Twenty-Five
A fter thanking me for all of my hard work and doing everything it took to reel in the Golden Diamond account, I didn't hear from Rome for the entire weekend. Two whole days of radio silence from him after defending me from Nix Malone. Nix fucking Malone. I didn't get it then, and I still don't get it now. Even the drive back to the office afterward was quiet and stuffed full of awkwardness. When I asked him what Nix was talking about when he said he didn't notice it when we first walked into his restaurant, Rome acted like he didn't know what it was. He said it was nothing and kept staring straight ahead, his eyes barely blinking as he focused on the lines in the road. I didn't bother asking anymore questions, because I could tell he wasn't going to give me answers. He’d closed the door again and sealed it shut. So fuck it. I guess we’re done for real this time.
I spent both days of the weekend bored out of my mind. It turned out that all of my friends had busy schedules—Jaz and Michael had plans to travel to Kennett Square to spend the weekend in The Bookhouse Hotel just to get away from the city, while Jeremiah had his own sleepover planned for him and Gerald. I was left in Philly all by myself and had to try to dilute my thoughts of Rome by starting Game of Thrones over from the beginning. I ate junk food and sat on my couch, trying to ignore the memories of what Rome and I did on it … twice. Admittedly, I didn't do a very good job, so I ended up moving into my bedroom, and while I did remember him walking in and out of my bathroom with his shirt off, at least he never laid on my bed. It was a consolation prize at best, but it worked … a little.
Unfortunately, Monday has returned with a spiteful vengeance like it always does, and I have to see him again at the office. I take my time driving in, leaving the house early so I can travel slower and extend my commute. Philly traffic does its job and makes the trip even longer, but the parking lot still comes into my field of vision eventually. I park my car and take my time getting out, leaning my head against the steering wheel to give myself a pep talk before going in.
“He’s an asshole, Nia,” I say aloud. “He doesn't know what he wants … well, besides sex. He knows he wants that from you, which makes him like every other wannabe player out there. It doesn't matter what he looks like. It doesn't matter that he defended you against a man that could have easily made you both disappear. He’s just a player, and you can do so much better. So since you know better, you have to do better. You got this.”
I breathe in a deep inhale and let it out slowly, batting away the devil on my shoulder telling me how incredible he will look when I see him, and I get out with a heart made of stone and my will power filled to the max. I'm ready.
The second I open the door to the Sandcastle offices, the entire room explodes into thunderous applause. As I make my way down the walkway toward the bullpen, I realize that everyone is standing up, and they're all looking at me with excited smiles on their faces as they clap enthusiastically. Jeremiah stands next to his cubicle wearing white on white, beaming like a kindergartener on Christmas as I approach my office. Sierra stands in her doorway clapping like someone has a gun to her head, but she's still involved, and Rome comes out of his office clapping as well, his beautiful smile present in the office for the very first time. The look in his eyes as he stares at me is something new, an affable mixture of pride, joy, and desire, and he doesn't force it away as he walks to the front of the bullpen and quiets the crowd.
“Alright, hold on, hold on,” he says to everyone. “Now that she has finally arrived at the office, it’s important that we do this right. Nia, please come over here.”
My brows knit together, but I'm not mad, just confused, wondering what the hell is going on. The embarrassment of being the center of attention makes me blush, but I make my way over to Rome who has his arm extended for me to stand next to him. As soon as I get close, I smell his cologne and see the lascivious way that he looks at me, but I force my eyes to gaze into the bullpen as every employee stares back at me.
“What’s going on?” I ask the crowd.
Rome answers, “I just thought it was appropriate for everyone here to acknowledge what you did on Friday night. Everyone, the one and only Miss Washington has been a part of your team for a long time. You've seen how incredible she is, but I'm new here. I wasn't privy to her skill, resiliency, and fearlessness, but I had the privilege of witnessing it first hand before the weekend came.
“Now, I'd be remiss if I didn't say that Nia had no desire whatsoever to pursue the Golden Diamond account. It was the company’s first big fish, and everyone was well aware of the client’s reputation. I knew it would take someone with guts of steel to pull it off, and against her will, Nia stepped up to the plate and delivered an incredible pitch that Mr. Malone absolutely loved. He had seen three other pitches before ours, but after Nia was finished, he selected Sandcastle on the spot.”
Applause breaks out amongst the crowd once again, the first clap being initiated by an exuberant Jeremiah, who smiles at me from his desk. Once the enthusiasm dies down, Rome begins again, this time turning to face me.
“Nia, I don't mean to put you on the spot,” he says, still smiling and making my heart race. “But I just wanted to tell you right here in front of everyone that I was floored by your pitch, and I am immensely proud of you for pulling in the biggest contract in this company’s history. You were unabashed and determined, and just like Nix Malone, I was truly impressed. I felt honored to watch you bring this home for us. What you did will never be forgotten. Congratulations on making Sandcastle history.”
Holy praise kink.
Rome finishes his speech and starts clapping, leading the chorus of applause for the third time, and all I can do is smile. I wave, making myself feel like an idiot for doing too much, but then Jeremiah says something dumb.
“Speech!” he screams, which causes three or four other people to repeat it.
“Speech!”
“Speech!”
My smile washes away in an instant as I glare at Jeremiah, who laughs at me, totally unfazed by my evil eye. I’ll have to deal with his treason later, but for now, I swallow hard and try to think of something.
