by Rose Croft
Dmitri glanced past me holding his drink up mimicking a toast. “Look who finally decided to grace us with his presence.”
Nick passed by looking like he just stepped out of the shower. “Where the fuck you’ve been?” I asked. Nick had been acting like a surly bitch all day, which was odd considering he was usually a happy-go-lucky guy. The only other time I’d seen him withdrawn and quiet was a few months back when Theo and I came back from breakfast, and Nick was sporting a black eye. Of course, I gave him shit about it because he would’ve done the same to me, but he never told me what happened. Or who he’d had a run-in with. Come to think of it, that was the day Kenzie was spotted leaving in her car.
“I worked out.” He opened the fridge and pulled out a long neck, popping the top with his teeth. He leaned over the rib eyes. “You need me to grill those to make sure you don’t overcook them.”
I shook my head. That fucker. “No. I got this.” Our competitiveness even fizzled down to who could grill meat the best.
“I hope so. Wouldn’t want dinner night to be a disaster.”
“Lucky for you, it won’t.”
I grabbed the platter of steaks and some tongs and headed out back, Nick followed behind me. “Where’s Theo?”
“On her way.” I laid the steaks out on the metal grid hearing the sizzle and fire rise.
He pulled out his phone and set the timer. “No more than four minutes on each side,” he added. I nodded. Whatever went on between us, he was still my best friend.
“You doing okay?”
Nick smirked at my question. I did too. I never asked my friends about feelings. Who the fuck was I? “Are we having a moment, Roman? You falling in love has gotten you all emotional and shit.”
“I guess I am, huh?” Baffled, I scratched my chin and stared down at the grill.
He downed half the bottle of beer and tapped me on the arm. “I’m good, man. Just trying to get ready for finals.”
“Right,” I said knowing his excuse was as flimsy as the leaf that floated by us from a wind gust. Nick was not someone who gave much thought about studying. But whatever. The timer went off, and I flipped the steaks.
And our fucking heart-to-heart was over when we started talking about what else? Football. After a few minutes of shooting the breeze about yesterday’s practice, I took the meat off the grill and went inside.
Theodora passed through the front door wearing a cute strappy sundress with her blond hair in a ponytail.
My eyes lit up, and I had to keep from stalking over and carrying her off like a caveman. I mean, I could at least feed her first.
“It’s smells delicious,” she said as she skipped up to me wrapping her arms around my waist.
“You smell delicious.” I consumed her plump lips. “And taste delicious too.”
“Get a room,” Dmitri commented behind me sounding like one of the villians in Die Hard. Homie was one to talk.
Theodora’s cheeks bloomed pink as usual making my ass turn sappy. Everything about her converted me into a lovesick puppy, but I owned up to it. It’s not like I was trying to hide my feelings for her. Not to mention, I took a lot of shit from my friends about how possessive I was. Shrugs. Never denied that either.
After dinner, Theodora pushed her chair back, jumping up. “Oh, I got you something.” She rushed over to her purse.
“Maybe it’s a restraining order,” Axel joked as the guys snorted and chuckled.
I reached out to my left and shoved him hard.
Theo shook her head ignoring them with her hands behind her back hiding whatever it was. However, the motion made her tits strain against the fabric of her dress, and my dick perked up. Now I just wanted to unwrap her. “Close your eyes,” she said softly with all her attention. Like we were the only two in the room. Like there weren’t three jackasses sitting around the table trying to hold in their snickering. Surprisingly, they were quiet. And I shut my eyes.
She tugged on my left hand. “Don’t peek,” she warned.
“I’m not.” My lips curled in a corny grin.
She wrapped something around my wrist and held my hand in hers. “There. Open your eyes.”
I did and glanced down in surprise.
“I made you a new bracelet that fits your wrist.” I was awestruck by the leather band with assorted craft beads. She remembered. It was the most thoughtful thing anyone had ever done for me.
