"Go for it," My dad says with a wave. "Your mother can reheat your food," He adds with a smile. Though the lifeless look in his eyes whenever he glances at her is always unsettling.
Aiden pokes his potatoes, his eyes following me as I make my way outside.
Roman has barely made it to his 4Runner as I step outside. As I move towards him, he seems lost in thought, his eyes staring blankly at the driver’s side door.
"Hey, I'm sorry my dad made you-"
"Give me your phone," He snaps, holding out his hand.
"Why would I do that?" I question, tugging the device free from my pocket.
At dinner, Aiden had silently handed it over to me under the table, avoiding my father's watchful eyes.
"Hand it to me, or I’ll get it myself," He warns, keeping his hand out in front of me.
I hesitate before unlocking the phone and handing it over to him. He snatches it quickly, his fingers fumbling around on the screen.
“Do you need help finding something? I assumed you knew how to use it since you asked for it. Unless...”
“Unless what?”
“Unless your looks have deceived me, and you’re too ancient to know how to work a smartphone.”
He shoots me a playful smirk as he finishes and locks the phone.
"So not ancient, huh? You can’t be my age. From what I know, priests start seminary around twenty-two."
"Tack on seven years. I’ll be twenty-nine in October." He hands my phone back to me, our fingers touching during the exchange.
"I added my number in there. I want you to call me in the morning once you’re up. You’ll be starting your service hours bright and early.”
"Service hours?" I question. "My dad really did sign me up?"
"That he did," He mutters, leaning into the side of his car. "You’ve got the most service hours, actually."
"I can't," I stutter, the idea of being isolated with Roman both terrifying and exciting. "I had to pick up a job. My parents are making me pay rent while I’m living at home. I work at Idlewood Coffee in the mornings, the cafe downtown-"
"Then you’ll come find me after that."
"And what if I already have plans?" I snap. "It's Monday-"
"You'll make time," He shrugs, looking toward the house. Taking a step closer, he pushes a strand of stray hair behind my ear. I close my eyes, hating how much I love the feeling of his touch, biting back the urge to step a little closer.
"Lock your door tonight."
"Why?" I question, his head cocking.
"Do it. I don't like it when you don't listen."
His hand falls from my face as he backs away, leaving my skin yearning for his touch. Dazed and confused, I watch him as he retreats to his car. I make my way back to the house, and as I make my way up the stairs to the front porch, I look over my shoulder to see him still waiting in the driveway. He doesn’t leave until I close the front door behind me.
Tossing myself on my bed, I shoot Zoey a quick text, asking if she’s working at the cafe in the morning. Quickly getting a "yes" back, I scroll through my contacts, rolling my eyes at the sight of Roman's name now in my phone. Clicking my phone off, I look down to see dirt still caked on my skin in places. My one prerogative for the rest of the night is to thoroughly cleanse my body in hopes of washing away the remains of the day, both physically and mentally.
The collar of Roman’s flannel shirt touches my face, and I take in his scent. I think of the way his hands explored betweenmy thighs, wondering if he resented me even though I had no intention of tempting him on any level tonight. But now I’m the one tempted to explore this connection between us.
"Eden," Aiden's hoarse voice calls, his body lingering in my doorway. "Can I talk to you?"
I glance at the clock on my nightstand. It’s late, almost midnight. I’m surprised he’s still up. Surely his apology could wait until the morning.
