Chapter Nine

Insecurity held her hostage for a few days. All Romilly could wonder about was what Kaiden could possibly see in her. On Tuesday, she walked Toby to the dog park. Elanie gave her a friendly wave and she made her way over to her friend.

“Good morning,” she said as she sat down.

“Morning, Romilly.” Elanie smiled. “How are you doing this lovely morning?”

“Okay,” she replied with a sigh.

Elanie cocked her head. “You don’t sound okay. What’s going on?”

“I … met a guy,” she finally said.

“You sound unsure.”

“I am a little.” She wasn’t sure if she should be talking about Kaiden, but she needed advice. “He’s a little famous and when we were on a date, a mob surrounded us.”

“And you didn’t like the mob?”

“Of course not, but I didn’t mind that so much as when I saw all the women he’s dated over the years. All of them beautiful.”

Elanie nudged her with her shoulder. “You’re beautiful.”

She gave a little harrumph. “You have to say that because you’re my friend.”

“I said that because I’m your friend.” Elanie patted her hand. “You’re as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside, and that is a rare trait indeed.”

Romilly smiled. “Thank you.”

“Tell me,” Elanie continued. “Do you like this man?”

She didn’t even have to think about that answer. “Yes.”

“Does it seem he likes you back?”

“God, I hope you fucking text me,” he’d said to her.

“Yeah. I think so.”

“Then don’t let your insecurities blind you to what might be a wonderful relationship.”

“But what if it doesn’t, you know, last?”

“Honey, nothing is guaranteed. You could cross the road and get hit by a bus. Toby could wrap his leash around your legs and trip you and break your neck.” Elanie smiled. “Or, you can live in the moment. Yeah, maybe a romance with this man might prematurely end, but at least you were courageous enough to try. You can’t sit on the sidelines forever, Romilly.”

“What if he breaks my heart?” she asked, almost afraid to voice the question. Because of course, he’s going to break my heart.

“What if you break his? It can go both ways, you know.”

“You think I should take the chance?”

“Yes, because you can’t let fear of the unknown stagnate your life.”

Romilly was pretty sure Kaiden was a player, and who could blame him? He was a fancy football star who was sinfully handsome. Her hesitancy had nothing to do with his status and everything to do with his reputation. But she knew Elanie was right. She couldn’t miss out on what might be a great love story, and if he eventually got tired of her and turned his back, at least she took the chance.

“Thank you,” she said to Elanie. Then leaned over and kissed the older woman’s wrinkled cheek.

“Anytime, my dear. Anytime.”

****

When she got back home, she returned Toby to his apartment and then went into her own. She sat on the couch and pulled out her phone, already having mentally prepared what she was going to text.

Romilly: Would you like to come over for dinner when you’re free?

She figured he was at practice and wouldn’t reply until much later. To her surprise, she got an immediate response.

Kaiden: I’m so glad you texted, and yes. I would love to come over for dinner. Friday night?

Romilly smiled and typed back that Friday was fine.

Three little dots kept blinking, letting her know he was typing something else. They disappeared and then reappeared, showing he was also unsure of what to say. Finally, it came through.

Kaiden: You’ve been in my dreams. I’ve been wondering how I was going to convince you that I’m not a bad guy.

Romilly: I know you’re not a bad guy. How’s practice going?

Kaiden: It’s kicking my ass, but I love it. I’m working well with the quarterback so I have cautious hope.

Romilly: I knew you were going to be great. I’m excited for you.

Kaiden: Thank you. What have you been doing?

Romilly: Painting, mostly. I had to package up the items I sold and I got them into the mail. Took Toby to the park again.

Kaiden: You’re very talented. Maybe I should buy one to hang in my house, whenever I get around to buying one. If I make the team, maybe you can house hunt with me. What should I bring for dinner on Friday?

House hunt? That shocked her. She quickly typed a response. Just yourself.

Kaiden: Okay. I have to go. My break is over and we’re running offensive plays.

Romilly: Go kick some butt. See you Friday.

He sent back a smiling emoji next to a football.

She leaned her head back and stared up at the ceiling, unable to wipe the smile off her face. A flutter of excitement swarmed low in her belly as she thought about Kaiden coming to her home for dinner. Didn’t that mean he wanted to be with her?

She really hoped so.