All I've Never Wanted(113)

Goosebumps erupted on my skin, and I purposely turned my back to him. The moment I did, I sucked in a deep breath. Roman was standing right there in front of me, even more dressed up than he’d been at homecoming, and he looked absolutely devastating.

“Hey,” I said softly, my heart fluttering.

He smiled slowly at me. “Hey.”

“Oh, I see Zack,” Venice chirped. “I’ll be right back.” With that, she beat a hasty retreat.

“You look…” Roman’s eyes swept over me, and I felt my heart speed up at the look on his face. “Ok,” he finished.

I snapped my head up with a frown as he burst out laughing. “So not funny,” I huffed, even as a small grin made its way over my face. “At least I don’t look like a penguin playing dress-up.”

“Trust me, no penguin’s ever looked this good,” he said cockily. He leaned down, placing his hands on my hips and brushing his lips softly over mine. “I was just joking, by the way,” he whispered. “You look beautiful."

I smiled, looking up at him underneath my lashes. “You don’t look too bad yourself, penguin boy,” I admitted, causing him to laugh again. “But we should save the kissing for later. Everyone’s watching.”


“They’re too busy kissing each other’s butts to watch us.” Roman’s grip tightened. “Besides, who cares?”

And as he crashed his lips down on mine again, I have to say I agreed whole-heartedly. Who cares?

Turns out, that thought came a little too soon, because a small “ahem” interrupted our embrace. My eyes flew open and I immediately stepped away, my face turning scarlet when I realized it was Roman’s father, whom I recognized from newspapers and the oil portraits that hung on the wall.

He was a tall, imposing man, with deep-set dark eyes, olive-colored skin, and a handsome face that would’ve been a whole lot handsomer were it not for the hard, serious set of his mouth.

“Oh, hello,” I blurted, blushing furiously. “I mean, good evening, Mr. Fiori.”

He stared at me disapprovingly. “Good evening, Miss…?” He raised one eyebrow.

Roman grabbed my hand and glared at his father. “Father, this is Maya Lindberg. My girlfriend,” he said coolly.

“I see.” A flicker of interest appeared in Mr. Fiori’s eyes. “Of Lindberg Chocolates, I’m assuming?”

My throat closed. “No,” I answered quietly.

The flicker of interest disappeared. “I’m sorry, my mistake.” From his tone, it was clear he wasn’t sorry at all. “Are your parents here tonight?”

I nodded mutely, but the last thing I wanted was for him to meet my parents. He would eat them alive.

“Actually, dad, I saw Thomas Henderson the other day,” Roman cut in swiftly. “He wants to speak to you about the Wyatt-Triage merger.”

Mr. Fiori frowned. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“You weren’t exactly around for me to tell,” Roman said stiffly.

His father sighed. “That’s what secretaries are for,” he snapped. “Never mind. I’ll go give him a call now.” He paused. “And please do try to refrain from your earlier…activities. It is quite un-ladylike to engage in that type of behavior in front of other guests.”

Though he was looking at Roman while he said it, it was clear he was addressing me. I turned even redder as Mr. Fiori strode across the hall and disappeared behind a set of double doors.

“God, I’m sorry, Maya,” Roman said quietly. “My dad is just a huge ass.”

“It’s ok.” I tried to smile. “We shouldn’t have been doing that anyway.” I hadn’t exactly expected his family to accept me right off the bat, but his father’s snub still stung.

“Roman, dear! Who’s the lovely girl?” a gorgeous dark-haired woman trilled as she sailed towards us. She would’ve been the epitome of elegance and sophistication were it not for her slightly unsteady gait, the flush on her cheeks, and the intoxicated sparkle in her eyes.

Roman’s grip tightened even more. “Mother, have you been drinking again?” he hissed.

She shook her head, patting down her shining hair. “It’s a holiday. I just had a few sips, that’s all.” She smiled at me and held out her hand. “I’m Giselle, Roman’s mother,” she all but sang. “Are you Maya? I’ve heard Gloria talking about you."

I remembered Gloria was the housekeeper. Great, so now I was a gossip topic among the household staff.

“Yes, I am. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Fiori,” I answered politely, reaching for her hand with my free one. I let out a startled yelp when she pulled me into an unexpected hug.

“It’s so good to meet you!” I winced, my eardrums hurting a bit. “But please, call me Giselle. Mrs. Fiori just sounds so old!” She pulled back, swaying a bit. “I don’t look old, do I? If I do, I need to take it up with my plastic surgeon!” She laughed a little too loudly.

I laughed weakly in response, unsure what to do.

“Jesus, mom, get it under control,” Roman said angrily, pulling me back to his side. “We have guests.”

Giselle shook her head, clucking her tongue. “Roman, my dear boy, you always were too serious,” she sighed. “Just like your father.”