“Umm, there really isn't much to say,” I start as Rome takes a step back to give me center stage. “Mr. Gio … Rome is right. I didn't want to do this, but I'm a team player who always wants to try her hardest. But, I didn't do it alone. Jeremiah and I crafted this pitch together and it turned out great, thanks to his input. So, shout out to Jeremiah for helping me to make this happen. Also, I hate you for making me give this speech.”
The room erupts in laughter and I have to wait for it to fade out before I can continue.
“I also have to thank … Rome,” I say, turning to face him. “You’re right. I didn't want to do this. I hated the idea, in fact. But you pushed me, and even more importantly, you believed in me and motivated me to stay on it. This pitch wouldn't have happened without Jeremiah’s assistance, but it really wouldn't have happened if you didn't encourage me and let me know that you had faith in my ability. So, thank you, Rome. I know you're new here, but you've been a dream come true so far. We all appreciate your drive and ambition, and I truly look forward to continuing to work by your side. Okay that’s it. Thanks.”
Everyone applauds for the final time, and I don't hesitate scooting my way past Rome to get away from it all. People pat me on the back and congratulate me as I walk through the crowd to get to my office, and once I'm at my desk, life slowly returns to normal. My heart races with pride and adrenaline as I take my seat and turn on my computer. I can't believe Rome orchestrated that entire thing, praising me like that in front of everyone we work with. It was an amazing thing to do, but I know it was more about being a good boss and showing the peanut gallery that he is willing to heap praise for hard work and success. It wasn't about us at all, and as tough as that is to swallow, I manage to get it down.
“Look at you go, superstar!” Jeremiah’s unique voice booms into the room as he steps inside. “You handled your business, girl. We’re all so proud of you.”
“Thank you,” I reply with a smile. “But why did you have to make me give a speech, though. You're so annoying.”
“Which is exactly why you love me. Don't play.”
“I guess.”
“Speaking of love,” he says. “It looks like Rome has a lot for you.”
I roll my eyes. “He has a lot of love for the new client and the money I just brought in. That's it.”
“From where I was standing, it looked like he was interested in a lot more than that.”
“Then you must’ve been standing in the wrong place. There’s a lot that you don't know about him, but I'm telling you—Rome isn't about that.”
“Rome isn't about what?” a different voice asks, startling both me and Jeremiah. We turn our attention to the doorway and find Rome standing over the threshold.
“Oh … umm, nothing,” I stammer, trying to backpedal and making myself look even more guilty of talking shit about my boss.
Rome grins at me before looking at Jeremiah. “Can I speak to Nia alone for a second?”
“Of course,” Jeremiah says. He flashes the most ridiculous smile at me before spinning around and walking out, leaving Rome and I alone in my office for the first time since we had sex in it.
“What can I do for you?” I ask, leaning back in my seat and doing my best to put on a stoic face.
Rome looks incredible as always, flawlessly dressed and locking me in place with his unwavering eye contact, but I force myself to remember the pep talk from the car. Rome is just a player who is only sure about how much sex he wants. How convenient for him to be sure about that but nothing else. I can't fall for it again, no matter what he says. If he’s unsure about me, I will be sure that he isn't for me.
Rome walks up to my desk and places a hand on it. “Listen, I wanted to apologize.”
My eyes widen to twice their size. “Huh? Apologize for what?”
“For being so ridiculous and switching back and forth on you the way I have been.”
I gasp, stunned by what he just said and the sincerity with which he said it.
“I've been through a lot,” he continues. “And I can admit that I'm not good at trusting people. There's a lot more to me than meets the eye, and I'm sure there's much more depth to you than I'm able to see while working here at the office. I want to explore that depth, Nia. I want to get to know you much better, and I want you to know me. Hopefully, once we get to know each other on a deeper level, you and I can take our relationship to the next level. At least, that's what I'd like to try to do. I guess what I'm asking for is the opportunity to earn you. Can I do that?”
I swallow hard, shocked into complete bewilderment that keeps my words chained up and unable to escape my mouth. First there was the mountain of praise in public, and now this. He wants to earn me? Ugh. How the hell am I supposed to say no to that? I remember the pep talk, but his speech was so much better than mine, and he looks so good in his matching navy blue outfit that fits him to perfection, displaying the roundness of his muscles and flatness of his stomach. Goddamn it, I don't want to keep going back and forth on this, but he’s so impossible to resist.
Nodding, I take a deep breath and try to remain focused.
“Okay, Rome,” I say. “You've left me confused a lot, and I haven't been sure what to do with that. However, I won't lie to myself and say that I'm not interested in learning about you and what makes you the way that you are. I do, but I won't allow you to keep switching up on me. Okay? If this is you telling me that you want to try to be with me for real, then let this be it. Try now, or forever hold your peace. So, you're sure about this?”
Rome licks his lips, swallowing hard before answering. “I'm one hundred percent sure. Are you?”
“I am if you are.”
He smiles, and not just a half smile or a smirk, but a full beam from ear to ear. “Good, then are you free for dinner tonight? I'd like to treat you to a real Italian meal.”
I fight back a smile of my own, not wanting to show too much joy even though I feel it.
“Yes, I'm free tonight,” I reply. “Where and when did you have in mind?”
Rome turns to the side, preparing to walk out.
“Eight o’clock tonight,” he answers. “At my place.”