Chapter Seventeen

Tessa

A few days after Roman returns from South America, Claire comes to the penthouse. Her visit is a little awkward, because I’d just sent Roman a sexy text inviting him home for lunch. I wasn’t exactly dressed for company, but managed to salvage my dignity, hastily donning a pair of slacks and a silk blouse. I’m wearing a wicked negligee underneath, but it’s not totally obvious, fortunately.

Claire sets her purse down on the counter along with a tray of coffees from the shop down the street. She eyes me with clear suspicion but doesn’t comment on my flustered appearance. I’m still busted, and Roman’s going to be arriving any minute. He’ll be surprised to see Claire’s car in the garage. At least I hope he will be. What if she let the valet park her car?

“I brought you a cappuccino,” she says, slipping out of her coat.

“How great is that?” I offer, sounding totally insincere. Claire arches a brow, her lips tilt upwards as she tries to suppress a smile. Yeah. Busted.

She brought two coffees, which means she’s staying a while. I manage a quick text to Roman to warn him that the coast is not clear.

“I thought we’d chat a little,” she says.

Now she’s the one trying to sound innocent. We’ve chatted every day for the last couple of weeks, either in person or on the phone. She hasn’t wasted any time with the wedding preparations. We’ve visited the venue twice, eating lunch there both times, and picked out the dinner menu. Yesterday afternoon we tried cake samples and tested a few bottles of champagne.

This wedding is going to be small, just a few dozen people, but Roman wanted everything to be perfect. I think he feels a little badly for rushing the wedding. Every night before we drift off to sleep, he tells me the same thing. I wish we were married yesterday.

He has a definite sweet and tender side. I take the coffee Claire brought me just as the elevator opens. Roman’s expression isn’t showing off his sweet and tender side right now. More like gruff and irritable.

“Claire,” he growls. “You’re not at work?”

She snaps the lid from her coffee, blows the steaming liquid and takes a slow, leisurely sip. She sets it on the counter and gives him a bland look. “Neither is my boss. Seems like he’s been leaving for lunch a few times a week, and not bothering to return to work.”

Roman’s gaze shifts to meet mine. He gives me a bemused look, daring me to say something in response to Claire’s comment. I’m glad she’s not looking at me, because my face feels hot and flushed. I’m sure I look totally guilty right now. I turn away and make myself look busy, tidying up the coffee tray and utensils.

Claire walks over to the window, taking her coffee with her. “The wedding is five days away. I don’t think Tessa should live with her groom right up until the day of the wedding, do you?”

Roman takes off his coat and tosses it over a chair. Next, he loosens his tie, a scowl coming over his features. “What are you suggesting?”

Claire turns to face him. “You two can’t see each other the day of the wedding, obviously. It would be bad luck, right?”

“Fine, I’ll stay in a hotel the night before. Or with Damon or you.” He shrugs. “Whatever, I don’t really care.”

“You can’t stay with me. You’ll hurt Louis’s feelings. You know how sensitive he is.”

“Fine. Damon then. Or I’ll get a room.”

I drink my coffee, watching this all play out. Despite being very different, Damon, Claire and Roman are very close. Still, they argue and debate endlessly. Sports scores. Politics. Food. Everything is up for discussion. The arguments can get pretty heated too, and I’m wondering how this is going to end. I can see where Claire is going with this. Roman won’t be happy.

“You don’t need to get a room,” Claire says. “Tessa can just stay with me.”

She had me over the other day for lunch and introduced me to her cats and dog. Maybe she was testing me to see if I treated them well. I haven’t been around dogs too much, but I loved all her little menagerie. Good thing too. I suppose I passed the test.

Roman stalks around the living room, giving his sister a dark look. “Fine. I’ll drop her off on Friday.”

Claire shakes her head. “We still have a lot to do. It would be best if I took her today.”

He doesn’t respond for a long moment. The air feels heavy with tension. He turns to give me a questioning look. “Did you know about this?”

I laugh softly. “Not a thing.”

“I thought I’d take her with me now.” Claire sets her coffee aside and folds her arms across her chest.

“Now?” Roman asks, his voice a little too loud, the words echoing across the marble foyer. His expression darkens. “Now?”

“Yes, now. Is that okay with you, Tessa?” she asks.

Both of them stare at me, waiting for a reply. Up until now, neither of them seemed to think I was part of the conversation. Now that I am, I wish they’d keep ignoring me.

This isn’t going to earn me any points with Roman, but I forge ahead anyway. “Claire’s been doing a lot for the wedding, including driving me to appointments. It might be easier if I stayed at her place.”

“I could drive you around.” He frowns. “Or get you a car. Whatever you like.”

Claire scoffs. “Oh, don’t be such a grouch, Roman. I’m just taking her for a few days. This time next week, you’ll be a happily married couple and you don’t have to be apart ever again.”

He grimaces.

“Would you let me live with a guy before I got married?” she asks.

When he’s unable to respond right away, Claire knows she’s won. He rubs the back of his neck and lets out a groan. With that simple question, Claire doesn’t need to press the issue further. I don’t want to be away from Roman, but I’ll admit Claire does have a good point.

Roman follows me back to the bedroom and helps me gather my things. He grumbles and growls while he wanders around the room.

“A few minutes ago, I thought I was coming home to take my girl to bed. Now I’m helping her pack. I just got back from not seeing you for a week.”

“I know.” I zip up my bag. “I don’t want to go, but it’s better this way.”

He walks us down to Claire’s car, carrying my bag. After he puts the bag in the trunk, he holds me in his arms. We stand together, wrapped in each other until Claire clears her throat.

“Okay, kids. Enough with the sad faces. The next time you see each other will be the day you exchange vows.”