Chapter 17

Seventeen

Sam

"When do you plan to tell him?"

Sam jerked her gaze away from Roman. They had been together nearly every day for weeks now. Kissing on Love Point Pier was one of her favorite pastimes. Maybe they were a little late for the local myth to work for them, but on the other hand, with neither of them looking for a relationship, they didn't need luck.

They had avoided the gambling ships, and that was fine with Sam. Instead, they took in a couple of Carolina Sunrays games and tasted flights at Love Beach Brews. Roman had even insisted they go to Lava for a night out. Sam had argued, but eventually, she had given in, and she was glad they had gone. The nightclub was the hottest place to be for nightlife. She wouldn't want it to be a habit, but dressing up in a cocktail dress and fuck-me heels—Roman had taken her right there in her house, against the front door, before they left—and dancing the night away with him had been a blast. They had sat together at the main round bar, watching the giant lava lamp and talking over cocktails. Innocent enough at first, but the good doctor loved to shock her with innuendo, sometimes saying downright filthy things. Which had only made dancing all the more fun.

"Tell who what?" She frowned at Vivian.

Book Sam had long since lost track of how many customers she had served. The hors d'oeuvres, salmon crudo and fish and shrimp ceviche among them, were a hit, though the seafood towers were the most popular with their honored guests, as well as those guests' fans.

Roman had swept her away from the bar earlier, slipped one arm around her waist, and taken her hand in his free hand. He'd spun her around in small circles and not quite dirty-danced her to a jazz version of a Frank Sinatra tune. While the Verse it thrilled her that Roman was meeting people and enjoying himself.

Vivian stood with Roper Kline, the head winemaker at Chansonnier. Sam watched the two of them talk, reading their body language and silently cheering Vivian on. Her friend was attracted to the man, and why wouldn't she be? Roper Kline was tall and broad-shouldered with a thick head of white hair and deep blue eyes.

"Penny for your thoughts."

Sam turned to Roman as he slid onto the barstool beside hers. She shrugged.

"I don't know. I'm just happy. It was a perfect night."

"Vivian says she hopes to do this annually."

"Mm-hmm." Sam nodded. "Actually, maybe more than that. She wants to do something like this at Christmas."

"Why do I suspect she'll keep inviting Roper Kline back?"

Sam laughed when Roman glanced at Vivian and Roper.

"She's definitely got a thing for him," she agreed.

"I have a thing for you."

Sam cut her gaze back to his and smirked. "Oh, I know you do. But you can't get it out here."

He laughed softly and leaned closer to kiss her cheek.

"I didn't mean to do this, Sam," he said softly.

"Do what?"

"Fall in love with you."

His words took her breath away. Unable to speak, she simply stared at him.

"I know it wasn't in the plans for us. I know you don't want to be tied down. I don't know. Maybe it was that Love Point Pier mojo after all."

"Roman."

"You don't have to say it." He shrugged. "Hell, you don't have to feel it. I just wanted to tell you that."

"Roman, you don't have to lie to keep me. Whatever this is, we don't have to pretend it's love."

"A very wise woman has told me many times lately that I don't have to own anyone's feelings or worries. That I'm only responsible for myself."

She smiled and tipped her head. "I am pretty wise."

"Which is why I'm telling you I love you. And telling you, you don't have to?—"

"I do," she whispered. "Dammit, I do, and I didn't mean to do it, either."

"Maybe we should go down to Love Point Pier." He leaned closer to kiss her again, but this time he only dropped a quick kiss on her lips. "Offer a sacrifice to the local god of love or something."

"What would that be? A seafood tower?"

He laughed and nuzzled her nose with his. "No way. Too good to toss it back in the water."

"Maybe we should just go home."

"My place is closer," he reminded her.

She swept her gaze around the bar before looking back at him. "I can't leave yet."

"You can, and you will." Vivian's voice came from just behind her. "I can't have you two lovebirds making out at my bar. We're not that kind of establishment."

Sam laughed and shook her head.

"Seriously. There's about ten minutes before we lock up. Jesse is packing his things up to go."

"He sold out," Sam reminded her. "What's to pack?"

"Get out of here. Go do something…" Vivian cleared her throat. "Fun."

Roman hopped off his stool and reached for her hand. "Direct order, Sam. Let's go."

He wrapped his arm around her as they headed to the door, waving a goodnight to those few lingering customers.

"By something fun," Vivian called.

Sam stared at Roman, wide-eyed. "She wouldn't."

He quirked an eyebrow at her. "Not that kind of establishment."

"I do not mean elope," Vivian finished.

Sam snorted and rolled her eyes.

"Goodnight, Vivian!" She hollered. "Elope," she mumbled as they stepped outside.

"Right?" Roman shook his head. She turned to him when she felt his suggestive stare. "I mean, if we eloped, we would do that in Italy or Greece or something, right?"