Chapter 5
Exhausted, though exhilaratedfrom staying up most of the night before, talking to Violet, Roman quickly dressed the next morning in his usual attire, a tank and loose jeans. The air, already warmed by the sun, had just a hint of a breeze and was perfect for what he had planned for their date. They were going to take a short trip down through the Keys and out to the Dry Tortugas. Damn, he hoped Violet had a bathing suit. Preferably a bikini, one that lifted her tits so he could openly stare at them, maybe fondle them while they were out in the water. Maybe she’d have an accident and lose her top. His shaft twitched behind his jeans, hardening at the mere thought of seeing her perky breasts.
Last night he’d only gotten a glimpse of the tops of those luscious swells. Then she’d put that hideous robe on, covering her beautiful, curvy body. He moaned. Shit, all he’d wanted to do while sitting on the couch with her watching some damn chick film was part the lapels of her robe and play with her breasts. He’d wanted to pinch her nipples, then lick and suck on them. He’d wanted to run his hands all over her body and bring her off with his fingers. He craved watching her orgasm. He bet the shy little mouse was a screamer. Then he wondered what she’d sound like screaming his name.
But he wouldn’t have stopped there.
Parting the lapels of her robe, he would have laid her out, taking his time and devouring every inch of her. Her supple body would have cradled his. Her soft to his hard. There’d be no rushing their time together. Roman wanted to learn what turned her on. What made her tick—besides her love of books. He wanted to give her pleasure. Erasing the bad. Six months ago, he’d never have agreed to this little date. He’d never have believed he’d actually consider something more. Something deeper than a one-night stand, or a weekend, as the case might be.
Roman’s dick throbbed at the prospect of being in Violet’s bed for the remainder of their time together, and he had to adjust himself. “Holy fuck. I need to stop thinking about her and get a move on.” He gripped the receiver of the phone on the nightstand and dialed her room number. When she answered, her voice was husky from sleep. The sound worked through his body and settled in his balls. “Good morning, baby.”
“Roman?” she croaked. “What time is it?”
“It’s almost nine, Vi. I have a date planned for us. I’ll be by to pick you up in thirty minutes. Dress comfortably. If you have a bathing suit, pack it or wear it under your clothes, okay?”
“Mm-hm,” she murmured. “I’ll be ready.”
“I’ll see you in thirty minutes.” He hung up with her and made the flight reservations, then packed his bags. He then went downstairs to the front desk; he requested their bags be sent to the airport within the half hour. The only thing he had left to do was buy the tickets for the island cruise.
Once he was finished making all their arrangements, including finding another hotel for the rest of the weekend, he headed back to her room and knocked. The door opened a few moments later, and his breath hitched. Dressed in an oversize sundress, she looked extremely comfortable and sexy as fuck. But he’d rather see her in a pair of short shorts and her bikini...if she had one.
“Roman.” She sighed. “You did this on purpose?”
He grinned. “What?”
“You purposely dressed like a god so I would drool all over you.” She swallowed hard, and her gaze caressed his arms and chest. Fuck, he’d never get used to or tired of the way she stared at him.
“I had to prove my statement last night. You love looking at me, and what better way for you to do it than while on a date with me?” He shrugged.
“I’ll be staring at you all day, that’s for sure.” She glanced at his arms and narrowed her eyes. “Are those old-school Universal Studios monster tattoos?” She blushed. “I mean, they’re cool and all. My parents really loved old black-and-white monster flicks. I, however, enjoyed reading about monsters. You know, Universal really bastardized Frankenstein. I’m sure Mary Shelley was rolling over in her grave.”
“Unless she figured out a way to be regenerated.”
Violet rolled her eyes, and he smiled. Actually, he was impressed she knew his ink, even if her cover was weak. He loved old black-and-white horror movies. Bela Lugosi was his favorite actor. The range it took to go from Dracula to The Wolfman was insane. So, he’d gone into his shop and showed his buddy what he wanted done. He’d kept it all black-and-white with some shadowing. In the foreground of the work of art sat a mini graveyard with the moon shining high above, casting a silvery glow over the cemetery. Then, behind tombstones, the different characters were added in. The only color on the whole tattoo, which went from his shoulder to his wrist, was in Dracula’s cape. The completed process had taken three sittings and over ten hours. “Yeah. Do you like it?”
“Duh.” She grinned. “From far away I never knew what it was. I mean, I always saw the red strip in it but never got up the nerve to ask. What’s on your other arm?”
“Jason and the Argonauts.”
“Seriously?” She grabbed his hand, and a zing of electricity shot up his arm. Her soft gasp let him know she felt it too. “Sorry. I shouldn’t just grab at you.”
“Don’t worry about it.” He walked into her room and closed the door behind him. “Okay, now take your fill of the tattoos.”
Violet did just that. Her fingertips traced each line, each detail as though she was engraving them into her memory. She glanced up at him. Awe and desire glittered in her violet gaze. “You are a mysterious man,” she whispered.
