Loved by You

by Sophia Knightly

  Burdened with a tangle of unfinished business, Roman pulled into Piper’s apartment complex. The Sand Dunes were made up of two-level structures surrounding a medium-sized lake. The tropical garden apartments resembled small sea cottages painted sky blue with sandy white tiled roofs.

  It didn’t take long for him to spot Piper’s red convertible in the parking lot. He pulled into a guest parking spot, killed the engine and bounded up the steps to her second floor unit. She might not be taking his calls, but she wouldn’t turn him away…or would she?

  Piper opened the door at his first knock. God, she looked beautiful. After mulling over what he wanted to say to her on his way over, Roman was suddenly speechless.

  Her striking turquoise eyes watched him warily. “Hey,” she said simply. “Come in.” He followed her into the living room and when they were seated on the couch, she said softly, “What brings you here?”

  “I wanted to see you before I went out of town this week.” Roman ran a hand through his hair. “We are long overdue for a talk.”

  She surprised him with an amiable nod. “Agreed. Go on.”

  “First, I wanted to clear up the mystery about the canceled beverage sponsor. It was Brie who did it.”

  “Brie?” Piper’s eyes snapped with annoyance. “Why would she do that?”

  “She found a better deal and thought it would be fine with my mother.”

  “She should have asked her first, don’t you think?”

  Roman rubbed the back of his neck. “I do, but she said she did it to lighten her workload.”

  Piper made a scornful noise. “And you believed The Cheese?”

  Roman choked on a bark of laughter. “Did you just call Brie ‘the cheese’?”

  Piper raised her chin. “Maybe.” She might as well have said “bite me” with the bold way she stared back at him. “Does Sadie know what Brie said about lightening her workload?”

  “Yeah, and she’s not happy about it. But after we discussed it, we decided to accept the generous donation from Everley Liquors. It means more money will go to the foundation and that’s what counts. The kids come first.” The Lion Tennis Academy needed the event to be so successful, it would propel the club to the top in profits and reputation. That would benefit everyone involved—the investors, the pros, and most importantly, the gifted young athletes.

  “Well.” She paused, her eyes guarded. “I’m glad it worked out for the best then.” She didn’t sound convinced.

  Roman exhaled forcefully. “Brie came by the office and apologized to her, but my mother’s nose is still out of joint.”

  “Can’t blame her.” Piper’s tone brimmed with annoyance.

  “They’ve been arguing all day. I had too much work to do to stay and listen to nonsense.”

  Piper chafed. “It’s not nonsense, Roman. You need to hear Sadie out,” she muttered, “but I guess your loyalty stands with your girlfriend.”

  He winced at her arid tone. “Piper.” He leaned in close.

  She edged away, putting distance between them. “What?”

  “Brie isn’t my girlfriend.”

  She arched her brows stiffly. “You could’ve fooled me. Her mother was sure acting like you were part of the family.”

  He leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees as he watched her. “It might’ve seemed that way, but I only started dating Brie a few months ago. Her father, Vince, asked me to check in on her when she moved to Naples from Miami. She was getting over a bad break up with her boyfriend. One thing led to another, and we began to date.”

  “So you’re dating her because of her father?” she said, unimpressed with his answer.

  He uttered a short, harsh laugh. “When you put it that way it, it sounds lame, but you don’t understand my relationship with Vince. When my dad passed away, I spiraled out of control. Vince saved me, and I owe him a lot.”

  “Oh,” she said in a small voice, casting her eyes downward.

  “But as much as he wants me for his daughter, I don't want her.” He moved closer and lifted her chin to meet her eyes. “I want you, Gypsy.”

  Piper swallowed hard and met his gaze. “You can’t just walk in here and pick up where we left off, Roman. There’s too much history between us. Too much pain.” Her voice choked, and she drew a quivery breath.

  “That’s why I’m here. To apologize for all the pain I caused you and somehow win your trust so we can start over.”

  She remained silent, watching him with unblinking, damp eyes so vulnerable his heart squeezed. “Thanks for your apology. It touches my heart, but I’ve been reliving the past and…” She looked down at her clasped hands and swallowed forcefully. “I won’t be at peace until I get something off my chest.”

