Page 28 of Sugar & Ink
Rome stepped aside so I could enter.
Rome’s familiar scent hit me immediately. Something spicy and clean that I was starting to associate with Rome.
Bad Habit was darker than Scoop & Swirl. Moodier. Black walls covered in framed artwork. A leather couch in the waiting area and glass cases displaying jewelry.
It should’ve felt intimidating.
Instead, it felt... comfortable, which surprised me.
Rome locked the door behind me. My stomach did a weird little flip at the sound. The shop suddenly felt smaller. Rome shoved his hands into his pockets. “So.”
“So.”
“You came.”
I rolled my eyes. “You invited me in.”
“Only because I was worried you were going to wear your shoes out walking around the shop. Sort of stalking your prey.”
“I wasn’t stalking my prey.”
“You walked past three times.”
“I was considering.”
“That’s a fancy word for trying not to chicken out.”
I gasped. “I would never chicken out.”
He laughed. “You would have if I hadn’t told you to come in.”
“I own a business.”
“Not seeing the connection.”
“I’m brave.”
“You stood outside for ten minutes after walking past three times.”
“It was like three minutes I stood out there.”
“Eleven.”
I groaned. “You’re insufferable.”
“And yet...” He spread his arms. “Here you are.”
I looked around instead of answering. My gaze landed on the artwork covering one wall.
Roses. Daggers. Animals. Portraits. The pieces were incredible. “You did all these?”
Rome came up beside me. Close enough that I could feel the heat coming off him. “Most.”
I glanced up at him. “You’re talented.”
His expression shifted just a little like compliments made him uncomfortable. “Pays the bills.”
“You’re allowed to admit you’re good.”
