Loved by You

by Sophia Knightly

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m not putting you on the back burner,” he said with strained patience.

  “Yes, you are. We can’t be together unless I come first in your life. Don’t think I’m going to be intimate with you again. Not until you break up with The Cheese.” She prodded his chest to make her point.

  Roman caught her hand and kissed it. “Hush,” he said quietly.

  “Don’t hush me,” Piper snapped, snatching her hand back.

  “You are already first in my life, Piper. You’ll have to trust me on that.”

  “Trust you?” She curled her upper lip. “How can I when—”

  “Aunt Pipey, I’m scared,” a small voice called out.

  Piper and Roman whirled around to find Delaney hovering at the entrance, clutching a faded, stuffed zebra.

  “Why were you arguing with Roman? Are you mad at him?” Delaney cocked her head to one side and studied them.

  Piper drew a calming breath and let it out slowly. “No, I’m not mad at him,” she lied, averting her gaze from Roman’s.

  Delaney ran to the couch and climbed in between them. She slid her chubby arms around Piper’s waist and nestled close. “I miss Mommy. Can I stay here for a little while? Pwease?” Her little thumb made its way into her rosebud mouth as she glanced from Piper to Roman with huge, pleading eyes.

  Piper kissed Delaney’s cheek. “No, sweetie. You need to go back to bed. I’ll join you there in a minute, and we can cuddle,” she added, helping her to her feet.

  “Is he coming too?” Delaney sized Roman up with a speculative eye. “He won’t fit in my bed.”

  Roman let out a short bark of laughter.

  Piper froze him with a glacial smile. “He was just leaving.”

  “OK.” Delaney gave him a hug. “Bye, Roman,” she said and scampered away.

  When Delaney left and was safely out of earshot, Roman slanted a determined look at Piper. “I’m not leaving until we’ve talked.”

  “Not now,” she shot back. “I’m babysitting.”

  A vein throbbed in his forehead as he stared at her with incredulous eyes. He braced his elbows on his spread knees and said in a level tone,“ I’m leaving for Scottsdale tomorrow night. We need to settle this before I go.”

  Piper threw her nose in the air. “I doubt your complicated situation will be resolved by then.”

  He opened his mouth to say something, and then clamped it shut. That’s all the evidence she needed that he was going to ask her to buy time. Well…the time was up. Blood surged from her chest to the roots of her scalp when she thought of how easily he’d made love to her by saying the affirmations she’d needed to hear. She didn’t want to doubt his sincerity, but she wasn’t going to blindly trust him either.

  She shot up from the couch and stomped to the front door.

  He reached her in a few, brisk strides.

  “Thanks for the ride over.” She flung the door open wide. “It’s time for you to go.”

  “How are you getting home tomorrow? I’ll come by and pick you up.”

  “No. I’ll hitch a ride if I have to. Good bye,” she said with an air of finality.

  The Lion bared his teeth. “Stop acting like a child.”

  Fists on her waist, she rose on tiptoes and sneered in his face. “What are you going to do? Spank me?”

  “You read my mind,” he snarled softly. Infuriated, she saw the glint of amusement in his eyes. He was probably visualizing her dangling over his knee.

  She crossed her arms and huffed, “I’m in no mood for your jokes.”

  A smile tugged the corner of his mouth. “I wasn’t joking.”

  “Get out,” she hissed. With both hands on his rigid shoulder, she tried to push his big body out the door, but he didn’t budge.

  Was that steam coming out of his ears? Good, he wasn’t the only one ready to combust!

  His eyes glinted with confidence. “We’ll talk tomorrow. Then everything will be resolved.”

  “Hmph,” she snorted, unconvinced. She waved him away with a flourish, signaling for him to leave.

  Roman leaned forward until they were nose to nose. Piper tapped her foot and averted her gaze. He cupped her chin and lifted her face to meet his gaze. “See you tomorrow, Gypsy.”

  Piper tossed her head and remained silent. That would give him plenty to think about.

  He straightened and expelled a heavy breath. Dark brows snapped over scorching amber eyes as he fixed her with a determined stare before he spun and stalked away.

