Just as we enter the living room, she calls upstairs to tell Roman’s uncle that I’ve arrived. Glancing around the living room, I take in the splendor of the modern yet classical décor. The hardwood floors reflect the light from the Christmas tree. The crackling fire heats up the room, sending a burst of warmth through my body. A brown leather sectional fills the space along with a glass coffee table in the center of the room.
Footsteps barrel down the stairs and seconds later Uncle Vinny comes waltzing into the living room, waving at me. “Hello Melanie, thank you for coming.”
I return his gesture with a smile. “Thank you for inviting me.”
Taking a seat on the sofa, I glance around for Roman but don’t see him. Maggie notices my curiosity and giggles. “He’s in his room still getting ready. He didn’t want any help. He’ll be out in a minute.”
Embarrassed, my cheeks heat and immediately flush. “Oh I just wanted—”
She nods. “I understand. So, tell me, how’s work in the ICU going?”
“Well, it’s hard work, I’ll tell you that. Lately, it’s been a little calm, not too many patients. Some of the patients we had have been transferred out of ICU so it’s always rewarding to know that I’ve helped someone recover.”
The two of them listen with open ears as I describe life as a nurse. Their eyes shine with awe and approval. The sound of a swinging door distracts me from my story as I peek toward the hallway. The rolling sounds of Roman’s wheelchair grows louder as he makes his way into the living room. My eyes follow him as he wheels inside looking deviously handsome in a red polo collared shirt, jeans, and a pair of black Nike sneakers.
I rise off of the sofa, standing still as he approaches. Not sure how to greet him, I extend my hand, signaling for a handshake. He chuckles and gestures at Uncle Vinny to help him. Uncle Vinny stands next to the wheelchair, grabbing Roman’s arms to lift him off the seat as Roman struggles to stand. I watch with admiration as Roman steadies his balance and Uncle Vinny releases his hold.
The pounding in my chest beats faster as butterflies flutter and glide across my stomach. My eyes get lost in his as I stare deep into his soul. I smirk, noticing his new haircut, loving his choice of style. His hand reaches out, entwining our fingers together. His body leans into mine as his arm wraps around me. The scent of him infuses my nostrils as his body heat radiates, warming mine to a calming temperature. As our bodies press, I sense his beating heart pound against my chest. We embrace each other, not caring who’s in the living room with us. To me, we are all alone.
Letting go, his eyes scan up and down as his lips curve into a smirk. He leans in closer to whisper, “You look beautiful.”
My cheeks flush instantly at his reaction
. I’m only wearing a black dress, nothing fancy. Swallowing hard, I muster up a quiet “thank you” and step away, not wanting to get any more riled up. He senses my embarrassment and slowly retreats back into his seat, not taking his eyes off of me.
I’ve been here five minutes and I’m already about to melt from his intense gaze. Damn, I need a drink right now or I’m going to lose it.
Clearing my throat, I speak up and glance at Maggie. “How bout that wine?”
Roman
THE GORGEOUS WOMAN standing in front of me knocks the air out of my lungs just by looking at me. Her beauty is strikingly extraordinary. She’s so gorgeous, and what’s even better is that she doesn’t even realize it. She doesn’t need the makeup or the sexy clothing; all she needs is that natural look of wonder in her eyes. It’s the eyes that send chills all over my body. When I’m around her, I have to try so hard to control myself, and more often than not, I find myself struggling to remain in control.
I’ve always felt that pull toward her, ever since that day in the bakery over ten years ago. It drew me in and never let go. Even after all these years, she’s still the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen. Yes, her body is perfectly shaped and slender, but the best part of her is her heart. Her genuine sense of wanting to help others is what made me fall for her. Her personality is the best quality she has. It’s what makes her beautiful in my eyes, because without that personality, I would not be here, staring into her eyes. I’d probably be in some mental hospital somewhere after being locked up for psychiatric help.
Five days ago I was at the lowest point in my life. My career as a firefighter was over. I couldn’t walk and my face is permanently disfigured. After that, I basically said ‘fuck it’ and didn’t give a shit anymore. Who cared what happened in physical therapy? I was sure it wouldn’t amount to anything anyway. I’d never get back into the same shape that I was before the collapse. I wasn’t the same man anymore. That man died in the fire and the man who lived was just a shadow wallowing in despair.
Everything changed the day she came to see me during my therapy session. Life had fucked me over and I didn’t give a rat’s ass about myself, but seeing her there, watching me fail infuriated me. I didn’t want to falter in front of her. I wanted to be good enough. I wanted to matter.
When she gave me that speech and basically told me to stop being a dick and get my life back into gear, I listened to every single word. She would never want a man who didn’t care about life. She doesn’t deserve that. And, god, when she said my name, it was music to my ears. My whole body erupted as if it awoke from a horrible nightmare. My heart beat harder in my chest as she pushed me to keep on trying. Her words hit me hard and that’s when I knew: I wasn’t going to give up so easily.
If someone had told me a few weeks ago that I would be watching her and Aunt Maggie converse while drinking wine in the living room, I wouldn’t have believed it. But, here I am, completely enthralled by everything that’s happened. I’m still in shock that she’s actually here. As they discuss her job, I study her. The movement of her arms as she expresses her feelings, the curve of her lips as she smiles, the waves of her blonde hair brushing along her shoulder blades. It all adds up to one thing: I’m completely head over heels for this girl and I always have been.
“Roman, do you want to help us in the kitchen?” Aunt Maggie’s voice shakes me out of my daydream. I glance up at her and notice her heading toward the kitchen with Melanie, so I follow.
Wheeling my way inside, the space is a little tight, so I position the chair in the corner. “What do you ladies need help with?”
Aunt Maggie hands Melanie an apron. “Well, nothing really. I’m just finishing up the frosting for the cake and I know you love that frosting.”
I clasp my hands. “How can I deny it? It’s the best part of the cake!”
Melanie laughs. “You sure do love sweets, don’t you?”
Nodding in agreement, I push myself a little closer so I can watch Aunt Maggie show Melanie how to make the frosting. She listens attentively and nods with understanding, soaking it all in. Her forehead creases as she concentrates on the instructions, memorizing the key and crucial points in perfecting the best frosting mix.
Gathering the ingredients, I watch as she mixes them together while Aunt Maggie melts the chocolate on the stove. Her face beams as she churns the mix with the wooden spoon. She peeks at me for a quick moment and I wink back at her.
Aunt Maggie asks, “Hey Roman, remember when you were younger and you used to listen to music at the bakery?”