“It’s a surprise, but I can already see the wheels in your head spinning, so I’ll ease your anxiety a little. Wear jeans and comfortable shoes. And prepare to get a little dirty.”

My eyebrows rose in anticipation. “Am I supposed to interpret that in some other way? Because if I show up prepared for a hike and we actually go to some kinky underground sex club, there might be bodily harm. And not in a good way, Roman!”

His eyes softened. “The only place I’ll allow you to get dirty is in private where I can have you all to myself. So, no. For once, I am not being crude. Seven o’clock?”

“Can’t wait.”

“Oh, you have no idea.”

I didn’t. I really didn’t. But I had a feeling, by the time the night was over, I’d be getting dirty in more ways than one.

And wasn’t that something to look forward to?

Chapter Nineteen

“Is this the first date you’ve ever been on?” Lailah’s cheery voice asked.

I frantically ran around my room, searching for my other shoe. “No,” I answered.

“I don’t consider paid companionship a date, Roman,” she chided.

I finally found my left sneaker peeking out from under the bed, remembering exactly how it had gotten there.

“Okay then, yes.”

Her musical laughter filled my ear, and I couldn’t help but smile.

Until I looked at the clock.

“Is this weekly check-in phone call going to be a regular thing?” I asked, not even bothering with the laces as I pulled the shoe on without even sitting.

“You know you ask me that every time we talk? Every single time, Roman, and what do I say?”

“I’m not going to repeat it.”

“What do I say, Roman?” she asked rather heatedly.

“That you call because you love me,” I answered under my breath.

“Yes,” she replied.

I could hear the pride beaming in her joyful voice all the way from here.

“And when people love you, they call. Often. So, suck it up.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good. Now, where are you taking this girl?” she asked, not even caring in the least that I was soon going to be late for this date I’d told her about twenty minutes ago.

I should have kept my mouth shut.

“Somewhere different. That’s all I’m saying.”

“Good. As long as different isn’t just code for a fancy dinner. That’s so cliché and predictable.”

“I know her better than that,” I huffed.

“I think I actually might believe you. Now, stop talking my ear off, and hurry up. You don’t want to be late.”

Silence fell upon me as my mouth gaped open, and then laughter followed. She knew I’d been running around for the last few minutes, trying to beat the clock.