“I love it, Corazón.” I shoved my chair back and crushed her in my arms and lifted her up as she curled her legs around me. “I fucking love you.”
“Awww,” all three guys crooned at the same time.
“I love you too. My Roman. My everything.” She nestled her head under my chin with a palm covering my heart.
Without hesitation, I carried her off to the bedroom among the applause of my friends who were being assholes again, but I didn’t mind. At the end of the day, they were happy for me. They weren’t perfect but were the best friends a guy could ask for.
But what was perfect was the girl in my arms.
I would spend the rest of my days cherishing her. Forever.
The End
Want to know more about Roman and Theo?
You will see more of them in the Boys on the Hill series, book #2 Dear Nicholas
“Love Interruption” by Jack White
“Love Is Not Enough” by Nine Inch Nails
“HIGHEST IN THE ROOM” by Travis Scott
“Pimpf” by Depeche Mode
“Who Am I” by Arty, NK
“Unfuckwittable” by Kid Cudi
“Hands Around My Throat” by Death in Vegas”
“Love Song” by Duke Dumont
“Sonata No.14 in C/M (Moonlight Sonata)” by Depeche Mode
“Stronger” by Arty feat. Ray Dalton
“Therapy” by Duke Dumont
“Twist” by Thom Yorke
“Dirge” by Death in Vegas
“Glorious” by Arty feat. Blondfire
“Midnight City” by M83
Thank you to my family—my husband, my daughter, and my mom. You have been so patient with me throughout this journey and so supportive. Thanks for putting up with me. Okay, was it really that much of a hardship? JK, I love you all.
Maria Hernández—Thank you for your support since day one.
Sue—I can’t even begin to explain how much you mean to me. Not only are you an amazing person, but you’re also a mind-blowing beta reader. You make my story better and are always available to hash out plot issues. Thank you for reading and rereading chapters over and over whenever I have doubts. I couldn’t do this without you. I will always be humbled by your selfless support, and I’m so blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for everything you do for me.
Maria Howard—Thank you for being an incredible beta, and giving me valuable advice. It takes a village to create this baby, and I couldn’t do this without you. You are amazing and always willing to help. I’m forever grateful.
A million thanks to Bex Harper Designs for designing my beautiful cover. As always, your work blows me away. Your patience and kindness are truly astounding.
I can’t thank Marla Esposito enough for editing my manuscript. Your work is impeccable. And thank you for being flexible with your schedule. You’re a lifesaver!
Thank you Tami at Integrity Formatting for your patience and awesome work.
Thank you so, so much Sarah Grim Sentz aka Musings of the Modern Belle for creating gorgeous teasers. You make me look good.
Thank you Books and Moods for all of your fab promo and making beautiful teasers. Your work is awesome and are so easy to work with.
To the following amazing authors who I’m so blessed to call friends—Alexis Rae, Carmel Rhodes, Danielle James, Erica Marselas, Gemini Jensen, Harlow Layne, Helen Wilder, Jeanette Emerson, Kelsey Cheyenne, Melissa Ryann, and Q. B. Tyler. I’m so thankful I found you and have learned so much from all of you. I love you.
A special thanks to my amazing street team:
Sue, Maria, Chayo, Geynar, Karen, Kylee, Charlene, Elena, Kelly, Leslie, Andrea, Rhonda, and Brandilyn.
Thank you Karina, Crystal, Nicole, Jill, and Claudia for all of your support.
Thank you to all the ladies in my reader group Love N’ Roses. You gals are the bee’s knees and I can’t thank you enough for your support.
Thank you to all my author friends who have shown me love. I’m still in awe I even get to sit at the table with you because you’re all so talented.
A big Texas-sized thanks to all the readers who have read and loved my books. Without you, there is no me, and I’ll never forget that. You have my undying love and support. Always.