  “What do you mean?”

  She gazed at him with tortured eyes. “I…I need to make a confession,” she faltered. “Please hear me out.”

  “I’m not going anywhere.” He took her hands in his, relishing their softness. Running his thumbs over her smooth skin, he promised, “I won’t leave until we’ve made up for all the time we lost.” I want you back.

  She gazed at him with stark eyes. “Roman, I’ve been blaming you all these years for breaking my heart, but I never realized how selfish I’d been…until now.”

  “Why do you say that?” he said, surprised.

  She inhaled a shaky breath. “I was an unhappy, awkward girl when you met me. I’d grown up pining for a father who never loved me, who didn’t want the burden of having a sick child. He left me in the middle of an asthma attack.” She shuddered as she continued desolately, “but even with that awful truth, I was wracked with guilt that he left our little family because of me. Every time I heard my mother cry, I felt ashamed.”

  He gently squeezed her chilled hands, warming them between his. “It wasn’t your fault, darling. Your father had issues that were out of anyone’s control.”

  “I know that now, but I carried the shame for years. When you came into my life, you made me the happiest I’d ever been. Truly.” She raised his hands to her lips and kissed his knuckles. The sweet, satiny brush of her lips against his skin gave him a jolt of pleasure so acute he breathed in sharply. “Your love meant everything to me. I felt secure. You gave me hope.” She released his hands and frowned. “But I realize now that I was too caught up in my happiness and what I needed from you to consider what you needed.”

  “We were young and immature,” Roman murmured. “I should have handled it better.”

  Piper nodded and her eyes took on a shadowed, faraway look. “I wanted you to promise to come back to me when you became famous, but when you didn’t say those words, I was devastated.”

  “Piper, darling,” Roman said quietly, his heart breaking at her desolate tone. “I was too focused on my career and goals to promise you anything. It wouldn’t have been fair to keep you hanging. I had to concentrate solely on my game. I regret all the pain I caused you.”

  “Thanks.” She paused and exhaled heavily. “But you know what? All that heartbreak gave me the push I needed to grow up. To become independent.” Her eyes glowed. “I learned to be content on my own. I realized I had to before I could be happy with someone else.”

  “I want to make you happy…with me,” he said earnestly. “I’d rather die than break your heart again.”

  She covered his mouth with a gentle hand. “Let me finish. I should have said this before. You’ve lived with guilt for breaking my heart. I didn't realize how selfish I was being then. You were young and ambitious and needed freedom to succeed.”

  “It’s true. I couldn’t give you what you needed.”

  “And I was too terrified of losing you to understand.”

  “I was driven,” he admitted. “My ambition and passion for the game were endless. My parents believed I had the talent to make it to the top. I couldn't let them down, couldn’t slow down. The minute I’d hit the courts, my adrenaline would explode.”

  “I know. I followed your amazing career e
very step of the way and was proud to see you succeed. Even though I hated you for leaving me,” she admitted ruefully.

  He watched her features shutter. She looked ready to take flight after baring her soul. Nooo, don’t retreat.

  He couldn’t resist touching her. His fingertip lightly traced the curve of her cheek. “Do you still hate me?” He ventured a smile, feeling the inevitable pull of lust.

  Her cheeks grew pink. “With that look in your eyes, how could I?” She smiled nervously and edged off the couch. “Would you like a glass of wine or something else?”

  “I don’t want anything but you. You are a fire in my blood, Gypsy.” He rose and took her face in his hands. “I won’t have a moment’s peace until I have you back. I never intended to let you go.” He gazed into her luminous eyes, intent on making her believe him. “When I came back for you, you were already married to someone else.”

  She dropped her gaze to her tightly clasped hands and spoke with regret. “I made a huge mistake by eloping with Brad. This may sound dumb, but he wasn't my prince.” She raised her chin and met his eyes boldly. “But you know what? I’m not Cinderella anymore looking for her Prince Charming.”

  “Good, because I’m no Prince Charming.” Roman kissed her soft cheeks and then her eyelids.

