Page 20 of Loving Roman (The Summer Twins #3)

“Nah, that’s okay. I did want kids of my own, but I never met the right woman at the right time.” I shrug. “Then I got into what I’m doing now, and I never seemed to have the time to meet someone. The kids fill my days, and I don’t feel like I’m missing out on having my own when I have them.”

I know I’m not supposed to get attached, but I love the kids I’m caring for as if they were my own.

I don’t know how I could possibly keep my heart out of it; not sure I’d want to.

It’s not who I am at my core. I’ve been told I feel too deeply, but I don’t think it’s possible.

Some people don’t allow themselves to feel deeply enough, in my opinion.

“My work is beyond that of a standard nine-to-five job, but I love what I do. It’s not something I can leave behind, so I can’t imagine too many women would be interested in getting involved with someone like me.”

She flicks her wrist as if she’s flicking away my words.

“I don’t know about that. You’re doing such a great job with them.

They’re so well adjusted and happy. I find that an attractive quality, and I’m certain I wouldn’t be the only woman to feel that way.

” But she’s the only woman I want to feel that way.

Her words have a seed of hope growing deep in my soul for a future together. I drop my eyes to our joined hands, noticing how well they fit together. “Thanks. I do my best. Our unit isn’t perfect. We all have our moments.”

“All families do. That’s the beautiful thing, Roman. You’ve created a family. From what I’ve observed so far, most, but not all, of the Parkerville homes have a strong family atmosphere. You should feel proud of what you’ve created. On your own, no less.”

“I do feel proud. Last December, we almost lost all of the homes when it was discovered that a large sum of money had been stolen from The Parkerville Project . Everyone had to move to the central location. It was interesting to watch the different dynamics that I’m not normally privy to.

Some counselors have their own agendas instead of following what the kids in their care need. ”

The rest of the meal is spent discussing everything from the education system to our favorite ice cream flavors.

We agree on the importance of communication but agree to disagree on the best football team.

On all important matters, we’re remarkably similar, but we also have some differences that aren’t necessarily deal breakers.

We decide to wander along the pier to walk off some of the carbs we enjoyed for dinner, soaking up the warmish evening and engaging in more conversation before calling it a night.

I don’t want to let her go.

If I could invite her back to the group home, I would, but it’s unethical and inappropriate in a house full of pre-pubescent kids. I’m their role model, and she’s protective of her new role. There’s no way I’d dream of putting her in a situation that could cause her discomfort.

We arrive at her car, and I can’t stop myself from pressing her against the driver’s door.

Holding her hands down by our sides, I nuzzle the crook of her neck, inhaling her addictive vanilla scent.

There’s something about her that centers me, makes me feel at ease, and allows me to be myself.

It’s not as if I’ve dated a lot over the years to be an expert or anything, but I’m drawn to her in a way I can’t explain.

I kiss her in the place I know she loves—behind her earlobe—and slowly move my way toward her mouth.

She sighs as I press my body into hers and my cock lengthens against her softness.

I kiss her deeply, expressing my intimate need for her.

With our mouths united, our breaths blend, and our tongues dance.

Her kisses are as exquisite now as they were when we were on vacation. Addictive .

My mind blanks of the million and one things I need to do and fixates on this moment, with her, only her.

It’ll only ever be her for me.

I need to make this work.

Desperately.

She pulls back from the kiss, her lips slowly widening, as she drops her forehead to my chest. I release her hands and wrap my arms around her shoulders, tucking her into me.

Wrapping her arms around my waist, she looks up at me. “It’s been such a long time since I’ve been kissed. I’d forgotten how much I enjoy the intimacy.”

I should feel jealous that some other man was lucky enough to kiss her, but I’d be stupid to think she’d never been kissed before.

Apart from the fact that she has a grown son, she’s a beautiful woman.

The part that surprises me the most is that she hasn’t enjoyed male company for a very long time.

She hinted as much during the few days we spent together.

“I could stand here all night kissing you, but you really should head home to the kids.”

I look at my watch over her shoulder. It’s after eleven, and I have an early start to get the kids ready for school.

