Roman takes a quick peek around the apartment. “Nice place. It’s very cozy.”
I hand him a beer and say, “Thanks. I know it’s small, but I love this apartment. It fits me perfectly.”
His dark brown eyes scan my body as his ja
w clenches. He reaches out to hold my hand and presses a small kiss on it. “You look gorgeous tonight.”
Shots of electricity shoot up my arm from my hand, stimulating my body. I thank him and immediately feel the rush of heat flow through my body and up to my face. We continue our talk in the kitchen as the others stay in the living room.
Moments later, Gia calls out for us. “Hey you two, it’s almost midnight! Get out here.”
I hadn’t realized how long Roman and I had been talking. We head back into the living room and Gia gasps, her eyes growing wide with excitement.
She clasps her hands together. “Oooh! We should head up to the roof to watch the fireworks.”
Everyone stares at me as I shrug my shoulders. “Well, I see don’t see why not. The roof is only two floors up. There might be people up there already.”
I grab my keys and coat while everyone puts theirs on. Before heading up to the roof, I hand out everyone’s New Years hats and party glasses. Gia pulls out a multicolored boa and winds it around her neck. Raya and Duke walk hand in hand up the stairs as Rob hoists Roman up the remaining two flights. We decide to leave the wheelchair in the apartment and I’ll just help Roman keep his balance.
Brad pushes the roof access door open and shouts back toward us, “It’s empty up here!”
We all step outside as Rob places a brick in between the door and the frame, preventing it from locking us outside. I hold Roman’s hand as he leans against me, steadying his balance. I place my hand on his lower back, adding another source of balance for him.
Gia yells out, “One more minute!”
We all crowd together as we wait for the last ten seconds of this year. I can’t believe the year is over, but I’m so ready to start a new one. I never would have imagined that Roman and I would be standing here together, holding hands. This past year has changed my life completely. And to think that earlier this past spring, I didn’t even care enough to have someone in my life. All I cared about was work, but look at me now: I’m happy just being where I am right now, at this moment.
Anticipation builds inside of me as Gia starts the countdown. Roman looks down at me and winks, squeezing my hand as we join in on the countdown.
The five of us shout at the top of our lungs, “Five, four, three, two, one! Happy New Year!” We all cheer and scream out loud, welcoming the New Year. I glance around to see Raya and Duke and Gia and Brad sharing their New Year’s kisses.
Instantly my stomach drops as nerves fill my body. I feel Roman’s hand travel upward from my back to my arms, then up toward my face. My eyes meet his as he stares at me with a heated passion, his lips curving into a smirk. Not knowing what to do, I inch closer to him, lean in, and kiss his right cheek. The feel of his scarred skin brushes my lips as I peck his face with fondness and devotion.
My lips leave his face as I stand back to give him a smile. “Happy New Year.”
He remains silent as his hand cups the side of my left cheek. His dark eyes stare at me with an intensity I’ve never seen before. His chest heaves up and down as I sense his beating heart. I swallow, trying to calm down my nerves. I lose all my ability to move as I stand there frozen in place, stunned as he inches closer and closer. His eyes travel down to my lips with a hunger he’s never shown. I bite my lower lip, trembling as he holds me.
The space between us closes as he bends his head toward me. My eyes shut, waiting to feel the brush of his lips on mine. His breath fuses with mine as I sense his lips are mere centimeters away from mine, and then we touch. His soft lips press into mine as sparks of emotion heat my blood. I raise my hand, pressing it against his chest, feeling his heart pound underneath his coat. Our lips glide across one another’s as I revel in this wonderful moment.
Suddenly a loud blast sounds from the sky, startling us and breaking me out of his grasp. Fireworks shoot into the sky, illuminating across the city skyline. Gia cheers at the display as Brad holds on to her.
I stare at the spectacular fireworks as Roman leans in to whisper, “Happy New Year Melanie. This year is already ten times better than the last because I have you in my arms.”
Melanie
LIFE HAS BEEN amazing this past month. Roman has recovered quickly to the point where he’s almost walking again. I make sure to visit during every physical therapy session he has just to show my loyalty and admiration toward him. Tom has even commented on the vast progression that Roman has endured. His only concern is that he feels that something is keeping Roman from fully letting go. He has the potential and the strength to walk again, but for some reason, he hasn’t pushed forward yet.
The two of us have been inseparable since New Year’s, spending as much time together as we can. Sometimes he visits me or I’ll end up visiting his aunt’s house in the Bronx. No matter how we spend our time, I love being around him. He makes me feel different in a way that no one has ever made me feel, even Duke. Back in high school, I thought I was in love with him; maybe I was, but it wasn’t the same as it is now. I don’t know how my life would be right now if I didn’t have Roman in it. I’d probably be alone and miserable, still working my ass off night after night at the hospital.
Looking at my reflection, I dab on a coat of lip gloss as my cellphone chimes, indicating a text message. Glancing down, I see it’s from Roman and click to read it.
Roman: On your way yet?
I smile at his enthusiasm.
Me: Yes. Be there soon. What’s for dinner?
Roman: Top secret. Hurry up.