  Piper’s lips wobbled as she attempted a smile. Roman leaned his forehead against hers. “I never stopped loving you, Piper.” His heart hammered as he tried to suppress the raw hunger to kiss her deeply, carnally. He clenched his jaw to stem the rising tide of desire surging through him.

  Awestruck, she stared up at him, pale and vulnerable. Tenderness swelled inside his chest. He wanted to make love to her so much it hurt, but she had to trust him first.

  “Will you have me? If you say no, I won’t give up. I’ll keep trying until you do,” he said, meaning every word. Desperation seized him at the thought of losing her. “Let me make love to you before the night is over,” he whispered hoarsely. “I want you to scream my name with pleasure.”

  * * *

  Roman’s carnal words made Piper quiver with wanton anticipation. She felt his erotic hunger in droves. It engulfed her, thrilled her…and filled her with anguished despair. How many times had she dreamt of being in his loving arms again?

  Forcing her gaze from his ravenous eyes, she took a deep breath before she caved in to her own profound hunger. She wanted to believe him. God, how she wanted to!

  Swallowing against the knot in her throat, she struggled against the blinding weakness overcoming her, but no matter how she tried, she couldn’t summon the strength. Roman still had the power to shatter her, to turn her into a quivering fool for his love.

  Tears prickled her eyes and she blinked against them rapidly. She had to protect herself. She couldn’t just fall back into his arms because he desired her. After they made love, then what? He’d made no promises. If she gave in, she’d be right back where she’d been years ago, crazy in love with him, eager for marriage and his children.

  Please don’t love me and leave me again.

  “Why did you wait so long to tell me this? Why?” she finally said after a painful pause. “It’s been years since my divorce. Let’s not deny the truth, Roman. If you really wanted me, you would have called. Reached out to me.” Her chin quivered. “I might as well have died for all you cared.” She fought to keep the tears at bay, taking deep, shuddering breaths. “All this time I’d hoped you were different from my father, who left and never came back. But you did the same thing.”

  Piper felt the despair in Roman’s grip as he took hold of her shoulders. His brows lowered over eyes blazing with hurt. “Don’t say that. Don’t ever compare me to your father. I cared plenty. I wanted to contact you, but I thought you were still married. I only found out you were single when my mom told me about your senior concierge service. That’s why I had to see you right away.”

  “Really?” she said dubiously.

  He folded his arms and looked at her in exasperation. “Yes, damn it.”

  She sucked air into her constricted lungs and let his words sink in.

  His jaw set, he grated, “I had every intention of coming back for you after I stopped competing. I thought of you all the time during those years. But when I retired two years ago, I had to hit the ground running to make the academy a success. I threw all my time and energy into getting sponsors.” He paused. “I needed to clean up some personal stuff too before I could reach out to you.”

  She wanted to ask, “What personal stuff?” but she didn’t. When Roman had returned to Naples, Sadie had told her that he was dating fellow tennis star, Gina Jasper. Piper had told Sadie that she was dating someone special too. She couldn’t bring herself to admit she hadn’t found love again after Roman.

  Then after his break up from Gina last year, he’d been photographed with a different girl at social events during Naples’ winter season. Piper had seen his pictures in Naples Living and other society magazines she subscribed to for business purposes.

  Roman scraped a hand over his face. “I would have come over right away if I’d known you were single. It’s time you started believing me, Piper Louise.” He was losing patience, calling her Piper Louise, which he saved for serious discussions. “Do you?” he demanded.

  Hearing his sincerity and uncompromising tone made hope blossom inside her. He had come back for her! His features stretched tight and dark, Roman looked somber and speculative. She wanted to hug him hard until her arms ached. But if she did, she might never let go.

  A tic throbbed in his rigid jaw as he waited for her answer. Piper attempted a soothing smile, but he didn’t return it. Oh dear. She wanted him passionate, not vexed. It was time to lighten things up.

  “I believe you, Roman, but why didn’t you just look me up on Facebook?” she teased softly. “My status is single.”

