Waiting for Romeo Read online

  “I don’t know, Emilia. Listen to these words: ‘Please baby, love this man. Put your arms around me and we can love together. Stay. Let’s be in love…one more time.’ It definitely sounds sketchy.” He says, struggling to keep a straight face.

  I laugh. “Okay. Okay. You made your point. But I don’t care what you think, ‘Demons’ definitely has some ominous warnings in it.”

  “Ooh. Now, it’s ominous.” He slides closer to me, resting his arm on the sofa behind me.

  I shake my head. “Thank you for dinner.” I say, sweetly, in protest to responding to his teasing.

  “You’re welcome, baby. And, please don’t think there are any hidden meanings in these songs. I can assure you the last thing I would want to do is ward you off.” He leans down, breathing in my air, and kisses the top of my head. “Thank you for today.”

  “Did you really enjoy it?” I ask, pushing my plate back and turning to face him.

  “I did. Now, what’s up next? Skydiving? Bungee jumping?” He grins.

  I think for a minute. “Maybe.”

  “You’re serious?”

  I shrug. “Sounds fun to me and today was amazing.”

  “Maybe you should stick to something less dangerous?”

  “I’m not saying I’m going to run out and do it right now. I’m just saying those things sound fun…today was fun, right?”

  “Today was more than fun, especially the part after the jump.” He breathes, leaning closer to me.

  “I liked that part too.” I whisper. His mouth just touches mine as he leans over me.

  In one swift move, he scoops me up into his arms, gently lying me down on the soft, white sofa. His gaze is heated as he looks into my eyes, waiting for my approval before he moves forward.

  When I push my hands into his hair and tug him towards me, he doesn’t delay any further. His mouth is on mine as his tongue dives into my mouth. My tongue slides around his as his hand reaches under my sweater and up to my breasts. He nuzzles my neck and moves closer to my ear, sending a wave of chills all over me.

  “You promise to tell me if you’re not ready?” He whispers.

  I nod.

  His lips move slowly, gently kissing and licking as he moves down my neck. He leans back and tugs his shirt off. His eyes never leave mine. Scooping me up again, he pulls me on his lap so I’m straddling him. He pulls my sweater off with ease and then wraps his arms around me, tightly, so that I’m pressed against him. I stroke his tongue with mine, his hardness beneath, pushing through his shorts. He cups my breasts with his hands then slides them to my back, unhooking my bra.

  “Your skin is so soft.” He breathes between kisses.

  Caressing my back gently, he slides both hands up to my bare shoulders, to the straps of my bra and slowly slides them down my arms. His mouth never leaves mine as he strokes my breasts, tenderly. Teasing my nipples with his fingertips, my head falls back and I groan. His attention turns to my neck, gently grazing it with his soft, warm lips.

  We roll and I lean back on the sofa gazing up at him while he bends over me.

  “You are so beautiful.” He whispers.

  I blink up at him and in a second his mouth is back on mine. His hand cups my breast in a circular motion, mirroring his tongue in my mouth. His lips leave mine and follow in a trail down my neck, around my breasts to along the line of my leggings. Before he goes any further, he glances up at me.

  I swallow. My body is telling me yes, but I know, in my mind, it’s too soon. We just got back together and as much as I want him at this moment, I know the timing isn’t right. Besides, I’m pretty certain Bryn and Josh will be walking through the door at any moment.

  I move my head back and forth against the sofa.

  He nods, slightly and then continues where his lips left off then follows the same path back up to my mouth. He lifts me onto his lap so that I’m straddling him again as he strokes my back with his hands. We both steady are breathing, while he kisses me softly on my lips.

  “I almost forgot. I have something for you.” He whispers; we are nose to nose.

  “Logan, please. No gifts.” I breathe.

  He holds me tight as he reaches to grab our discarded clothes. Helping me slip back on my bra, he waits until I pull my sweater back on before he scoops me up off his lap and sits me back on the sofa.

  “This doesn’t count.” He replies. “Where’s your bag from today?”

  I point to where it rests on a chair. Moving over to the bag, he pulls something out from the bottom of it.

