Just One Look

Her face is unreadable until Ace comes running into the room. Her whole demeanor changes once she gets a glimpse of him. She smiles so wide and welcomes him in for a hug. Now I’m jealous of Ace. I want her to look at me that way. Not with cold disinterest.

I have to win her back. It’s the only option. Thankfully I never lose, and I don’t plan on starting now.

10

Fawn

“This is all so amazing.” I smile at Rebecca and Jim. They’re the heads at Healing Homes. The things they do for women all over the city are truly incredible. “If there is anything I can ever do to help, please let me know. I would love to get involved in some way.”

“Really?” Rebecca's eyes dart from me to Roman. The man had me plastered to his side since we got out of the car. You’d never know that he’s been avoiding me for the last five days. I have no clue what the hell is going on with him. Either way, I’m pissed.

“Of course.” Roman pulls one of his cards out. Jim tries to take it, but Roman makes it clear he’s giving it to Rebecca. What the hell? I bite the inside of my cheek. Is he trying to piss me off more?

“We’ll be in contact.” She holds on tight to the card.

“I look forward to it.” Before I even finish, Roman is already pulling me away.

“Are you going to talk to everyone here?”

“Maybe.” I give a small shrug. I see his jaw tighten. How is he the mad one? “Are you going to keep giving your cards to other women?” I toss back, trying hard to pretend I don’t care, but if I really didn't, I wouldn't have said anything at all.

He stops walking, staring down at me. He looks adorably confused. I roll my eyes. “I need to use the bathroom.” I jerk my arm from his hold. He lets me go. I wander off, not sure where I’m going.

The second I realized this event was set up to resemble a fair, I wondered why we hadn't brought Ace with us. It turns out they have an age restriction. Everyone in attendance must be eighteen and over. I love the setup they have. There is even a big area with a bar and dance floor. This might all actually be fun if I wasn’t so upset with my husband. And if he weren’t such a temperamental jerk who goes from hot to cold in a matter of seconds.

Oh, crap. I realize that I actually referred to him as my husband. I don’t understand what is happening. It hurts my head to try to figure him out. I’ve noticed a lot of people want Roman’s attention. He doesn't seem excited about that. I started trying to cut people off and jump in for him, and now he’s asking me if I’m going to talk to everyone?

I finally find the bathroom a few moments later. I don’t actually need it, but I wanted a second by myself before I said something I’d regret. I already said too much. I sounded like a jealous wife. I suppose I am.

“Did you see Roman King is here? I didn't know he got married,” I hear a woman say as I stand in the stall. I hold my hand up admiring my wedding ring. It really is a beautiful ring.

“Have you seen his wife?” another asks. I bite down on my lip, knowing I’m not going to like whatever is about to be said next.

“He hasn't brought anyone to anything in a long time, but I never would have guessed chubby was his preference.”

“Right! Didn’t he date that supermodel?”

“Megan Grey.”

“Yep! So strange he would go to the opposite extreme this time.” They keep talking. I lean up against the bathroom door, pulling out my phone. I really shouldn't do this, but I do. I start Googling the name they mentioned. I know it’s pointless, but I can’t help but look.

The information I do find is at least five years old. Those women were right though. He dated tall, thin, beautiful blondes. The opposite of me in every way. Then he just kind of dropped off the scene, it seems.

I’d never thought about the possibility of him being with another woman while we were married. It’s not something we’d ever talked about before. That’s not saying much since we don’t talk much about anything. Especially lately. I huff out a breath before putting my phone away. I take a deep breath once I hear them leave and step out of the stall. Knowing I can’t hide in here forever, I wash my hands and check my reflection. Once I’m satisfied, I head for the door.

I step out of the bathroom, and Roman is on me in an instant. His hand wraps around my wrist. He starts walking, pulling me along with him. I almost have to run to keep up with him.