  His taut features relaxed and the corners of his eyes crinkled with amusement. “Good one. I'm not on Facebook.”

  Her smile widened. “I know. In a moment of weakness, I checked to see if you were on it.”

  Roman’s thumb traced her neck and rested at the hollow of her throat. The rasp of his callused fingertip sent pinpricks sparking through her. “You're not weak, Piper, you're the strongest woman I know. I love that about you.”

  She dipped her head to hide the sensual heat spreading from her throat to her hairline. “Thanks, but I’m not that strong. I have a lot of weak moments.” Her cheeks felt crimson hot as she peeked at him through her lashes. “Like now,” she admitted, her voice pitched low.

  “Now?” he said, locking hungry eyes with her.

  The deep, sexy rumble of his voice drove electrifying tremors through her. His lips eased upward with sensual promise, commanding her undivided attention. She was supposed to be older and wiser now, but he held her in thrall. The smolder in his eyes propelled the pleasure-sting of arousal to every nerve in her body.

  Moments ticked by as she stared at him, her pulse racing, her limbs boneless, unable to move a muscle. The air was thick and sweet with passion as he took a step toward her. She stood very still and fought to regain her equilibrium, but it was impossible.

  She was in dangerous territory. He moved closer. She felt his heat and explosive desire overtook her, barreling like a rampant tornado. His topaz eyes glinted fiercely, teeming with hot desire as he repeated, “Now?”

  “Yes,” she said at last, drawing in a quivery sigh.

  “Come here, Gypsy.” He extended his arms and she stepped into his warm embrace.

  Chapter 18

  Rising on tiptoes, Piper slid her arms around Roman’s neck. She held her breath as he smoothed her hair from her face and kissed the vulnerable spot behind her earlobe. Savoring his clean, male smell, she nuzzled the crook of his neck and licked the warm skin.

  He closed his eyes and groaned low in his throat, the animal-like sound erotically appealing. She tilted her head backward as his lips trailed kisses on her cheeks, lips and chin with disarming tende
rness.

  Clinging to his sturdy shoulders, she wobbled precariously on unsteady legs as his kisses grew hotter and desire coiled deep inside her. It was all she could do not to purr like a kitten—a kitten being lured by a lion…and a mighty one at that. Oh, the irony.

  He wound his hands in the mass of her hair and held her still as he buried his face in her hair. “How do you manage to smell so amazing?” He inhaled deeply. “Do you know how much I’ve dreamt of your scent? It’s intoxicating. In a good way,” he added with a low chuckle.

  Every cell in her body vibrated with anticipation as he stroked her shoulders before he slowly slid the knit fabric of her V-neck dress down, exposing the tops of her breasts. He lowered her lacy bra straps and lingeringly traced a finger over her skin, leaving a trail of gooseflesh.

  His dark head inclined, he lifted her breasts in his hands and leaned his cheek against them. She clutched his shoulders and moaned at the scrape of his manly cheek on her delicate skin. She whimpered softly, her breath coming in short puffs as he tasted her with feather light kisses, his tongue grazing her nipples until they went stiff and rosy.

  “I want you,” he said gruffly, his warm breath fanning her sensitized skin.

  Piper inhaled deeply as Roman’s hands released her breasts and traveled the length of her back, massaging the indentation of her spine, molding the sides of her waist and descending to cup her bottom. He squeezed her buttocks, anchoring her firmly against his arousal as his dark head bent over her breasts, lavishing them with attention.

  “Delicious,” he breathed huskily. Her face burned at the wicked promises he murmured while running the tip of his tongue over the delicate shell of her ear. She shuddered and arched her back at the fresh onslaught of gooseflesh.

  He claimed her mouth in a deep, languorous kiss, tasting, suckling, baiting her with his tongue until she was breathless. A pulsing ache built inside her as she panted his name between his drugging kisses.

  Closing her eyes, she stroked his broad back, relearning the feel of solid muscle and sinew, enjoying the vigor and power beneath her hands. He held her firmly in the V of his wide-legged stance as she wriggled against him. She tried to get as close as possible and smiled when he groaned like a man on fire.