal, then flinch at the noise. There’s a drumline in my head marching and pounding.

I fish in my purse for my keys but drop them before I can slide the key into the deadbolt. Roman squats, grabs the keys, and unlocks the door, all while balancing me in one arm.

He walks in and takes a moment to look around. I study his features, wanting him to love my place. It’s tiny, but it’s ours. Gracie and I spent a lot of time thrifting and at estate sales collecting décor and furniture.

He nods with what I hope is approval then lays me on the couch. He crouches next to me and just stares for a few seconds. A look of what I can only describe as awe crosses his face.

“I need to check you out,” he says worriedly.You can check me out any day. He chuckles. “While that may be the case, now’s not the time. I’m going to check you for a concussion. Okay, sunshine?”

“Thank you, héroe.” I shoot him my biggest grin, and he smiles back.

He gently pries my left eye open and shines his phone’s flashlight in it. I flinch back, but he holds my head.What a strong grip.He moves on to my left eye and hums in approval.

“Sunshine, follow my finger.” It’s the only instruction he gives before slowly moving his finger side to side. “No, no. Just with your eyes.” I keep my head still and do as he says.

“Whoa,” I groan and squeeze my eyes shut.

“What’s wrong, Cecilia?” His voice comes out rushed, almost frantic.

“Dizzy. So, dizzy,” I mumble.

He hums in disappointment this time. “Okay, you can keep your eyes shut. I want you to touch your nose with your index finger, alternating hands.”

I do as he says, but even I can tell how slowly I’m moving.

“Good girl,” he murmurs, and I can’t stop myself from reddening. “Now, I’m going to give you three words, I want you to remember them.”

I nod then wince, opening my eyes.

“Sunshine. Smiles. Spanish.” He stares into my eyes as he says them, and I can feel the electricity shift between us.

“Español. Sunshine. Smiles,” I repeat with a grin.

“Not yet, sunshine. I’m going to ask you a few questions first. What’s your name?”

“Cecilia María Álvarez Rivera. I already told you that.”I hope he doesn’t have memory issues.

He grins and continues. “Good job, Celia. What day of the week is it?”

“It’s Wednesday. It’s a great day.”

“Why is it a great day?” He seems genuinely interested.