All I've Never Wanted(108)

At that, the puppy’s ears perked up, and he growled menacingly at Roman. I giggled. Even when he growled he was cute.

“Although…” Roman kept his eyes on mine. “You can only keep it on one condition.”

“Which is?” I squeaked.

“I want you to tell me the truth. Be as honest with me as I was with you. Do you like me?”


All the air whooshed out of my lungs, making me feel like I was free-falling. I took a deep breath, absentmindedly stroking the puppy to calm my nerves. “Yes,” I whispered. “I’ve liked you for a while now.”

And just like that, Roman’s eyes lit up. He smiled. Actually smiled. It wasn’t a smirk, and there was no condescension or disdain behind it. It was just a normal, happy smile, but on him, it was devastating, like the sun finally coming out after a long, angry storm.

He closed the distance between us with two long strides, the look in his eyes taking my breath away. Again. For the first time ever, it was completely open, sincere, and vulnerable, and I could see everything he was feeling. Honestly, though, I didn’t even need to look at him to know, because I was feeling the exact same thing.

“I guess there’s one thing left to do,” he murmured.

“What’s that?” I asked a bit shakily.

Roman stared at me, like he couldn’t quite believe he was there. “Will you be my girlfriend?”

I half-laughed and half-cried. “After all that, you still have to ask? Yes!”

I was just about to throw my arms around him when I realized I was still holding the puppy. Roman seemed to notice at the same time, so he compensated by wrapping his arms around me instead, drawing me into another kiss until the puppy let out an indignant yelp.

“Jeez. He’s just as feisty as his owner,” he said dryly, shaking his head at the animal.

“We should give him a name.” I frowned. What was a good name?

“Feisty,” Roman said blandly.

I rolled my eyes. “That’s a dumb name.” I smirked as the dog tried to nip at his fingers. “I don’t think he likes you very much.”

“He’ll come to his senses soon,” Roman bragged, giving me a sly look. “Much like someone else I know.”

I blushed. “Whatever. But be serious. What should—oh, I know!” I snapped my fingers as a thought hit me. “Let’s name him Mickey!”

I giggled at the look on his face.

“Seriously?” Roman glowered at me, obviously remembering the time my grandmother chased him out of the house with a broom because he’d been wearing a Mickey Mouse shirt.

“Yep,” I chirped. “It’s fitting. Right, Mickey?” I cooed.

Mickey let out a loud, happy bark, snuggling closer to me.

“Fine. But put Mickey down.”

“Why?” I clutched him tighter to his chest.

“Just do it. Pay a little more attention to your new boyfriend, why don’t you?” Roman actually pouted.

I laughed, setting Mickey on the floor. Looks like someone was jealous of the dog.

Mickey’s paws barely hit the floor before Roman grabbed me and really kissed me, only this time neither of us was surprised. Our first kiss as boyfriend and girlfriend.

I sighed happily, my heart actually fluttering. Taking risks? So not overrated.

* * *

My best idea ever? Kissing Roman and telling him how I really feel.

My worst idea ever? Telling everyone else we were dating. Each reaction was worse than the last.

Carlo:

“I’m so happy for you, Maya. *Smirks* Seriously, though, am I good or what? I told you my plan would work.”

Zack:

“Oh My-My! I’m so proud of you! *Tears up a little* Our little My-My’s growing up! *Hugs me tightly, then stops crying* Can I see the puppy now?”

James:

*Gives me a hard, disappointed look* “I hope you know what you’re doing. I don’t want you to end up hurt.”

Adriana:

“Finally! It’s about time. I’m so glad you guys are finally together, because it’s a bit exhausting trying to play Cupid with people as dense and stubborn as you two. Now I can finally enjoy my spa sessions in peace. Oh, by the way, do you want to go lingerie shopping again? Cosabella’s having a sale. And I know you like to read, so if you want to borrow the Kama Sutra just let me know and I’ll bring it to you. Just a warning though, you might want to do some yoga before trying anything in that book.”

Parker:

“Are you on the pill? No. Ok, well, here are some condoms. Let’s see, there’s Trojans, ribbed, strawberry-flavored, lubricated, non-lubricated…why do you have that look on your face? Seriously, Maya, protection’s very important. No one wants a bunch of mini-Romans running around. And oh! There’s a glow-in-the-dark one too! That’s my last one, by the way. You should feel special I’m giving it to you.”

My mom (who eavesdropped on our whole conversation in the living room two weeks ago):
“Oh, you finally got a real boyfriend! That’s great, sweetie. By the way, I hope you don’t mind but I accidentally told your grandma yesterday. I don’t think she’s very happy, since she keeps asking about someone named Pee-Wee and why I would let you date someone who likes mice. *Sighs* You can expect a call from her soon—Maya! Don’t you dare throw your phone in the garbage disposal!”