I batted my lashes, trying to lighten the mood. “You could still have models. Just… add me to the mix.”
He shot me a look that was both incredulous and amused. “Savannah.”
“Roman.”
“You couldn’t have said… like, Jake from accounting?”
“Everyone knows you. You’re the only one they know.”
“That’s fair,” he conceded, a hint of a smile creeping onto his lips.
“The more I think about this, the more ridiculous it sounds,” he said, finally walking toward the kitchen. “You fake-engaged me to your entire family, to outdo your sister who’s marrying your ex, and now we’re driving to New Hope to pull off this epic lie?”
I nodded, my resolve firm.
“Okay, okay, counteroffer-I give you my next paycheck. Just the one. And maybe my soul,” he said, half-joking, half-serious.
Roman snorted, shaking his head. “Love, your paycheck wouldn’t even cover my shoelaces. I bought you a winter coat last Christmas that cost six times your rent.”
“And I love that coat,” I said sweetly, a grin spreading across my face. “See? I’m grateful. Please, Roman… I can’t survive this sister.”
He watched me, his eyes softening. “You’re lucky you’re my best friend.”
“I love you,” I squealed, feeling a rush of affection.
Roman sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. “When do we leave for New Hope?”
“In two weeks,” I replied, a mix of excitement and dread bubbling inside me.
He shook his head, chuckling softly. “Great. Let’s ruin a wedding.”
In a moment of sheer joy, I practically threw myself into his arms, wrapping my limbs around him like a koala clinging to a tree.
“Thank you! I knew you would agree!” I exclaimed, my heart racing.
“Yeah, don’t get too excited,” he said, rolling his eyes but unable to hide a smile.
I exhaled, finally allowing myself to sink into the comfort of his couch.
Roman glanced at me, then made his way to the kitchen. “I’m still making popcorn.”
“Huh?” I replied, momentarily distracted.
“And ice cream too. You need both. Preferably in the same bowl,” he called back, his voice warm and inviting.
I smiled, my heart swelling with gratitude. “You’re the best fake fiancé a girl could ask for.”
He returned moments later, balancing a giant bowl of buttered popcorn in one hand and another filled with vanilla ice cream topped with rich chocolate sauce and crushed Oreos in the other.
He plopped down beside me, handing me a spoon.
“Come on,” he said, slinging an arm around my shoulders. “You’re not making me cuddle alone.”
I wrinkled my nose, playfully protesting. “You’re in your underwear.”
“And yet, still the more clothed one in this friendship,” he shot back, a teasing grin on his face.
I settled into his side, letting out a contented sigh. “You’re really going to do this for me?”
Roman kissed the top of my head, his affection palpable. “I’ve been doing stuff for you since the day we met. This one’s just got better snacks.”
“Only if you ignore Chloe,” I reminded him, a hint of seriousness creeping back into my tone.
“Do we have to kiss?” Roman asked, his brows raised in mock concern.
The thought hit me like a bolt of lightning, jolting me upright. “Oh shit!”
Roman smirked, clearly enjoying my panic. “You really thought of everything but that?”
“How did I forget that?” I exclaimed, flustered.
“I’m sorry… Did you think engaged people do finger guns and fist bumps at dinner parties?” he joked, laughter dancing in his eyes.
“Well, I didn’t think we’d need a full kissing strategy! But now I’m imagining us standing awkwardly next to the cake like coworkers who accidentally RSVP’d yes to the same wedding.” I cringed at the mental image. “I suggest we practice, Roman.”
He shifted closer, moving with a predatory grace, like a lion circling an unsuspecting antelope.
“Practice?” he echoed, a playful glint in his eyes.
“Yes! This is a tongue-related crisis,” I insisted, my voice rising in urgency.
Roman laughed, clearly entertained by my overzealousness.
“One trial kiss,” I declared. “A simulation. For science.”
“You want to kiss me… for science?” he asked, feigning innocence.
“Don’t make it weird,” I shot back, rolling my eyes.
He stopped just in front of me, closing the distance until there was barely an inch between us. Suddenly, the air around us felt charged, thicker, warmer, and undeniably dangerous.
His gaze flicked down to my mouth, and I felt a flutter of nerves.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.