Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 55839 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55839 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Despite that, when he opens my door and we head toward the restaurant, I walk with a little pride. I get to pretend I’ve tamed him, at least.
As we approach the entrance’s glass doors, Roman places his large hand on the small of my back. “Are you ready for this?”
I nod as chills skate down my spine. “Yes, I’m ready.”
We step into El Cantina, and even for a Thursday, it’s busy. The warm lighting bathes the interior in a golden hue, casting an elegant illumination on the dark wood furnishings and ornate tile work. My gaze roams to the red-leather booths lining the perimeter, and the tables covered with brightly-colored linens—all filled with people. We’ll definitely get the attention we’re seeking here.
The back area is packed like sardines, and I’m guessing that’s where Eden and Sadie are seated.
Roman walks up to the hostess with confidence. “We’d like a table in the back,” he tells the young girl.
She gazes up at Roman with wide eyes. “Yes, sir,” she says, and then taps away at the iPad in her hand. “Follow me.”
She’s only got eyes for Roman, but I find it funny instead of feeling any jealousy toward it.
I'm accustomed to the attention Roman receives when we go out. Heck, I sometimes catch myself staring at him a bit too long. He’s just that good-looking. It's unfair to other men. And me. How can I have a romantic anything with Roman in my life? Compared to him, anyone I date looks like Kermit the Frog.
On our walk to the table, I slip my hand into his and smile just in case anyone knows us. Plus, if we’re going to pretend, then I want to get the full experience of what it would be like to really date this man.
Roman glances down to where our hands are joined and gives mine a gentle squeeze. When we make it to the back room, I spot Eden and Sadie’s table right away. How can you miss Eden’s bright pink bob? She always wears crazy headbands, and tonight she’s wearing one with blue and pink hearts all over it. Her makeup is just as bold as she is, and her bright blue blouse and floral skirt demands attention.
Sadie’s more subtle, wearing a charcoal dress that cuts just above her knee, with her blonde hair pulled back in a tight bun at the base of her head.
There are a few people at the table with them, but I make eye contact with Sadie as we pass. Her gaze drops to my hand connected with Roman’s, and she leans in to whisper to Eden.
I continue along as though I’m unfazed by their presence. The hostess seats us, and Roman holds my chair out for me. I take one last look over at Eden and Sadie’s table and find all eyes on us.
“I think we made quite the entrance,” Roman says, settling into his chair across from me.
I laugh. “I think we could call it a night right now.”
Roman’s face falls. “No, we can’t leave without eating. I’m starving.” He opens the menu. “I need tacos.”
I place the green-paper napkin on my lap and open the menu. “I guess we can’t deny a man tacos.”
“Absolutely not. Tacos are the new pizza.”
“How do you figure?”
Roman smiles. “Well, think about it. Pizza used to be all the rave. You could get all these different toppings and hit every food group while eating one slice. Now you can do that with a taco, and want to know the best part?”
“No grease?”
He lowers his menu. “It’s like you can read my mind better than Ledger.”
“All that may be true, but pizza is so much better.”
His eyes blaze into mine. “Are you crazy? Tacos beat pizza every time.”
The server interrupts our debate and we order two margaritas. And two taco platters. We put on a bit of a show for the gossips watching us—leaning forward attentively, holding hands across the table—while we wait for our drinks. When our margaritas arrive, Roman lifts his glass in a silent “Cheers” over at Sadie and Eden, and they smile back.
I take a large swig of my margarita, hoping the tequila will calm my nerves. I’ve been out many times with Roman, but tonight feels different. I feel more alive.
As I sit across from Roman, I try to imagine what it would be like to be his for real. He stares at me like I am.
It’s overwhelming, and I take another gulp of my margarita. “Do you think they’re buying it?” I ask him.
His eyes never leave mine. “I’m not sure. Should I come over there and kiss you?” He starts to get up. “I mean, anything for the show.”
I laugh, but my heart races at the thought of him kissing me. “Sit down. We’re not kissing right here. That would look weirder if we did that.” I place my hand on the table and he covers it with his.