  “This belongs to you.” He opens the box and holds up the diamond eternity necklace, the one he gave to me and I returned back to him that horrible night.

  I smile at him. “I should have guessed from your doodle the other day in class.”

  “You’ll take it back then?” He moves forward and sits behind me. Smoothing my hair to the side, he opens the clasp and fastens it around my neck.

  “On one condition…no more jewelry.”

  His lips graze my neck as he whispers in my ear. “I can promise you lots of things, Emilia, but that’s one I definitely can’t promise.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  WE SIT IN SILENCE for a few minutes, my head resting against his chest, as we lean back on the sofa. His hand gently brushes my hair, with soft repetitious strokes, and I can feel my eyes getting gradually heavier. It must be late and I wonder if Bryn and Josh went back to his place, when I suddenly hear the fiddling of keys at the front door. They speak in hushed whispers until they turn and see us on the couch.

  “Hey. Glad to see you’re in one piece.” I laugh to myself at Bryn’s obvious omission of both. I wait for her to give Logan her ‘I’ve got my eyes on you’ hand signal, but she skips it this time.

  “Hi. How was the movie?” I ask, stifling a yawn.

  “It was good. So, your crazy stunt was okay?”

  “More than okay.” I glance at Logan. “It was so much fun that now we’re planning to go bungee jumping.”

  “Ha. Ha. You better be joking.”

  I shrug and raise an eyebrow.

  “By the way, why wasn’t the alarm turned on?” She asks.

  “I don’t know. Logan’s here…I only switch it on if I’m by myself.” I think for a moment. “Well, I haven’t been home by myself since we got the alarm, but you know what I mean. Why are you worried that someone could have snuck in here unbeknownst to Logan and I? You better go check on your shoes.” I wink at her.

  “You never know…stranger things have happened.” She smiles, and grabs Josh’s hand. “We’re headed to bed. See you in the morn.”

  They head up the stairs when Logan breathes in my hair and kisses the top of my head.

  “I’m going to take off, babe.” He whispers.

  I sit up and look at him. “Oh?”

  “Now, that they’re here…I should go.”

  “You don’t want to stay because we’re not alone?” I ask, confused.

  “No. I didn’t want to leave you here by yourself, but now they’re here I should leave…you’re tired and it’s late.”

  “But, I don’t understand. You always want to stay.”

  “And, I still want to stay, very badly.”

  “Is this some sort of reverse psychology ploy?”

  “I just told you I want to stay so, no.” He wraps his arms around me and I snuggle into his chest. “I want everything to be perfect this time. You’re giving me a second chance and I’m not screwing that up. I’m thankful we’re moving forward, but I also know I need to earn your trust for us to work.” He breathes.

  I wiggle out of his embrace. “You’re just not staying tonight?”

  “We’ll see. Besides you’ll thank me in the morning when I’m not forcing you to stay in bed with me while you’re trying to go for your morning run.” He stands and pulls me up into his arms.

  “That’s true.” I smile as I gaze up at him.

  He leans forward and kisses me softy. Taking my hand in h
is, he walks towards the front door.

  “Shall I walk you home, neighbor?” I ask, teasing.

  He laughs. “I think I can manage, but thanks for the offer. Are you busy tomorrow? We could jump off whatever else your heart desires.” He says, pulling me into his arms.

  “Tempting offer. But unfortunately, after I run, I’ll be chained to my laptop for the duration of the day and night for that matter. Is it supposed to rain?”

  “Rain? I don’t think so, why?”

  “I know how much you like running in the rain with me.” I say, sweetly.

  “That I do.” He leans forward and lifts my chin, tilting my head back. His lips barely touch mine at first then he closes his eyes, kissing me harder until all too quickly he stops and turns, heading out the door.

  AFTER STUDIO ONE, I head to my Shakespeare class, a class I normally wouldn’t be enjoying as much as in the past with the absence of my favorite professor as well as the substantial increase in my workload, looking forward to seeing the one person I thought I’d never dream of seeing in it. When Logan first joined the class, I was far from pleased, humored maybe, but more annoyed than anything else.

