Page 13 of Deceptive Desires (The Syndicate #2)

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 though him taking me to dinner would show my thanks to him.

“Shouldn’t it be the other way around? To show you my thanks, shouldn’t I be taking you to 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 says date like 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.

There’s a long pause, then, “Which club?”

“The Syn Den. It’s downtown,” I offer, in case he doesn’t know.

He exhales. “Perfect. What time? And can I pick you up or should I meet you there?” he sounds eager at the opportunity to pick me up, but Gracie’s eyes narrow and she shakes her head.

“Let’s meet there. Gracie and I have a getting ready routine.”

“Great. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Me too! I have to go. I enjoyed talking to you.”

“Me too. We’ll talk again soon.” It comes out so assuredly that I almost believe he can see the future.

“Okay,” I agree hopefully.

“Goodnight, Celia,” he says in a low voice.

“Goodnight, mi héroe,” I whisper back.

I stare at my phone on the counter, not wanting to end the call. He doesn’t end it on his end either.

Then, a finger clicks the red end call button. Gracie’s finger.

“You did so well! Tomorrow’s going to be amazing!” she says giddily. Well, as giddy as Gracie gets.

“I hope so.”