Besos/XOXO,
Rose
Rose Croft is a wannabe poet and a writer in her own mind. She’s a wife and mom to a beautiful daughter and lives her own happily ever after. For updates on her books or if you just want to visit and chat about anything and everything, visit her at:
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High School Lover
Baseball Lover
The Mendoza Family Series
Cabezón
Primitivo
Jugador
Boys in the Hill Series
My Roman
Dear Nicholas
Before you go...here’s an excerpt from Cabezón (The Mendoza Family, #1)…
Vicente Gabriel García Mendoza—El Salvador, Age 6
“Eres un regalo de Díos como tus hermanos y tu hermana, mi amor.” A gift from God. That’s what Vicente’s mami always said to the inquisitive six-year-old who wondered why he didn’t have a papá like his cousins, Adrian and Eduardo.
Vicente had always accepted that answer with a sort of reverence because if anything, his mother was the most devout Catholic he knew. Mami always said if you didn’t have faith in God, then you’re living a life without purpose. They went to mass whenever the doors were open. Each time she had told him about his spiritual birth, it made him feel special, like the angel Gabriel, who he was named after, personally delivered him down to Earth from heaven.
However, lately, his cousin, Adrian who was two years older than Vicente had been questioning Vicente about why he didn’t have a father. Vicente always answered vehemently that he was a gift from God, with so much conviction as though he thought his mother was as pure as la Virgen María. But, Vicente was starting to wonder whether his conception was really so immaculate.
Regardless, Mami was the hardest worker he knew, she worked from sun up to sun down selling fruits and vegetables on the streets of San Salvador. Sometimes she worked through the night, but the following morning after being gone, she always made sure she spent time with her four children—Vicente, age six, fraternal twins Emilio and Lilyana, ages five and Yovani, age three. Usually, they would have an elaborate breakfast, go shopping, and sometimes would take the bus to La Libertad the nearest beach from the city.
Vicente loved going to the beach; he was enchanted by the beautiful blue ocean, swimming, watching the surfers catch a wave, and especially getting a minuta (shaved flavored ice) from los minuteros, (vendors), that pushed their carts up and down the beach ringing las campanitas. To a child, the sound of tinkling bells was everything, and you came running when you heard it.
He reveled in the tropical smell, the peacefulness, and the togetherness he had with his family. But, most of all, he was drawn to the water, and Mami was the one who taught them all how to swim.
One day, Adrian’s father, announced he was taking his family to the United States because he had a friend who’d written him saying he was making good money—enough to support his wife and kids and give them a better education. Tío Hector wanted that for his family, too. He always bragged about how his sons would do great things in the future.
Everyone already knew Adrian was the “bright” one among the kids. When the boys played together, he was always the one who came up with elaborate ideas, a dreamer, while Vicente, although younger was more of a leader—putting the plan into action and Vicente’s brother Emilio, was the reckless one who was always impulsive and ready to do what anyone dared. The three of them were inseparable.
Vicente couldn’t fathom why his tío and tía would want to leave and take one of his closest friends, and first cousin Adrian away from him. Vicente didn’t understand that his family lived in one of the poorest neighborhoods in the city. He never complained or noticed half the time they had no electricity, sanitary water, and the bathroom situation was dire at best. He never wondered why nine people were living together in a one-room broken-down shack with a tin roof which served as their kitchen, living room, and bedrooms.
Vicente didn’t care that they were all packed together. Besides, he was outside half the time anyway, playing in the streets with Adrian and Emilio. Sometimes his sister, Lilyana, and brother Yovani would join them along with his little cousin Eduardo who was three. He never knew crime and violence in the city were increasing and people were getting brutally murdered. All he knew was he loved being outside, seeing all the excitement happening in the streets.
“No, no, no…no puedo ir contigo.” Vicente’s mom, Teresa, shook her head at her younger sister, Esmeralda, one day. Teresa’s belly was big and round as she was on the verge of reaching the end of her pregnancy. She was bloated and tired and didn’t want to risk the trip to the United States. Besides, she told her sister she was somewhat fearful Esmeralda’s husband Hector had put their lives in the hands of the coyotes. She was worried about their safety.
