*Ali's pov*
It's been a few weeks since everything happened and my world had fallen apart...it turned out the man who was after my family was my biological grandfather...my dad adopted me when he married my mother...I was 3 months old...all my records were changed...I was raised a Helmsley but I was born a Cantrell...I was ordered to not be alone...so my apartment was sold instead of moving home Roman offered to let me stay with him of course dad agreed..over these past few weeks we had formed a close friendship but the tension between us was obvious but neither of us wanted to act on it for the sake of Roman's young son whom he was raising on his own with help from his parents...his mother took off when he was barely 2 months old..I let Hannah and Jada take over the store until it was clear and safe for me to be there...in the meantime I found myself spending time with Kellan who was the sweetest little guy...while Roman was getting ready for work Kellan and I were sitting in the living room watching cartoons..both still dressed in pajamas...I smiled as I saw Roman leaning against the door frame "Hi.."
Roman gave me a small smile "Can I talk to you in the kitchen?"
I let Kellan stand up then I stood up following Roman into the kitchen "Something wrong?"
He shook his head "I don't want you by yourself...Lou wants you I'm worried about leaving you here."
I nodded "I don't plan on doing much of anything today...and dad has people watching the house...I'll be okay."
Roman sighed "I can have my mom come get Kellan...he's not your responsibility."
I shook my head "He's fine..we have a good time together.."
Roman rubbed the back of his neck "He's never been this open with anyone...a month and you've turned him into a totally different kid.."
I raised an eyebrow "Is that a bad thing?"
He shook his head "No...it's amazing."
I nodded "Okay.."
Roman sighed reluctantly "I have to go..a many thing happens or you need me call I don't care what it is.."
I nodded "Okay..try to worry less about me being here and focus on your job..I couldn't forgive myself if you got hurt because of me."
He nodded "Naomi my cousin Jimmy's wife is gonna come by with their son Bryant..figured you may want someone to talk to other than a 1 year old..since Hannah is overseeing repairs.."
I smiled softly.."I'll see you later then.."
Roman nodded and started to walk off
I spoke "Wait...you've been picking up dinner...I'd like to cook dinner tonight if that's okay?"
He nodded with a smile "It's your home too Ali.."
I smiled softly "Okay.."
Roman gave me a nod then left
After a while Kellan and I got dressed for the day...then Naomi and Bryant came over with the okay given from Dad and an escort in the form of a guy everyone called Big E we decided to get lunch...i sat back as my phone buzzed it was a text from Roman *Everything okay? -Roman* *Didn't I say not to worry about us we were fine -Ali* *I know but I can't help it -Roman* I smiled *We're fine Big E is great both boys love him -Ali* *Be careful please I'll check in next break okay -Roman* *Okay -Ali* *XO -Roman* I froze my gaze meeting Naomi "Xo..."
Naomi raised an eyebrow "XO what?"
I shook my head "Roman was texting me...checking in and he says XO.."