  Piper bolted the door and leaned her slumped shoulders against it. She counted to ten and breathed deeply before heading to Delaney’s room.

  Chapter 20

  Late the following morning, Piper strolled out of the North Collier hospital maternity ward as if she were on cloud nine. Seeing Dan and Beth with their newborn son had been magical and just the lift she needed to quiet her frayed nerves. Andrew was 8 pounds and 21 inches of precious perfection from the top of his tiny bald head to the tips of his little toes.

  Lost in thought and marveling at the miracle of birth, she got in the elevator and rode down to the lobby. She passed by the gift shop and paused to glance through the glass window at the cute stuffed animals. Making a mental note to return tonight when she had more time, she pivoted from the window and gasped when she saw Roman enter the large sliding glass doors with Brie on his arm.

  Piper’s heart thumped as she gaped at them. Why were they at the hospital together? Stunned, she willed her stiff legs to plod into the gift shop, all the while begging God that they wouldn’t see her. Frozen in place, she tried to hide undetected behind the greeting card display rounder.

  With mounting despair, she watched Brie stretch upward and put a hand on his shoulder, speaking in his ear. Did she have to stand that close to him? Brie’s familiarity and ease with Roman irked Piper to no end. They might as well have been a married couple.

  Eyes narrowing, Piper scrutinized Roman’s mood. He looked attentive as he listened to Brie. When they finished discussing whatever Brie had brought up, Roman put his hand on the small of her back and ushered her toward the information desk.

  Piper put on her mirrored aviator sunglasses and waited until the coast was clear before venturing out of the gift shop. When she saw them head down the hospital corridor in the opposite direction, she made a hasty retreat.

  Thank God they hadn’t seen her. It would have been mortifying to run into them.

  * * *

  All afternoon as Piper worked on her jewelry collection, she must have glanced at her phone at least a thousand times. Roman didn’t call until late afternoon when she’d begun to lose hope of hearing from him.

  She stared at her phone when it rang and her heart bounded when she saw his name light up her screen. She was in such a quandary, wanting to hear from him, but dreading what he had to say. She held her breath and waited for the call to go to voicemail, disappointed when he didn’t leave a message.

  He called again a half hour later, and when she didn’t answer, he sent her a text.

  Heading to the airport. Sorry I wasn’t in touch earlier. Vince is in the hospital. I’m leaving for Scottsdale in an hour. Call me.

  Piper reread the text, her heart sinking as she decided not to call him. With Vince in the hospital, Roman’s life had just gotten that much more complicated.

  * * *

  “Where the devil is Roman?” Sadie grumbled from her perch behind her desk. “He’s been gone for a week now and is barely responding to my calls. Either he’s avoiding me or he’s too busy to return my calls. I’ve had it with that boy,” she fumed, slapping the file she held in her hands on her desk.

  Piper eyed her from across Sadie’s desk as she fidgeted with the magenta satin jewelry case she’d brought. She’d come to Sadie’s office to deliver her Man Eater bracelet creation for the auction, but mostly, she wanted to know about Roman.

  “Is he still traveling?” Piper asked, sliding to the edge of the c
hair.

  “He is.” Sadie studied Piper with keen eyes “Haven’t you two been in touch?”

  Piper had been skirting the subject of Roman since she’d arrived, but she finally broke down and said, “No. We had a falling out before he left.” She looked downward. “I haven’t spoken to him since.”

  “You had an argument? No wonder he’s been so hard to reach. He’s probably brooding.” Sadie scuttled around her desk and sank in the chair next to Piper. Her eyes fondly peered into Piper’s. “What happened…if you don’t mind my asking?”

  Piper sighed. Sadie’s hands were clutched to her chest in anguish. It was no secret she wanted them back together again, and Piper loved her for it. She hated getting her involved, but she could use some advice when it came to Roman.

  “We reconnected, and it was amazing.” Piper paused so Sadie would comprehend what she meant without her having to say they made love. “Everything seemed rosy until I asked him when he was breaking up with Brie.”