Vicente overheard this and found it funny and somewhat exciting that Adrian’s family would be traveling with a pack of coyotes—not understanding they were actually paid smugglers who took people to the US for a ridiculous amount of money and could be dangerous and ruthless. Nothing was a guarantee they would make it to the States. Teresa knew it all too well. Esmeralda assured her they would be fine. Given the opportunity, she would take her chances with the coyotes if they could make a better life for themselves. In their minds, it was only up from here. They hugged. Vicente was out the door before he heard his tía tell his mother she needed to stop selling her body and come with them to find legitimate work.
A few days later Adrian’s family was gone, making their trek north. Vicente was somewhat down, and the house seemed too quiet. Mami had just returned from another day of work, but she was moving around very slowly. Vicente was now in charge of watching his siblings knowing their older neighbor Guadalupe was always keeping a watchful eye on them.
“¿Mami, estás bien?” Vicente asked her if she was okay and put his hand on her back in a protective manner. Vicente took his job of the man of the house seriously, with honor.
“Sí, mi amor.” She nodded, and her smile seemed twisted as she fought the pain that radiated through her whole body and weakly ruffled her son’s hair. “Quiero descansar.” Vicente took his mother’s hand and led her over to the one sofa they had so she could rest. It was so old and worn the stuffing was popping out in several places, but by far the most comfortable spot to be in their place.
As soon as she lay prone on her back, Teresa’s face contorted in pain and a piercing scream reverberated off the walls. “´¡Ya viene…ya viene…mi bebé!” she gasped and clutched her stomach. Her words sent a chill down Vicente’s spine and he saw wetness seeping through her clothes into the fabric of the couch. ¿Por qué Mami hizo pipí en el sofá? Vicente thought briefly, although he was quite panicked but would do his best not to show fear.
By now his siblings, Emilio, Lilyana, and Yovani were standing next to Vicente frightened and confused. Vicente stood frozen, not knowing what to do as Teresa bit her lip and moaned. Lilyana and Yovani started crying while Emilio stood helpless, his eyes shooting back and forth between Mami and Vicente.
When the pain waned, Teresa schooled her face as best as possible
and told Emilio to take his sister and Yovani next door to Guadalupe’s and stay there. Emilio guided his sister and younger brother out the door. Mami ordered Vicente to grab a towel because the baby was coming. When he returned with a towel, his mother was once again moaning and screaming, but she had the wherewithal to tell her son he needed to help guide the baby out. Vicente was terrified almost sickened when he saw a tiny foot mixed with the blood and other fluids coming from his mother’s body. He thought she was dying.
“¿Ves la cabeza?” Again, Mami’s voice was strained, overcome with pain.
Vicente shook his head in shock and told her it was not the head but a foot. Teresa panicked and ordered him to reach inside and grab the other foot. Her voice was frantic as she started praying.
Vicente felt like he’d turned into a statue and couldn’t move. “¡Hazlo!” Teresa commanded him to do it, which seemed to get the scared little boy out of his stupor, and he exhaled a shaky breath and leaned in. However, he heard the door burst open as their portly, gray-haired neighbor, Guadalupe, quickly bustled her way to the couch. She spoke rapidly to Teresa, pushing Vicente out of the way with her pudgy hand. Vicente bowed up his chest in defense when, in reality, he was relieved that someone else was here to help.
“Dame la mano, mi amor.” Teresa reached out to her son, and he held out his hand allowing her to fold his fingers in hers, her voice was suddenly calmer. Vicente didn’t know what to make of his mother’s mood swings—one minute she was screaming in angst and the next she was serene, pleasant even. He glanced at the older woman, whose face was wrinkled, decorated with life’s hardships, concentrating as she gave orders for his mother to push. Guadalupe had no qualms about reaching in and pulling out the other foot.
