Page 21 of Roses are Royal

“Oh, um, yes. I actually stayed here last night.”

“You what?”

“Calm down, Luc. It’s not like that. Something happened with my accommodations, and I just needed a place to stay for the night. Dante overheard me talking to Shirley and offered. It’s nothing. Relax.”

She called me Luc. She hasn’t called me Luc since before our conversation about the past in the diner.

“Who is Shirley?” I know who Shirley is, but that doesn’t explain why Ro is talking to her about staying up here and why Dante was there. Ro has gotten too trusting from the looks of things. I need to step in to ensure her safety, but she just doesn’t need to know about it.

“The server at the diner that served us, Luca. God, do you not pay attention to anything other than yourself?”

If only she knew.

“I’m sure there are plenty of other options in the area other than staying with a client.” I bite out the last word instead of using Dante’s name. I don’t want Ro to think that it’s about Dante even though it really is, but this is highly unprofessional.

“Look, Luca, if I wanted your opinion on the decisions I make, I would ask. But it’s none of your business. Why are you even here? I thought I signed off on everything already.”

I wanted to see you, I don’t say out loud.

“I had some final paperwork to cover with Dante.” That’s a lie. I rarely deal with paperwork and invoicing, but she doesn’t need to know that. I really just wanted to spend more time with her. Looks like I will need to find more reasons to be around even though my work is actually complete. But I can’t let the opportunity to be around Ro pass me by, not again.

“Fine. Well, if you’ll excuse me, I am expecting several deliveries this morning and need to ensure everything goes smoothly for the client.” Ro adds the last part in a sarcastic tone. So she clearly caught on to me referring to Dante as the client and not by his name.

“Fine. Let me know if you find anything else you need my attention on. I’m staying in the area a little longer on other business, so I’ll be around if you need me...for anything.” I walk out of the kitchen before I can say more. I need to find Dante after all and figure out what made-up paperwork I need to discuss with him.

27

ROSE

I’m so excited to show Dante the completed kitchen. I can’t believe everything arrived on time. It all looks amazing (in my professional opinion, of course). Everything perfectly fits the vibe of Gothic academia Dante wanted.

It’s taken all day, but I’ve managed to get everything in place. I haven’t seen Dante at all today, which is weird because he generally hovers nearby when I’m around, but I’m sure he has plenty of work to keep him busy, whatever he does. Maybe he is in the elusive basement?

I could text him or call him, I guess, to see if he wants a walkthrough before I head out. And that’s another complication. I got so lost in my work today that I haven’t found a place to stay. I guess I could go back to that motel for one night. I mean, what are the odds of my room being broken into a second time? I could always drive back to the city, then get up really early and drive back tomorrow and just not tell Dante, because I’m sure he’d insist I stay here another night. I did sleep really well last night. The bed in the guest room is so comfortable, and the lingering smell of tobacco and vanilla reminded me of Dante, and for some reason, that put me at ease.

Plus, knowing the door was locked helped too. I don’t think Dante would’ve come into my room or anything, but after the break-in at the motel, I’ve been on edge. But if Dante did want to come in, would I want that? I guess I could leave the door unlocked and see what happens? No, Ro, you do not need to cross that line. He’s a client. A very important client that you want to be able to use as a reference for future projects. Plus, I’m sure he isn’t even interested in me like that.

He honestly looks mad or frustrated whenever we interact. Plus, how would he even know if I locked the door or not, and that if it’s unlocked that’s a sign? Everyone leaves the door unlocked. I am definitely making something out of nothing because I’m not even staying here again. Speaking of which, I better go pack up my stuff so that once I finish the kitchen walkthrough, I can leave immediately.

*click*

The sound of the front door closing breaks me out of my mental ramblings, and I look up in time to see Dante’s reaction as he walks into the finished kitchen area. His eyes widen a bit, but other than that, he doesn’t give away a reaction to how he feels about the final product of the space.

“Surprise!” I shout like an idiot. And did I just do jazz hands? Jazz hands, Ro? “I mean, not ‘surprise,’ because obviously you knew I was working on this area. Well, clearly I’m working on all the areas because that is my job and what you hired me for, but like ‘surprise’ as in it’s done, yay! Not that it’s surprising it’s done or anything, just that I’m excited it’s finished. Not because I want to be done or anything but just excited to have something to show you.” I swear I am going to find a clamp to keep my mouth closed around this man. I have dealt with some of the wealthiest and most powerful people in New York, and I always remained calm, collected, and professional.

“It looks perfect, Rose. I knew it would.” Dante ends my babbling with a warm hand on my shoulder and doesn’t seem fazed by my ramblings.

“Oh.”

“Oh?” Dante looks amused as he quirks his eyebrow in the way I love.

“I mean, thank you.” Well, that wasn’t much better, but at least I’m not verbalizing my stream of consciousness at him like I am prone to.

“No, thank you. This came together better than I could’ve imagined. You are extremely talented, Rose.”

I don’t know if I prefer his open sincerity or his usual surliness because his praise does something to my insides… yes, those insides.

“Um, you’re welcome?” Why do I sound like I’ve never received a compliment before?