Saturday afternoon ir was silting in the lounge room reading when the doorbell rang. She looked around for Roman He had taken a call and walked away so he could leave her in pesice while she was involved in her book. She spied him through the ss doors leading outside. He was still on the phone, Shrugging, she could answer the door. Putting her book aside, ir got up and cross to the door. Looking through the side ss panel, to see a gorgeous man standing there. He was tall<i>, </i>taller than Roman, with thick midnight ck hair and dark eyes.


    This must be Roman’s friend from university. ir turned the lock and opened the door. “Hi”


    The man gave her a once over. She didn’t feel he was checking her out in a sexual way. If she had felt that way, she would have put him in his ce. ir wasn’t sure if Roman had said anything about her to him.


    “I see Roman still has impable taste, I don’t mean to be rude, but Roman told me he couldn’t bete tonight because he had ns. Now I understand”


    ir blushed, “Come in, please, Roman is just on the phone<i>” </i>She stepped back, allowing him in. Realizing she didn’t knowW his name.


    Roman’s friend moved into the house straight into the open n entry, lounge and library, which opened onto a terrace and pool area.


    “I’m sorry, Roman never told me your name”


    He saw Roman outside, and they gave a wave of acknowledgement to each other. Then Koman gave a signal to say he was wrapping up the call.


    The friend then turned back to her. “It’s ok he didn’t give me your name either. I’m not sure he nned on even introducing us yet.” He stepped forward, holding out his hand. “I’m Luca”


    ir had a few misgivings about anyone with that name due to the heartache her sister was going through. But it couldn’t be the same man, surely. For one thing, he wasn’t wearing a wedding <i>ring</i>. Sutton had said he was to get married straight away to the other woman. Some men didn’t wear wedding rings, she knew<i>. </i>Realizing he was waiting for her name, ir spoke. “My name is ir. It’s nice to meet you Luca. Roman did tell me you were in university together. Berkeley”


    “Yes, I have heaps of embarrassing stories, if you like.”


    ir could see he was joking, Roman being who he was and she couldn’t see that being<i>, </i>any different now that he was then. “That I don’t believe,” Showing Luca she was wise to him. “Can I get you something to drink?”


    Luca shook his head. “I’m fine, thank you” Frowning at her. “I don’t want to sound corny and I’m not trying to hit on you, I promise, but… have we met before?”


    ir tilted her head and looked at him. She couldn’t see this wasn’t anything more than casual interest. “No, we haven’t been introduced.” That didn’t mean he hadn’t seen her in passing at the office. ir didn’t say she worked for Roman because she wasn’t sure he wanted that known after what happened with Jessica. “Are you married Luca” ir decided to ask a question that had been bugging her.


    He shook his head, “Unfortunately not.” There was a look of sadness that crossed his face.


    “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you” ir felt almostpelled to reach out andfort him. But she didn’t. She didn’t know this man. And what would Roman think?


    “No, it’s ok. The old saying, applies to me. I didn’t know what I had until it was gone! I let the one slip through my fingers” Luca said.


    “I’m so sorry” ir said sincerely. She wondered if he had done the same thing as Roman, Worked so hard and neglected their other half. Jessica had ended up cheating, But was Roman still grieving the loss of Jessica as Luca seemed to be with his lost woman?


    16:08 Wed, 18 Jun <b>O </b>


    95%1


    She didn’t ask any more questions, even if she wanted to. She didn’t know him well enough. Luckily, she was saved from even thinking of how to change the subject because Roman walked back into the room. ir let out a breath.


    “I see you have already introduced yourselves.”


    Luca walked over, giving Roman a man hug and a pat on the back. Roman returned the greeting warmly. “It’s good to see you.”


    “It’s been too long,” Roman agreed.


    “Well, you might be seeing me more often for a while. I have moved my operations here. I will exin more at dinner,” Roman asked. “The information you have been so secretive about over the phone?”


    Luca shrugged. “Yes, and no.” He looked at ir. “Will you be joining <b>us </b>tonight?”


    ir shook her head. She could see both men were open to her going. This wasn’t just being polite. ir looked down at herself wearing well–washed jeans and a t–shirt. “I’m not dressed, not only that, but you haven’t seen each other in a while. Go out and enjoy catching up with each other. I’m fine here.” Thest thing she wanted was to be spotted with Roman yet.


    Romanughed. “What she isn’t telling you is she is reading a book.” He pointed to the bookying on the lounge. “It’s thetest thriller, and she has had her nose in it for thest hour. I think that holds more appeal than two friends catching up and talking business<b>.” </b>


    +28)


    ir couldn’t help grin at him because he wasn’t wrong. The thing he didn’t know was the book also had some spicy sex scenes at after experiencing a new side of herself with Roman. She was enjoying so much more. Realizing that sex could be that good. Thest 48 hours had been a real eye opener for her.


    “Shall we go? If Cindere is to be home early.” Luca said.


    Romanughed. “Hrious. You should do stand up.” Roman walked over to ir, uncaring that Luca was in the room and pulled her into his arms. Taking her mouth in a hungry, open–mouthed kiss.


    ir had to grab his arms to stay upright when he released her. Roman touched the side of her face, saying so only she could hear. “I’ll wake you up when I get home.” The look on his face told her why he would be waking her up if she was asleep. It sent sparks shooting through her bloodstream.


    “You had better.”


    AD


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