Roman (Raleigh Raptors 2)

My breath hitched as the doors swung open, and I let that flutter in my heart ground me in the present. The earlier revelation spiked to the forefront of my mind, and I held onto that notion, knowing I had a lot of explaining to do once we made it home.

Roman filed out the door after Nixon, and I couldn’t stop myself from bouncing up and down. He met me halfway, rushing toward me and scooping me into his arms.

“One-hundred and forty-four rushing yards, babe!” I squealed as he walked us down the hallway, oblivious to anyone else around us. “And a freaking sixty-one-yard touchdown for the win!” I planted a kiss on his lips, my toes curling in my shoes that hung above the ground as he continued to haul us out of there.

“Goddamn, T,” he said against my mouth, his tongue teasing the seam of my lips. “I love seeing you in my jersey. Love knowing you’re up there watching me. Cheering for me.”

“I always am,” I said, and he flashed me a knowing look that was equal parts mischief and pride.

I continued to kiss him all the way to his car and didn’t let go of his hand the entire ride home.

After we had a quick celebratory dinner, Roman rounded the kitchen island, and I could tell from the look in his eyes that I was going to be dessert.

Heat flared down my spine, anticipation coiling my muscles.

“Wait!” I said, stopping his approaching lips with my finger.

He sucked my finger into his mouth, swirling his tongue over the tip. My eyes rolled back in my head for a second, but I sucked in a breath to ground my mind.

“I need to talk to you,” I said, and he instantly took a step away from me, eyes wide, clear.

“What’s up?” He asked, his voice low and rough as he slid his hands into his pockets. The move looked like he was worried what he’d do with them if he left them free.

I grinned a little at the motion before crossing the distance between us to stand before him. “Do you know how happy you make me?” I smiled up at him, and he blew out a tight breath. I tilted my head—was that relief I saw in his eyes?

“That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do, Teagan,” he said, his right hand shifting a little in his pocket.

“You always have,” I admitted. “My best friend, my partner in everything. My supporter.” Emotion clogged my throat. “And now…with what’s going on between us…” I bit my lip to keep from crying. “I want to move out.”

Roman jolted, shoving the hand that had been about to come out of his pocket further in it. He took a step back, then another, shock and regret and panic coloring those dark eyes.

“No, Roman.” I cringed and quickly raised my hands at his retreat. “Oh, God. I’m sorry.”

“Teagan?” He arched a brow at my rambling.

“Okay,” I said, raking my fingers through my hair. “Let me explain.”

“Yes,” he said, nodding a bit rapidly. “Please, do.”

I tried not to laugh at the tease in his voice. “I’ve never been happier in my entire life than when I’m with you. And a part of me has always known that.” My eyes lilted to the side, a thousand memories playing on full-speed through my mind, filling my heart with each realization of how important Roman had always been to me, and what it meant now. “And I don’t want to move out, but I need to.”

He tilted his head, some of his dark hair falling across his brow.

“I need to stand on my own,” I continued. “Be independent for myself, and for you. I want to be a true partner to you, Roman. Not just the best friend who came to crash at your house and ended up staying forever.” My eyes widened, and I hurried to continue. “Not that I’d stay forever. I mean, I would.” I cringed again, and Roman laughed. “I’m not saying you’d want me forever…” My voice trailed off with a huff, and I raised my hand. “Can I start over?”

Roman kept laughing as he broke the distance between us, sliding his arms around my back to haul me to him. “You don’t have to start over,” he said, teasing my nose with his. “I understand.”

“You do?”

He nodded.

“Of course, you do,” I said. “You’re perfect.”

“You are,” he chided before nipping at my bottom lip. Instantly, my thoughts were far from apartment hunting and closer to Roman hunting. “And I completely understand the need to take ownership of your life.”

A soft sigh escaped my lips at how well he understood me.

“But,” he said, and I held my breath. “Can I beg one thing?”

I nodded, unable to find my voice.

“Can we schedule sleepovers?” That sly smirk shaped his lips, and I matched his happiness with a smile that nearly hurt it was so real.