Intense (Dark Hearts)

He leans over and whispers, “I’m starving too.” From the look in his eyes, I’m not sure he’s talking about real food.

“So you’re going to take good care of my girl in New York, right, Roman?”

“Very good care.”

“I wasn’t talking about sexually, Roman,” she scolds him, and I turn completely red.

“I’m not just talking about that either. I wouldn’t let anything happen to her.” I notice how he implies that he’s thinking about sex to my mother.

“Here are your breadsticks.” The waitress is back, her face flush like she must have run to get them to us. “Are we ready to order?” We go around the table, placing an order for a pizza-and-pasta combo meal for us to share family-style.

I’m ready for the floor to open up on me, wondering if the waitress overheard since she’s looking nervous, but my mom interrupts. “Sweetie, I’m going to the bathroom. Come with me.”

“Okay.” We get up, and I see apprehension in Roman’s eyes. Does he doubt me?

“He looks anxious,” I say.

“He thinks I’m going to convince you to stop what’s going on between you two.” I pause, mouth opening and closing several times. “Don’t pretend nothing’s going on between you. I can see it clear as day. Just remember that nothing worth having is easy, but if for any reason he upsets you, I need you to call me.”

“Mom, thanks. I know he’s not the most romantic.”

“No, but I see it’s there. He’s not trusting, and sweetie, love needs trust to survive.”

“I know.”

“Good. Now, have a good time. You’re young. Be smart about your birth control and remember, it doesn’t have to be for forever.”

“Thanks.” We hug and then use the bathroom. After washing our hands, we return to our guys and Roman’s eyes shoot straight to mine with a look of absolute concern until I smile at him. His face lights up, and I nearly falter in my step. The man’s one hell of a looker, but with that smile, he’s a lady killer.

As we sit in the restaurant, Roman gets a message and then he starts looking around the room, letting out a growl. “What is he doing here?”

I follow his gaze, and then I see Jake. “Who knows? This is a popular place, and he’s brought a date.”

“Are you bothered by it?”

“Nope. Just by the text you got letting you know he was here.”

“I have a security guard that I keep in the distance.”

“Oh. Okay.” He’s a rich man. I suppose it’s probably pretty dangerous.

“Does that bother you?”

“No. It’s different, but I understand.”

“So what do you do for fun?”

“I have a boring life. Work, exercise, and sometimes I read at home. Rinse and repeat. What do you do, Amelia?”

“I used to hang out with my bestie, but she met her hubby the day we met your dad and well, they live in Chicago now and she just found out that they’re having a baby.”

“Wow, was it a drunken night?”

“No. He was actively trying to knock her up. He treats her like a princess.”

“Do you want a baby?”

“With the right man.” A low growl comes from him, and he changes the subject and asks his dad a question about boats like they weren’t out all day fishing. He has no idea that if he loved me, I’d give him a baby. My phone buzzes in my hand, and I look down. It’s fucking Jake.

Tell your lover to stop glaring at me.

Don’t worry about him. Enjoy your date.

Jealous?

Not in the least. I asked you not to contact me, so don’t.

I feel Roman’s eyes on me, and I look. “Having fun texting Jake?” he whispers.

Hissing back at him, I bite out, “You are so fucking nosy. It’s nothing for you to worry about, and if it’s too hard to trust me, then move along.”

Looking at my mother and stepfather, I say politely as to avoid making a scene, “Excuse me. I need some air.” I stand up and calmly walk past everyone and step outside.

I hear Roman’s steps following me as I pass the restaurant window.

“Amelia, wait,” he says.

He reaches out and grabs my hand. It’s gentle but firm. “I’m sorry, but when you were curious, I told you. I’m working on trust. It’s not fucking easy, especially when he’s right there interrupting our night.”

I shove my phone into his chest. He catches it before it falls. “Go ahead and read them. I don’t have anything to hide.” He holds it for a second and without looking at it, passes it back.

“If you ask for my trust, I’m gonna give it.”

“What?” You could have knocked me to the floor with that one.

“You heard me. It’s not easy, but I’m doing my best. If you say there’s nothing for me to worry about, then I’ll take your word for it.” I can’t stop smiling. “Are you ready to go back inside?”