“I’m pretty simple really,” he answered. He reached for her, lifting her chin with his finger. “Once you get to know me, I’m not much different from you. I’m just packaged differently.” He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, taking his time to sip at them before deepening the kiss. There was no rush to leave when her body fit against his. He could stand there for hours exploring her. Tasting her. Teasing her. But he pulled back and sighed. “We need to get you something else to wear.”
“You don’t like the dress?”
“Oh, I love the dress, but for what we’re doing, you’re going to want mobility, trust me. Do you have any cutoff shorts and tanks, or even a bikini top that’ll show off your pretty breasts?” He held his hands away from his chest and wiggled his brows at her.
Violet laughed and slapped his hands. “That’s naughty. No, I don’t have shorts, tank tops, or a bikini. I didn’t know what I would need for this little date.”
“Fantastic. You can go to the beach naked. You’ll get a nice even tan, and I’ll get the best view ever!”
“You’re not helping,” she said in a sing-song voice.
“I didn’t know I was supposed to be. I just want to see your boobs.” He laughed. “Honestly though, you’re going to want to change into something else. You’ll thank me when we get there.”
“Do we have time to buy me a new outfit?” she asked, grabbing her purse.
“Sure, we have some time. You going to try shit on and model it for me?”
“I swear,” she huffed. “Are you perpetually horny, or do you get off on prodding people?”
“Well.” He sighed. “I’d have to show you to tell you the truth, so...” He winked at Violet.
“Incorrigible. Let’s go.”
“After you.” He held the door open for her. Surprising Violet was the most fun he’d had in a long time. He couldn’t wait to see her face when they arrived at the airport and not the mall.
* * * *
When they arrived atthe airport, she was taken aback. The whys or hows of this little outing didn’t make sense. “What are we doing here?” She looked up at him.
The blank expression on his face gave away nothing. “It’s part of our date,” he answered, taking her hand.
“But my stuff. What about the hotel here in Miami?” Confusion filled her. He hadn’t mentioned a thing about flying, only going shopping.
“Don’t worry. Your stuff is with us,” he said. “You see, I got bored being in Miami. I thought maybe after last night and the little debacle, it’d be advantageous for us to try a new locale.”
“Okay.”
“You’ll enjoy it. The plane ride is less than an hour and then we’ll be somewhere magical.” Roman led her toward the south terminal and walked up to the Blue Reef Airliner counter, where the ticket agent greeted them. “Hi, I called earlier for two tickets to Key West.”
“Key West?” Violet asked.
“Yep.” He smiled at the girl behind the counter while pulling his wallet out. “They are under the names of Roman Carpino and Violet Wilson.”
The attendant’s fingers flew over the keys, and a smile spread across her lips. “Here you are,” she said without looking up from the screen. “It looks like your baggage has arrived and is being placed on the plane as we speak.”
“Excellent.” He glanced down at Violet. “See? No problems.”
A few minutes later the woman handed him the tickets and bade them a safe trip.
“Wait. I thought Kate and Jesse paid for this trip,” Violet said. “How do you know my last name?”
“They did. This is my surprise for you, and I have a knack for finding things out.” He shrugged. “We have a private tour in two hours, so we better hurry up.”
He gave her one of the tickets while they strolled over to security. After being patted and x-rayed, they entered the concourse, which was smaller than those for the bigger airlines. In no time, they were boarding and pulling away from the gate. The turboprop bumped and wobbled down the runway, and for a second, Violet wondered if this little trip was a good idea.
“So, what’s this private tour you’re taking me on?” she asked, trying to distract herself from just how cumbersome the plane was.
“That’s for me to know and you to see when we arrive.” Roman took her hand. “Don’t like flying, mouse?” Concern filled his features as he gazed down at her.
“I love flying. However, this...this is ludicrous. The wings are totally flapping out there, and I expect to see one of the pilots go outside and give the plane a push soon.” She glanced out the window and shivered. “I think I’ll stick to the big planes from now on.”
He laughed. “It’s an adventure, Vi. Live a little. Don’t the heroines in your books do things out of the norm to win the guy?”
“Well, yeah. But I’m not ‘getting the guy.’ We’re having fun. You and I both know it,” she answered. Even though they had talked until the wee hours of the morning, Violet knew this weekend wasn’t anything more than a booty call of sorts.
“Sure, we’re having fun. Something would be terribly amiss if we weren’t. But don’t dismiss the chemistry between us.” He wrapped his arm around her and tucked her into his side.
The scents of aftershave and soap filled her senses, comforting her riotous nerves. “I won’t.” She sighed. “It’s hard to disregard anything when you’re around.”
“Why’s that?”
“You’re imposing. You dominate the space you’re in and command everyone’s attention.” The plane began its descent, and she gripped his hand tighter. “It’s part of what makes you, you.”
“It’s also what attracts you to me,” he said, tapping the end of her nose.
“Cocky much?” She grinned. When the plane touched down, she let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.
“Only on the days that end in y,” he quipped while standing up. “Come on. Your expedition is about to begin.”
