True Mate

V.

We drove into town and parked along the main strip where all the shops were. It wasn't until we'd gone through several that I realized I didn't even know this man's name. Embarrassed, I waited for the right moment to ask while we sat in a quaint little cafe tucked into a side street. Ordering the daily special; a Reuben on rye with a side of home fries, we drifted into a comfortable silence.

That's when I pounced.

"You know, this is the second meal we've shared together and I still don't know your name."

After the words were out of my mouth, I felt like a petulant child that didn't get her way. I felt my cheeks flush hotly as I scolded myself for how indelicate my phrasing had been. His reaction surprised me as his sensuous lips quirked up in an amused smirk.

"You never asked," he purred.

God that voice should be illegal!

He was right. I hadn't asked, and now I felt like the biggest ass in the universe. Without question or protest, he had welcomed me into his home, offering protection from the crazy situation I was in. But that wasn't really an excuse... Kicking myself, I tried to muster the guts to ask.

"I'm sorry..." I said, truly feeling like an inconsiderate jerk, "I didn't even think about your name until now. After everything you've done, too. That was awful of me."

"Stop," he commanded, "You didn't ask, but I didn't offer either. I should have told you from the start. So if its anyone's fault it's mine."

His eyes plunged into mine and I instantly burst into flame. The pit in my stomach knotted up under the power of his stare, and I was ashamed to admit the growing wetness between my thighs had everything to do with those intense eyes.

"It's Roman."

Wow. Well that just made him the package deal. I gave him my best smile and reached out to squeeze his hand. It was so big I could barely wrap my fingers across it.

"It's lovely to meet you, Roman," I said, rolling his name over my tongue.

It felt glorious. Smiling back, he covered my hand with his own, the warmth sparking electricity across my skin. A moment later he pulled away, taking his attention with him. He seemed to be scanning the area, looking at each entrance and exit, as well as out the windows over the street.

"What's wrong?"

He shifted his focus back to me, but his expression spoke volumes; they were being watched.

"Nothing," he said, trying to act reassuring but I didn't believe it for a second, "Let's go."

I appreciated his attempt to keep me calm, but my pulse spiked at the thought of someone following them. Leading me out of the cafe, he opened the car door for me, all the while keeping an eye on our surroundings. The drive back to his apartment was a long one, neither one of us daring to break the silence. It was a relief when he pulled into the newly familiar parking lot in front of the complex.

Without a word, he grabbed all the bags of clothing and necessities we'd picked up from our afternoon of shopping. Then it hit me; was I being a burden? The thought made me sad, and so I pushed it away, choosing to focus on the moment. When he'd place his hand over mine back at the cafe, I sensed something like affection radiating from him, seeping into my skin.

Despite his intimidating height and build, he was warm and kind, and I determined then that I would do everything possible not to take advantage of him. He was my protector, my comfort, and admittedly I felt an attraction so strong to him that I hardly knew what to do with myself. When we were settled back behind closed doors, I noticed a distinctly noticeable tension between us, like there was something he was trying to hold back at all costs.

"Are you alright?"

A weak smile was all I got, so I left it alone. He surprised me when he next spoke.

"Why don't you try on all those new clothes; give me a fashion show," he said, a glint in his eye that made me shiver, "after all, I need some kind of payment for all the stores you dragged me through."

He winked at me, smirking as he wet his lips in one languorous flick of his tongue, hypnotizing me. I couldn't breathe for a few moments, totally caught up in this breathtaking vision before me. It seemed he knew exactly what he was doing to me, as he drew nearer until I felt his hands encircle my waist, sending tingles of excitement through me. His masculinity was overpowering; his scent as alluring as the mixture of the stormy-green, gold and grayish-blue of his eyes. Leaning in to my ear, his hands tightened a little; hot and suggestive.

"Or...maybe you'd rather take your clothes off," he murmured silkily against the shell my ear, raising goosebumps all over my skin, "if that's what you'd prefer, sweetheart. I'm not one of those college frat boys your used to; I'm as red blooded as they come."

His fingers were caressing my sides, teasing me with the promise in his words. He could take me places I probably couldn't even imagine. I admit it; I wasn't the most experienced girl on the block. Yeah, I'd had my share of a few boyfriends, none of them lasting too long. It made me shudder just remembering how self-serving their love-making was, if you could even call it that. Honestly, I couldn't imagine what sex would be like with Roman. He was an enigma.

When he pulled away, I wanted to call him back. I wanted him close as he'd been, maybe closer. I wanted his hands on me again, I wanted-

"I'm gonna go take a shower," he said, looking back to me with a wolfish grin, "you're welcome to join me."

Sauntering off to the bathroom, I could finally breathe only after the door shut and I heard the fan turn on.

God! How on earth could this man be more perfect?!