  Sadie leaned forward so abruptly she nearly toppled off the chair. Righting herself, she clutched the sides of the chair and gave a self-deprecating sigh. “Oh, me. I got so anxious I almost knocked us over. What did Roman say when you asked him?”

  When Piper finished telling Sadie the gist of what had transpired between them, Sadie beamed at her. “I am so proud of you for standing up to him, Piper. Way to go!”

  Piper managed a smile for Sadie’s sake. For some reason, she looked a lot more optimistic than Piper felt. “Thanks…I guess. It felt good when I did it, but now not so much,” she admitted.

  Sadie’s brows knitted. “Why?”

  “I probably should have taken his call or texted him back, but after seeing him with Brie at the hospital, my stubborn pride kept me from doing it.”

  “Perfectly understandable, dear.” Sadie squeezed her hand in solidarity. “I would have done the same.”

  “But now that I know it was because of Brie’s father, I feel callous for not taking his call.” She got up and paced, unable to stay seated when so many jumbled emotions plagued her. “The thing is I feel bad about Vince’s health issues, but Roman has to put us first if he really wants me back.”

  “Agreed,” Sadie said emphatically.

  “When he said he wanted to wait two weeks to break up with Brie after the gala, I said no.” She stopped pacing long enough to gauge Sadie’s reaction. “I lost my temper and told him I didn’t want to be put on the back burner anymore. We argued. He told me I was acting like a child, and I told him to get out.”

  Sadie jumped to her feet and high-fived her. “Good for you! It’s about time you gave him what for,” she squealed with delight.

  Surprised by Sadie’s gusto, Piper exhaled a wavering breath. “I appreciate your enthusiasm, Sadie, but I’m worried. If Roman couldn’t break up with Brie before the gala, how will he do it now that Vince’s health has deteriorated?” Piper chewed her lower lip. “I feel badly about giving him an ultimatum, but—”

  “But nothing. You can’t back down now,” Sadie said firmly. “Roman has let this drag on way too long. Don’t fret about Vince’s health. He got through the angioplasty without complications. He just needs to heal and take better care of himself.”

  “Do you think Brie’s parents will be going to the gala?”

  “I doubt it, but unfortunately, we’re stuck with The Stinky Cheese.”

  “Is she coming with Roman?” Piper asked, dreading the answer.

  “I’m afraid so, dear. Brie has been talking nonstop about how wonderful the gala is going to be. From anyone else that much eagerness would be great, but Brie is so annoying, and she keeps sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong.”

  “Ugh, I can’t stomach seeing her with Roman, even if he says he’s going to break up with her.” She pursed her lips in a tight knot. “I wish I could cancel. I really don’t feel like going with Eric,” she grumbled.

  “You can’t cancel this late in the game. Besides, Eric is fun! He’s looking forward to meeting you,” Sadie said brightly.

  “That’s nice, but I’ll bet Roman’s going to think I’m doing it to make him jealous.”

  “Don’t give it another thought. You are a beautiful young woman. Why should you wait around for him to make up his mind?” Sadie returned to her desk and sat down with an air of satisfaction.

  Piper shrugged. “He probably thinks I’ll come around.”

  “Well, then it’ll be good for him to see you with Eric,” Sadie said briskly. “Let Roman worry that he’s lost you.” Her mouth lifted into a shrewd smile. “Sometimes the Lion’s cage needs to be rattled.”

  Chapter 21

  Piper slid her velvet cocktail dress over her head, sucked in air and held her breath as she zipped up the back. She turned and scrutinized her reflection in the mirror. The plunging neckline miraculously enhanced her smallish breasts and the fitted bodice defined her waist. Good thing too. She wanted every edge to look her best tonight.

  What would The Cheese be wearing? She wondered grumpily. A sexy designer dress made exclusively for her? Don’t think about Brie.

  Piper slid her feet into high-heeled silver sandals and buckled the delicate ankle straps. She made an effort to banish all negative thoughts. Straightening, she peered in the mirror and smiled to make sure there was no lipstick on her teeth. Tiny laugh lines formed at the corners of her eyes. Had Roman noticed them before? He’d always said he loved her eyes. At least they were laugh lines and not frown lines between her eyes.