The humid heat of the day kissed her skin as they stepped off the plane. Mere feet from where they stood, the ocean lapped against the coast. The scent of salt water and spice from the open-pit barbecues of the nearby restaurants filled the air as they stepped out of the airport and were greeted by the sound of midmorning traffic.
A car waited for them by the curb, and Violet stared at Roman as he loaded their bags into the trunk. What alternate universe have I been dropped into? “You got a car too?”
“Well, yeah. How else did you expect to get around?” he teased. Leaning down, he pressed his lips to hers. “I’ve been wanting to do that since we got on the plane.” He kissed her again, this time wrapping his arm around her waist. He pulled her against him.
The hard ridge of his erection pressed against her lower belly, and she moaned. “Mmm.” She smiled. “I think kissing you would’ve taken my mind off the flight. So where are we going?”
“And miss the stimulating conversation with you? Never.” He guided her over to the passenger side of the car and helped her inside. “Let’s just say you’re going to enjoy my surprise.”
Roman slipped behind the wheel of the small sports car and pulled away from the curb. Bright, cheerfully painted bungalows mixed with the lush green of island shrubbery as they drove farther inland. Roman took her hand in his for the first time, and it sent a thrill up her spine. For all her bluster and not wanting to get too close to the man, she enjoyed his touch. She enjoyed the idea that he’d do something especially for her. It made her take a moment and think, What if? What if he was serious about this thing, whatever they wanted to call it, between them? What if she did take the leap and trust him with her heart?
The scenery changed as they drove down tree-lined lanes into a residential area. The houses were expensive beach bungalows painted in vivid colors with lavish lawns and old-world charm. Roman turned off the road, pulled into a small parking lot adjacent to the house, and glanced over at her. “We’re here.”
“Here where?” Still not quite sure where he’d taken her, she got out and looked around. To the left of her stood an off-white two-story house with burnt-gold shutters. “I don’t understand.”
Roman took her hand and led her around the side of the house. “You know, for such a literary geek, you sure do miss the little things.”
Each step she took brought her closer to the entrance. There, by the front gate, hung the sign welcoming them to the Hemingway Home. “No.” She pulled away from Roman and covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh my God,” she mumbled. Her heart sped up, and excitement churned inside her as a giggle bubbled up in her chest. “Hemingway! You brought me to the Hemingway House. Y-y-you did this for me?”
The brilliant smile filling Roman’s face made her heart trip a beat. “Of course. I’d do anything to see you smile, Violet.” He held his hand out to her. “Let’s go exploring.”
“This is why you wanted to bring me here?” She took his hand and strolled up the sidewalk leading to the entrance of Ernest Hemingway’s home.
“Partly. I have other things planned for us.”
She stopped and pulled him down for a kiss.
“What was that for?”
“Thank you. No one has ever done anything like this for me.” Lighter than a feather, she floated into the home and stopped. A small black-and-white cat wound its way through her legs and meowed, grabbing her attention. “Well, hey there, kitty, kitty.” She bent down and scratched the cat behind the ears, and grinned when it started to purr.
The number of cats milling around the home bordered on legendary. “Since you know so much about these author people, why don’t you tell me what you know about Hemingway?” Roman held his hand out to her, helping her up.
“They have tours for that, I’m sure,” she answered, still taking in the space around her.
“I want to know it through your eyes. I want to see what you see, baby.” He wrapped his arm around her waist. “So, where to first?”
For the next hour they went from room to room, exploring the house while taking the time to enjoy the scenery. Her fingers itched to touch the typewriter sitting on the small round table overlooking the long, narrow windows. “To think he sat right here, probably gazed out over the ocean as he wrote The Sun Also Rises while the sun rose over the horizon.” She blushed, a little embarrassed by her ramblings. “Corny, right?”
“Not in the least,” he answered. “Maybe you’re right. Did you know people say this house and the one in Cuba are haunted by Hemingway and his wife?”
“I heard tales, but I don’t believe in that stuff.” She shrugged and walked over to the window.
“Don’t you read everything? Isn’t paranormal part of that?”
They continued through the house and back out to the front.
“I do read everything. However, fiction’s not real. I like dealing in facts and numbers. You know, things I can see. When I need a break from reality, it is nice to delve into a shifter story or something,” she said.
“Hmm. Interesting,” he replied. “Are you hungry? I’m starved.”
After the excitement of the morning, she hadn’t thought about it. Her stomach gave a growl. “Yes, I’m starving.”
“Great. I think I found a really good place to eat.” He guided her to the car and opened the door for her.
Once she was situated, she watched as Roman came around the car and got in. What had changed in the last ten or so hours since they’d met in the bar? He seemed so attentive. She knew she shouldn’t compare him to Taylor, but they were like night and day—so far. “Is this place a secret too?”
“Not a secret at all. It’s a little restaurant called Blue Heaven.” They pulled out of the parking lot and headed back toward the coast. “I think you’re going to enjoy it.”