Page 45 of Roses are Royal

Espresso martini in hand, Fleetwood Mac vinyl spinning on the record player, and Dante sitting next to me on the sofa, a girl could get used to this. And let’s not forget the literal diner-style Oreo milkshake he brought out for dessert. I can’t believe he went to the diner and asked Shirley for her recipe! What’s even crazier is that she gave it to him, but he does have the power of persuasion.

However, the smile on my face quickly fades when Dante reminds me that I promised to tell my design origin story once I had an espresso martini, and he’s fulfilled his end of the bargain. I guess it’s best to just get it over with and hope that it doesn’t change the new energy and feelings building between us. Honesty is nonnegotiable for me with any potentially long-term romantic partner, and Dante has shared his past with me, even though it was tough, so it’s only fair I pull back the curtain a bit and let him in if I see this relationship turning into something more.

“Not sure if you remember or not, but I mentioned before that I grew up in foster care.”

“Yes, I remember.”

“Well, unfortunately, as I got older and my adoption prospects got less likely due to my age, I was moved around a lot. Sometimes I would only be in a foster home for a couple of months before I was sent to a new family. Because of this, I never really unpacked my belongings or made an effort to make the space I was given my own. I just existed in whatever space I had at the time and adapted to what I was given. In a lot of the homes, I wasn’t even allowed to go into all of the rooms, so it was very restricting.

“When I was little, I used to dream of getting adopted and being able to paint my room whatever color I wanted and pick out my own toys, decorations, bedding, and pillows. But as the years went by and I got older, I realized the likelihood of getting adopted was low, so instead, my dreams changed to what I could give myself when I was old enough and could get a job and make money. I would spend an hour or more every day after school either in the library looking through design books or at the bodega on the corner looking through magazines for inspiration. Really anything to spend time away from whatever house I was in at that moment.

“I actually started sketching designs in high school and took a few art classes to help learn the technical side of drawing to improve my sketches. Drawing designs became my form of escape from my home life. I could literally draw a new life for myself, and no one could take it away from me or force me to move. I always told myself one day I would design my dream home and have every space I could think of, and it would be all mine.

“What’s crazy is your home is so similar to the dream house I’ve sketched and designed for myself over the years. It’s kind of eerie how similar our design tastes are. I could literally see myself living here. I think that’s why I was so excited to get this job.” I feel like I’ve just stripped myself bare for Dante. I have never told anyone that much about my childhood. Not even Luc knows that much.

I can’t make eye contact with Dante, so instead, I take another sip of my espresso martini only to find my glass is already empty. Maybe I can quickly change the subject so we don’t have to dwell on my sad backstory since Dante still hasn’t spoken a single word.

“Wow, that espresso martini was great. I think I’ll make myself another one. Can I get you anything while I’m up?”

Before I can uncurl my legs from the sofa and stand, I feel a strong hand on my thigh halting my progress. I know it’s Dante, obviously, but the warmth from his palm on my bare leg combined with the alcohol coursing through my veins makes my brain have to lift my gaze to double-check.

“Dante.” I say his name as if it’ll stop him from having to respond, but he must hear the emotion in my voice.

“I’m sorry, Rose. I wish things for you growing up could’ve been different. I wish a lot of things were different.”

“Pfft.” I wave my hand in the air, still unable to meet his gaze. “It’s all in the past now. Besides, now I am actually living my dream. Thanks to you, I get to see my designs come to life.”

Using the index finger of the hand not resting on my thigh, Dante lifts my chin so that our eyes finally connect. Where I expected to see pity, all I see in his gaze is what could only be described as determination.

“Rose, thank you for sharing that with me. I know it couldn’t have been easy. And I don’t just mean telling me your story but also living it. But make no mistake, you are achieving your dreams because of yourself and the work you have done to get here, not because of me or anything I’ve done or anyone else for that matter. You deserve all the praise and recognition.”

“Dante?”

“Yes, Belladonna?” Dante’s response is soft as he brushes a few loose strands of hair out of my face, his eyes focused on my lips.

“I need…” I’m unsure of how to finish that thought, but before I can finish my sentence, his lips are on mine, and his body is over me in an instant—pressing me into the soft velvet of the couch.

Dante abruptly pulls away, leaving me breathless. Not again! Please, I need this. My pleas are only in my head, but my eyes must convey my thoughts and desires because Dante breaks the silence.

“If you don’t want this to happen, then you better tell me now because once I get to taste you again, I won’t be able to stop. The first time we kissed, it took all my strength to pull away, but I don’t plan on pulling away ever again, tesoro mio. Make no mistake, I want you.”

“Yes.”

“Yes, what baby?”

“I want you, Dante. I’ve wanted you since the moment I laid eyes on you that first day.”

“I’ve wanted you since the first moment I saw you too.”

56

DANTE

What Rose doesn’t realize is that I’ve wanted her since the first day I saw her almost a year ago through a camera lens, not when she arrived on my property. By that point, I had already accepted my fate and the role I’d play in her life.

She is not just the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, but is also intelligent, kind, and quirky, and I fall for her more every day I get to spend in her presence.

Her passion and determination to make her own way in life are inspiring, and I know she is capable of anything she puts her mind to. I fell even harder when I got to witness the quiet moments when she was home alone and didn’t think anyone was watching. I got to witness her incredible work ethic when she would stay up late every night working on client proposals and researching the perfect items to bring her design visions to life.