  A vision of Roman’s leonine topaz eyes flashed in her mind. His eyes crinkled at the outer corners too when he smiled, but on him it was incredibly sexy…

  She pressed her lips together and tried not to think of him, though he was on her mind constantly. She’d heard from Sadie that he’d extended his business trip and would be arriving today. They hadn’t seen each other since she kicked him out of her condo. Was he angry with her for not returning his calls? How would he act tonight?

  She dreaded seeing him with Brie, but there was nothing she could do about it. She’d tried to get out of going altogether, but Sadie wouldn’t hear of it. She just had to suck it up and get through the evening, even if it killed her.

  Piper tried to calm the butterflies swarming in her stomach by taking deep breaths. Anxiety was destroying her confidence. The last thing she wanted was to feel inferior tonight.

  She needed a picker upper—something to make her feel like a femme fatale. More make-up? No, she’d spent an hour with her eye make-up alone. Another hairdo? No, she didn’t have time to do an updo, and Sadie had strongly suggested she wear her hair down. The crafty woman knew Roman had a weakness for her long hair.

  She eyed the crystal blue perfume bottle on her dresser and lifted it. Mrs. Wrigley had surprised her with the impromptu gift of Shalimar earlier this week and insisted that Piper wear it on her blind date with Eric. She’d taken great delight in telling Piper that Shalimar meant “temple of love” in Sanskrit. “It was inspired by an Indian Emperor, who created a beautiful garden to please his queen. Men absolutely love it. It’s timeless and not just for oldies like me,” she’d added with a wink.

  Piper spritzed perfume behind her knees, on her temples and inside her wrists. Closing her eyes, she smelled the lush scents of vanilla and tuberose. The fragrant aroma helped soothe her frazzled nerves.

  Eric had called earlier to touch base before the date, and he’d sounded friendly and outgoing. Sadie, in her usual uplifting way, had said that the hunky physical therapist was “eager” to meet her. She smiled wryly at Sadie’s choice of words.

  Piper’s thoughts returned to Roman. How would he react to seeing her with Eric?

  The doorbell rang, and Piper’s stomach pitched. With shaky hands, she slung the brocade and velvet kimono jacket over her shoulders, drew in a deep breath and dredged any confidence she could muster as she trudged toward the door on leaden feet.

  * * *

  Roman paused at the entrance of the L
ion Academy dining pavilion, bolstered by the presence of Aussie tennis legend, Dean Rutledge, beside him. Tall and imposing in his senior years, Dean surveyed the room with keen eyes, no doubt looking for Sadie.

  After his trip to Scottsdale where he’d added first-rate investors for the academy, Roman had joined Dean in Vegas and persuaded him to come to Naples. He suspected that Dean agreed mostly because of Sadie. The sly old fox had asked about Sadie, and when he found out she was single again, he eagerly hopped onboard to make a surprise appearance at the event.

  Dean’s eyes glinted with admiration. “Just look at your mother. Absolutely radiant. The years haven’t diminished her beauty one bit.” He whistled under his breath. “See you later, mate.” He clapped Roman on the shoulder and headed in Sadie’s direction with a spring in his walk. In his mid-seventies, Dean was a bit heavy around the middle now, but that didn’t stop him from looking formidable in his tux.

  Roman caught sight of Brie waving madly from across the room. He balked at the kittenish smile on her face. She wasn’t the woman he wanted to spend the evening with. He wanted Piper, but she’d given him the heave ho and hadn’t returned his calls. It didn’t help that Brie was going to be his date tonight.

  Roman remained still as Brie rushed toward him. He had managed to get her to meet him here, rather than pick her up, by letting her in on Dean’s secret arrival and swearing her to secrecy. She’d been in such a tizzy getting everything in order for the auction that she’d readily agreed.

  “Welcome back, babe!” Brie sidled up and whispered in his ear, “I’ve missed your handsome face.” She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.

  When he remained impassive, she twirled for him. “How do you like my new dress?” She gestured to the bodice of her strapless gown.