  Since last Saturday, I’ve been thinking about his last words before he left that night. It has been almost two months since that horrible night when I swore I would never trust him again. We’ve come a long way since then, but he’s right in his assertion that for us to work he needs to earn my trust. But don’t I already trust him more than I did before?

  Tugging my backpack up on my shoulder as I walk across campus, I think about trust. I know I struggled with it constantly when I was with Logan before. I didn’t trust him. I didn’t trust Sebastian. I didn’t trust Seraphina. I shudder reflecting back on my thoughts. And, as much as Logan tried to get me to trust him, I always had those lingering doubts.

  But why do I already feel differently this time? Maybe it’s because Sebastian is no longer his roommate or his friend for that matter. He’s not only given up trying to convince me Seraphina is just a friend, he’s given up on her completely. Thank God. Otherwise, we would no way be where we are today.

  The unwelcome thought of Sebastian makes me glance around, assuring he’s nowhere in sight. I haven’t mentioned what happened that night to Logan or Bryn, fearing Sebastian’s clear insanity would have him retaliate in some way. He was wasted and pissed at Logan. He blames me for the loss of his friendship with Logan and in some weird way, I understand it. It doesn’t mean I like him…not one bit, but I do get where he’s coming from. Now, I just need to stay out of his line of fire.

  Where does this all leave Logan and I now that we’ve resumed things? I guess only time will tell…I hope my gut instinct is right this time. I feel like I can trust him. Before I was never sure…even when I thought I was sure. I know I still had doubts. My gut proved right last time; hopefully it doesn’t fail me this time. One thing is certain. He still makes me swoon…no doubt about it.

  I’m completely lost in my thoughts as I near the building where my class is held when someone’s hip bumps into my side.

  “Hey, you!” Chloe smiles, her eyes barely visible beneath her ice pop blueberry-colored Ray Ban sunglasses.

  I jump. “Shit, Chloe. You scared me.”

  “Oh, Sorry! I thought you heard me call you.” It wouldn’t be the first time I didn’t hear someone calling me. Maybe, Logan has a point about me being such a jumpy person. I shrug it off.

  “Cool, shades.” I smile at her.

  “You like?” She pulls them down on her nose and winks at me.

  “They’re super cute on you. Hey, I’m starting to think you aren’t the slacker you make yourself out to be…early again.”

  She laughs. “I just rolled out of bed. These are my pajamas.”

  I glance at her attire. She’s wearing a t-shirt that reads: I heart British boys with pink and white polka dot pajama pants.

  “That you are.” I laugh.

  We are still laughing about her just-out-of-bed outfit when I feel another hip rub into my other side and I feel a hand wrap around my waist.

  “Hi, baby.” Logan smiles down at me and then leans forward, kissing me briefly.

  “Hi.” I return his smile.

  “Yes! You’re definitely back on!” Chloe says, excitedly from my other side. “Now, that I’ve helped you two get back together, maybe you can help me with my love life or lack there of.”

  “Chloe, anyone ever tell you that you’re kind of shy?”

  “No. Why?” She looks at both of us, totally bewildered.

  “I’m kidding you. What’s wrong with your love life?” I ask as Logan takes my hand in his and we continue walking together.

  “It sucks…that’s what’s wrong with it. My boyfriend dumped me again.” She pouts.

  “Chloe, I don’t know who your boyfriend is and I don’t know you that well, but I can tell you what I think and you promise you won’t be offended?”

  “Please.” She nods.

  “He sounds like a total loser if he keeps dumping you. Kick him to the curb.” I say.

  “That’s kind of harsh, Emilia.” Logan looks at me, amused.

  “No. She’s right and I know it, but I keep getting sucked back in.” She shakes her head.

  “Don’t let him suck you back in. Sounds like you need a change of scene. Why don’t you come out with us tonight? Bryn wants to go dancing at Tonic. Are you up for that?” I ask.

  “Really?” She asks, appreciatively.

  “Of course.” I smile at her.

  “Kick him to the curb?” Logan asks, wrapping his arm around my waist, as he pulls me towards him, repeating my earlier words.

