Always And Forever

Chapter 3

The next few days at work were pretty awkward being around Seth. He would come by my office during his free time, but I would pretend to be busy, and avoid unnecessary contact. It seemed that Seth was even more interested in me and would find stupid reasons to pass by.

Even hanging out with Dean was not easy, Seth was always lingering, trying to involve himself in everything. Roman on the other hand did not give up his cockiness, we would make a lot of eye contact but he barely spoke. I didn't complain though, he would always help me along with Dean whenever I needed then. I couldn't lead Seth on. Somehow I had to tell him I didn't want to pursue a relationship with him, other than a professional one.

Over the weekend, we were due for two events in Philadelphia, at the Wells Fargo Center. Thursday morning, Dean invited me to drive with him and the guys to the next destination. With Seth being there, it would be awkward, but at least I wouldn't be alone with him, so I went along with them. Seth decided to drive the first shift, while Dean covered directions up front. That left me in the backseat with Roman...joy.

"Hey guys, can you hook up my music? It's too quiet in here" I stuck my Ipod up front to Dean, who plugged it in and started going through my music.

"You better not have any sappy love crap on there, we don't do that here" Seth warned me, as we all laughed.

"Rock and metal...that's all I got." I replied.

Seth smiled at me thought the rear view mirror. Dean played my music, it lightened up everyone, and for a while, even I forgot about my issues with Seth. Dean being "Dean" provided entertainment and began headbanging in his seat and screaming along to the songs.

"So Roman, are you always this quiet or is it just when I'm around?"

He turned facing me, surprised by my bluntness, his grey eyes locked on mine once again.

"Believe me, when I got something to say...I say it." he retorted in his smoky voice.

What the hell? "You're always quiet when I'm around, I thought maybe you had an issue  with me or something?"

"I just had a lot on my mind lately babygirl, my fault if my approach made it seem so."

Oooh...he just called me babygirl! "Oh...well...okay, I guess we're good?"

"Yeah, I'd say we're good."

For the first time Roman warmly smiled. He looked so adorable, I couldn't help but smile back at him.

I wasn't quite sure what was bothering him but he still made small talk about our background, hometowns, and other small details. I started feeling a little closer to Roman as I did with Dean.

We were at least an hour away from the first rest stop, according to Dean. I was feeling tired and had a slight headache from waking up early. I tried resting my head on my hand against the window but there were too many road bumps, which aggravated my headache even more.

Roman noticed I was struggling to keep my head up while trying to sleep. "Do you want to lean this way so you can sleep?" he softly asked.

Duh! Is that even a question? "No I'm okay, I'll be fine like this" I tried readjusting myself, unable to get comfortable. Roman tilted his head offering his shoulder again.

"Quit being stubborn, you won't be able to sleep like that, trust me" he patted to his arm insisting I take his advice.

"Just listen to him, you're gonna get tired. You'll be fine." Dean reassured me.

I was really tired so I gave in and leaned over on his shoulder. This was awkward but  better than the window.

"Nice watch...looks expensive" I admired the piece which decorated his tattooed arm.
"Oh, thanks...damn right it's expensive!" he chuckled.