I still have to make their lunches when I get home.

“I don’t wanna let you go.” I sound like a kid who doesn’t want to leave the park, but deep down, I never want to let her go again.

I want her with me, by my side, day in, day out.

She presses up onto her toes and kisses my mouth tenderly before dropping her hands from my waist and pulling away too soon. I step back from her so she can climb into her car.

“When will I see you again?” I sound desperate because I am. I fear if she has too long to think about this, she’ll close the door on me; on us.

She looks out of her windshield and then back to me, studying my face closely as I rest my arms on the roof and door, leaning forward so I’m almost inside her car.

“I’m visiting my son and his wife this weekend.

Working out a time is going to be tricky with our schedules.

” She fidgets with her shirt buttons. “I’m still finding my feet in this new job.

Can I promise to call you late the week after next? ”

“Will I hear from you?” I need to know if this is one-sided. Sometimes I feel as though she feels the same. Other times, I feel she’s halfway out the door. I lock eyes with her, waiting for her answer.

“Yes. Yes, you will. I promise.” She places her hand on my thigh. “I really enjoy spending time with you. From what I know of you so far, I know for sure you’re a man I’d like to get to know further.”

I blow out a long breath of relief, anticipating the worst but hoping for the best. My body sags in the doorway, and I crouch lower to be at eye level.

Cupping her face in my hands, I pull her forward and seal our mouths.

As is the norm for us, we soak up each other in the moment.

When we pull away, Alice’s lips are swollen, her eyes twinkling.

A small grin touches her lips, and a giggle escapes her.

When I evaluate my own emotional state, I find I feel lighter than I have since my vacation.

I feel happier saying goodbye, having faith she’ll contact me.

Arriving home, the kids are in bed and I feel guilty for keeping Kate and Oliver so late when I find Kate asleep in Oliver’s arms on the couch.

I genuinely lost track of time, and being so reluctant to let her go, I dawdled when it was time to part ways.

I’m tempted to leave them asleep, but they won’t get proper rest on the couch as they are.

I gently wake them both, and they open their eyes and stretch.

Kate’s lips spread wide as she wiggles her eyebrows up and down.

“So … that’s Alice, huh?” I accidentally let it slip that I’d met someone when she was pestering me for all the details about my week away.

She wanted to help me track Alice down. Oliver even offered to hire an investigator, but I refused.

There were legitimate reasons we agreed not to share too many personal details, and I wanted to respect that.

I tuck my hands deep into the pockets of my jeans, trying to pull off a casual look. “Yeah.” But I’m certain I’ve got a stupid-ass look on my face.

“She seems really lovely. I’m so excited for you,” Kate says, her denim-colored eyes twinkling beneath the light of the lamp.

“Sunshine, I think you might be getting ahead of yourself.” Oliver tugs his wife in tight, kissing her forehead. “They just shared a meal. He didn’t propose marriage.”

“Yet,” Kate replies cheekily.

“I need to be patient with her. She doesn’t want to do anything that may hinder her career, so she’s a little gun-shy.” Oliver and Kate lock eyes, sharing a secret smile. I look pointedly at Oliver. “Any tips?”

He huffs out a laugh. “Respect her boundaries and go at her pace.” He looks down at Kate with adoration. “Be persistent and show her you say what you mean and mean what you say.”

I nod. All good advice. From the start, Alice and I haven’t played games. We decided that at our age, we were beyond all of that. Even tonight, neither of us minced our words or hid how we were feeling.

“Neither of us wants to play games. She’s visiting her son and his wife this weekend, and she’s still finding her feet with the new job.” I run my hands through my hair. “She promised to contact me late next week. I trust her words, her intentions.”

Kate steps out of Oliver’s hold and embraces me tightly, squealing quietly. “As I said before, I’m so excited for you.”

Oliver shakes my hand. “I’m happy for you, man.”

“I’m feeling pretty great myself, to be honest.” I allow myself to feel excited at the prospect of a relationship with a woman who’s pretty close to my perfect match.