Nearly a week had passed since he’d seen Katie. Roman actually had one of his top crew members come in and take over for a couple of days. Roman had opted to check in on the second house he’d lined up to renovate. He spent some time discussing with those owners their specifics and making sure he had the proper materials on order.
But now he was due back at Tilly’s house and he only hoped he didn’t have to run into Katie. Seeing her again, knowing he’d never have her was just more than he wanted to deal with…again.
On the other hand, though, he wanted to see her. Damn if that didn’t make him a masochist. She still stirred something so deep within him each time he thought of her and their last night together. No woman had ever come close to his Katie.
But she pushed him away once again.
As he pulled into her drive he saw her bike propped against the side of the house and her yellow Jeep in the garage. He checked the clock on his dash and wondered why she was home when she typically left for the studio by this time of the morning. His crew member had mentioned that she’d been gone most of the time he’d been around.
Roman wasn’t one to hide and lick his wounds. But at the same time, just seeing her was damn difficult. She’d made it clear they were over and he would have to respect her decision. That didn’t mean he’d avoid her. He’d taken a few days to regroup, but he was back and ready to kick it into gear to get this house done so he could move on.
So if he had to face her, to speak to her, then so be it. Maybe she was here today thinking it was safe since Roman had been missing for a few days. He’d be able to tell her true feelings the moment he saw her. She’d never been able to mask her emotions or lie.
Actually, she had lied. She’d kept the secret from him about being able to have more children. Had she come to him years ago when everything happened, he would’ve sought out another specialist. He could’ve talked to her about adopting if that’s what she wanted. But she’d opted to push him away and then just walk out.
Fear had her running eight years ago and fear had her running now. He was done. He was done denying the fact that they belonged together. He was going to march in there and tell her he forgave her. Getting angry about that secret wouldn’t change things now. If that’s all that was holding her back, they could work through it.
With a newfound purpose for this day, Roman stepped from his work truck and headed up the drive toward the back porch. The ocean waves crashed in the distance, but he couldn’t take advantage of the beach today. The only thing he wanted, the only person he wanted, was inside and she was going to likely be surprised at seeing him.
Roman used the key Tilly had given him and unlocked the back door. When he opened it, he listened for Katie. The house was completely quiet. He walked into the kitchen, stepping over the tools and materials. The entire first floor was empty.
He called for her at the base of the steps, but nothing. He knew she was home since her car and bike were here.
Turning his attention toward the back of the house, he headed through the kitchen and out the enclosed patio. There in the distance was Katie. The sun shown bright, only giving him a silhouette image, but he’d know that body anywhere. He jerked his boot laces and quickly ridded himself of his work boots and socks. He rolled the hem of his jeans up and made a quick path to his woman.
The skirt of her dress flapped in the wind against her calves. Her hair danced around her shoulders. Roman didn’t take his eyes off her as he closed the distance between them.
Without saying a word, he came to stand beside her. Katie’s gasp had him smiling as he stared off into the horizon.
“I didn’t think you’d be back,” she finally said.
“Had some things to do.” Not a total lie, but she didn’t need to know how hurt he’d been. From this point on, he wasn’t allowing anyone to be hurt—least of all the woman who was terrified of a future with no children.
“This dance studio you’re opening,” he started, hooking his thumbs through his belt loops. “You’re only teaching children?”
From the corner of his eye, he saw her jerk her attention toward him. “Um…yes. Why?”
“You’ll be an excellent teacher for them. Have you heard from the bank?”
Now he did turn and risk a glance at her. She smoothed her hair over one shoulder and attempted to hold it all together.
“Not yet. Is that why you came here? To talk about my studio?”
Roman shook his head. “I came to talk about your future.”
“What about it?”
“When you get that loan, I’m going to renovate your building.” He held up a hand when she opened her mouth to speak. “Until that happens, I’m going to date you. I’m going to show you exactly how perfect we are together, how much I don’t care about your infertility. I’m going to show you that there’s a reason we came back together after all this time.”
Katie closed her eyes and dropped her head, her hands falling to her sides. Her shoulders shook and for a second he thought she was crying. Roman reached for her, but then her head snapped up and she had the widest smile on her face.
“Is something funny?” he asked.
“Actually, yes.” Katie reached up to grip both of his wrists. “I asked Zoe when she could take us up in her hot air balloon. Once I told her my plan, she was making a special time for us.”
Shocked, and quite a bit hopeful, Roman took a step closer until their torsos brushed together. “And what plan was this?”
Katie reached up and framed his face. “I was going to tell you that if you forgive me for pushing you away, for not telling you why I was setting you free, that I wanted to give this another try. I…I really think we can work, but I’m afraid.”
Roman’s knees nearly gave out. He rested his forehead against hers. “Be afraid, Katie, but please don’t push me away again. I can’t handle losing you a second time. And as far as forgiving you? Consider it done. I want my Katie back. We can see other doctors or we can adopt. I’ll do anything you want.”
Katie eased back. “You’re awfully sure this is going to be forever.”
With a quick twist, he had her dipped backward as he banded her waist with his arm. He leaned down over her and briefly touched his lips to hers before pulling back.
“I positive this will be forever.”
“Promise me,” she said, reaching up to loop her arms around his neck. “Promise me forever.”
Roman returned her smile. “Forever won’t be long enough.”