A pulse of heat ignited low in my stomach, a fierce longing that made my nipples tighten, the fabric of my dress brushing against my skin in a way that sent shivers down my spine. My thighs pressed together instinctively, a futile attempt to quell the rising tide of desire.
You shouldn’t be feeling this way, Savannah.
He ran a hand through his damp hair, yawning as he sauntered into the bathroom with an ease that baffled me. It was as if he was completely unaware of the effect he had on me, so comfortable in his own skin, so at ease in my presence.
I found myself staring at the now black screen long after the door clicked shut behind him.
God help me.
He emerged a few minutes later, a towel draped around his hips, droplets of water clinging to his forehead, his damp hair a tousled mess. “You okay, Sav?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.
I nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah. Just… hungry.” My stomach growled in agreement, a reminder of our earlier conversation.
He tilted his head, a teasing smile playing at the corners of his lips. “Food-hungry or…?”
“Roman,” I warned, laughter bubbling up despite my embarrassment. I could feel my cheeks heating up, a blush creeping across my face.
He grinned, mischief dancing in his eyes. “Vertigo acting up?”
“A little. It’s manageable.” I tried to sound nonchalant, but my heart raced.
“Need help showering?” His offer was innocent, but the way his gaze lingered made my cheeks warm even more.
“No. I just need help pulling these tights down my legs.” My voice came out softer than I intended.
He stepped behind me, his movements careful and gentle, as if he was handling something fragile.
His knuckles brushed against the bare skin of my waist as he slowly, deliberately dragged the tight material down the curve of my backside.
I shivered at the contact.
His breath caught in his throat. “You’re freezing.”
I wasn’t.
My core throbbed with a fierce, aching need, and I could feel every nerve in my body igniting with sensation.
He noticed. I was certain of it.
Finally, he managed to pull the tights down to my ankles, and I quickly removed them entirely, stepping into the bathroom and shutting the door behind me.
“Thanks,” I murmured, my heart racing.
I desperately needed a cold shower. Or perhaps a priest.
By the time we descended the staircase, we appeared to be just another couple, perhaps even a tad too idyllic for the casual observer.
I was clad in a comfortable pair of dungarees, while Roman opted for a pair of shorts paired with a crisp white cotton shirt. We blended seamlessly into the scene, looking almost ordinary.
But perhaps we were too ordinary.
As we entered the room, my gaze was immediately drawn to Emily, who radiated an ethereal glow, seated regally at the heart of the gathering, much like a queen returning to her kingdom. A festive birthday cone perched jauntily atop her head, and a magnificent cake, so grand it could easily be mistaken for the centerpiece of her own birthday celebration, sat invitingly before her.
Her hair was elegantly braided into a French plait, framing her face, which sparkled with the vitality of youth. Beside her plate of lasagna lay her beloved stuffed unicorn, a silent companion amidst the merriment. The atmosphere was alive with the clinking of champagne glasses, the rich aroma of wine, and the decadent scent of red velvet cake, all while family members filled every nook and cranny of the room.
Even Aunt Carol, Lizzie’s mother, had made an appearance, adding to the vibrant tapestry of family moments unfolding around us.
Alyssa’s face lit up like a firework upon spotting Roman. She silently mouthed a quick ‘be right back’ to Uncle Jace, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she made her way towards us.
In an instant, she enveloped Roman in a warm embrace, her voice a soft whisper, “Thank you so much.”
I stood awkwardly to the side, my hands clasped behind my back, observing the tender exchange as if I were a mere bystander in a world that felt both familiar and distant.
The infectious tune of “The Wheels on the Bus” blared through the speakers, and I watched as Dad and Emily joyfully sang along, their laughter mingling with the melody. Dad threw his head back, his laughter booming every time Emily missed a step in the song, a clear testament to the love he held for her.
From my vantage point, I could feel that love radiating, even from a distance.
A sudden wave of longing washed over me as I unconsciously placed my hand on my stomach, a haunting reminder of what could have been. Would he have shared that same joy and affection for my child had fate allowed it to thrive?
But who was I kidding? Dad had ensured it never saw the light of day.
My thoughts were abruptly interrupted as Alyssa unexpectedly pulled me into a bone-crushing hug that nearly knocked the breath out of me.
“Thank you, Sav. I owe you my daughter’s life.”
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, a testament to her overwhelming gratitude.
“Oh, Alyssa, nonsense,” I replied, attempting to brush off her words. “I love Emily. We’re family.”
She glanced over at Roman, who was engrossed in a lively discussion with Mom and Aunt Thelma. Mom said something that sent Aunt Thelma into a fit of laughter, and as Roman caught my eye, a shared smile passed between us.
Mom noticed our connection and nudged Aunt Thelma, and they both erupted into giggles, reminiscent of schoolgirls sharing a secret.
Feeling the heat rise in my cheeks, I quickly averted my gaze.
“Thank you for bringing him into our lives and our family. I will forever be indebted to you, Sav.” Alyssa’s grip on my hands was firm, her sincerity palpable.
I bit my lip, grappling with the urge to voice my concerns. It felt like an elephant in the room, and yet, it was gnawing at me, demanding to be addressed.
Swallowing hard, I gently pulled Alyssa away from the festive laughter and music, guiding her toward the quieter space beneath the staircase-a sanctuary away from Emily’s sparkling eyes and Roman’s serene smile beside her.
“Alyssa,” I began, my tone measured and careful, “about Emily…”
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.