  I blink up at him. “Yes.” I laugh at his bewilderment.

  When we make our way into the classroom, several seats are already taken. Glancing around the room, I quickly notice everyone’s eyes are on me or maybe it’s Logan. But then I realize he’s still holding my hand and it dawns on me they’re staring at both of us. I’ve never been one to care about gossip. It all seems so silly and pointless, but then Bryn’s words echo in my head: the school revolves around Logan and his sexcapades. I swallow and I release Logan’s hand as I make my way to my seat.

  Feeling his eyes on me, I keep myself busy by pulling out our essay that’s due on King Lear today…an analysis of his downfall as well as my notes for our next discussion on Anthony and Cleopatra.

  I know Logan can sense something is wrong, but I don’t want to talk about it here, especially with everyone’s eyes on us. Fortunately, Chloe distracts me while she mumbles about Shakespeare.

  “Do you agree?” She asks, waiting for my response.

  “Sorry, Chloe. I didn’t hear what you were saying?” I say, distractedly. “What about Hamlet?”

  “I was saying this class sucks and if you weren’t in it…I would definitely drop it. It totally blows.” She says, fumbling with her papers on her desk.

  “Well, I’m flattered you’re sticking with it because of me, but I’m sorry you feel that way. I love Shakespeare. I know this teacher isn’t that exciting, but don’t you love the plays?”

  “No. Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, now King Lear…they are all seriously fucked up dudes.” She frowns.

  I hear Logan chuckle beside me.

  “It’s all so depressing. I can’t take it.” Chloe adds.

  I smile at her assessment. “They’re his tragedies and you’re right they are fucked up. Shakespeare’s protagonists are admirable, but also seriously flawed. He’s written them that way so the audience can sympathize and understand the character.”

  “I had no idea. I know Romeo and Juliet is depressing, but I thought the rest of his plays were supposed to be funny. These plays we’ve been studying, writing essays on…I’m definitely not laughing.”

  “You’re thinking of his Comedies.” I explain.

  “Please tell me we’re doing one of those next.” She rests her head in her palm.

  I laugh. “Sorry.”


  “Ugh. Another tragedy?” She asks.

  “Yes. Anthony and Cleopatra, but I’m sure we’ll be moving on to a Comedy after that.”

  “I hope so. My love life is depressing enough…I don’t need to read about even more depressing love lives.”

  “I’m going to help change that…or at the very least, you can get insanely drunk and dance your ass off with us.”

  She laughs. “Not another word…you’ve already cheered me up.”

  THE LAST TIME I WAS AT TONIC, I ended up wasted with Tyler groping me on the crowded dance floor. It wasn’t one of my better nights. I was pissed at Logan for not being forthcoming earlier in the week. He failed to tell me about helping Seraphina when she was arrested for a DUI and I proceeded to drink until I couldn’t see straight. Of course, I didn’t find out about the Seraphina part of the story until after he rescued me from Tyler’s wandering lips. But I knew something was wrong all week: gut instinct.

  This night is starting out much better. We’re in the crowded club with the music bouncing off the black walls and Logan’s hand is tightly wrapped around my waist. I wonder if he’s sharing my same thoughts. Bryn and Chloe bounce to the music, while Josh and Tyler lean against the bar, sipping their bottles of beer.

  The music is so loud making it almost impossible to talk. Besides the pulsating dance tunes, I only hear Logan whispering in my ear.

  “What was bothering you in class today?” He asks as his lips brush my ear, causing those intoxicating shivers.

  I turn to face him so I can respond. “People were staring at us. I just don’t want people gossiping about me…you…us.”

  “But people are staring now.” He breathes in my ear. “You don’t seem to mind.”

  I shrug. “It bugged me in class and then I thought about it.”

  “And?” He stares into my eyes.

  “I don’t give a shit.” I say, firmly.

  He laughs. “Good. You shouldn’t.”

  “I’ve always been a people pleaser. I’ve always worried about what people think about me. I even care about what they think about you. It’s an odd feeling. I despise gossip. But we only have a little over four months left of school and frankly I can’t be bothered.”