Chapter 58 58
Maisie's Pov
I woke up the next morning to rumpled sheets and a stomach full of butterflies, partly because of what happened last night and partly because of the faint leather and spice scent in the air.
Roman was gone, but tiny prickles of heat consumed my skin at the sight of the rumpled sheets on his side of the bed. It electrified me in a way it hadn’t the first night we’d shared a bed. Roman was truly my second chance mate. These feelings alone prove it.
‘Stop it. It's too early to think about body heat.’ My wolf scolded.
“Then shut your ears.” I laughed as I peeled back the covers.
Ever since Roman walked into my life, my dormant wolf had reawakened. I felt her more when he was around me than when he wasn't. Turns out Roman was the cure to my dryspell all along.
I got off the bed and paddled to the bathroom. It didn’t take me long to shower, put on my skincare products, throw on a simple linen dress and tame my hair into something manageable.
When I stepped into the living room, I found Roman working on the lanai, looking like fireworks on the fourth of July.
‘Look at that glow. I didn't know sex was another type of skincare.’ My wolf teased.
‘Who’s the naughty one now?’ I rolled my eyes at her before stopping at the next Roman's table. An empty coffee cup and a half-eaten slice of toast sat next to his laptop along with a completed crossword puzzle.
“You’re up early.” I said with a smile. Usually, Roman leaves early for work so I miss him before I even get up. Seeing him for the first time after I did, brought the butterflies. Again.
He lifted his head, his brow smoothing when he saw me. “Yeah. I just finished a conference call with Doctor Michaels. The Healer is confirmed to be in full operation.”
“As expected.” I smiled, impressed. I even made a mental note to give Michaels and his team a raise.
“So,” Roman took his glasses off and set them on the table. “Are you ready for the shoot?”
I'd almost forgotten. DI was running a campaign for the Healer wristband and the photoshoot was today. My stomach swooped for a whole other reason.
Roman reached for my hand and gave it a light stroke. “Don't worry, darling. You’ll do great.”
“Thanks.” I twisted my engagement ring around my finger before his words sank in. You’ll do great. “Are you not coming with me?”
“Not today. An emergency came up at my pack. I have to check it out.”
“Oh.” Disappointment bloomed in my stomach until I crushed it. Obviously, he wasn’t going to stand around and watch me get my photos taken. He had better things to do.
“Nothing too bad, I hope?” I quipped.
“Nothing I can’t handle.” Roman nodded at the food tray on the table. “Do you want something to eat beforehand? I can call the kitchen.”
“No, I’m already running late. I guess, um, I’ll see you later?” My cheeks heated when he leaned forward.
“You will. I promise, darling.” Then he gave me the most passionate kisses I've ever had. Our first kiss ranked second.
He stroked my cheek and rested his forehead against mine. “I'll have some of my men shadow you and …” he cut me off before I could protest. “... don't say you don't need protection. You will when I'm not around.”
“I'll be fine, Roman.” I breathed him in and sank into his arms.
He kissed the top of my forehead and sighed. “I can't believe I'm leaving you alone with that slimy idiot.”
“I guess I'm not the only one who thinks Xavier is a slimy idiot.” I laughed into his chest.
Roman’s laugh echoed through the air as he pulled me in for one last kiss.
After we said our goodbyes, I drove to DI. Roman couldn't drive me. Not when it would look suspicious. We were supposed to act like we hate each other, not the opposite.
By the time I arrived, the set was ready.
The staff on board had secretly been vetted by me. Every single one of them. Xavier didn't know that. All he did was approve what Clyde showed him and the rest is history.
Helen, the photographer and MW’s creative lead, Layla, greeted me with a flurry of cheek kisses.
“Chloe! You look lovely. We are so excited for the shoot…let’s get you into hair and makeup though, yes? We’re a little behind…”
The ensuing whirlwind of activity was so chaotic it drove all thoughts of Roman out of my head.
I was shuffled from hair and makeup to my fitting to my test shots, and by the time the real photoshoot was ready to begin, I couldn’t focus on anything but the Healer wristband.
“Angle your head to the left…yes, just like that!” Helen shouted.
Maybe it was the AC or fatigue or maybe this was my first ever photoshoot with Helen but whatever it was, it pushed images of Aria in my head.
The first time I came up with the Healer's Project, Aria hadn't been diagnosed. Hell, I didn't even know she was that sick. I only came up with a solution that could prevent and cure diseases and I'd planned that Aria would be the face of the Healer's wristband. Everything had already been planned but not before I lost everything.
“Sit back on the chair and show off your wrist!” Helen shouted another command that dragged me back to reality and I blinked. I couldn't let my emotions get the better of me. I was doing this for Aria. And she would get her justice.
I did the pose as instructed and smiled when I heard the final remark : “Perfect!”
For the rest of the morning and early afternoon, we took a break.
Emma, for one, was ecstatic. “Boss, you’re amazing. Are you sure you're not a model?” she gushed during one of our breaks. “Wait till I show Alpha Roman proofs. It'll knock his socks off…”
I smiled and nodded, but my eyes were busy searching the beach for a flash of dark hair and tanned skin.
Nothing.
Roman had said he couldn’t make it, but I’d hoped…
It doesn’t matter.
I’d see him later but that alone wasn't enough. I could do this on my own. I needed him here.
“Chloe, we need you back here!” Helen called from her position on the ground. Yeah. Don't get me started about photographers. “Are you ready?” She asked.
I was still wearing my smile when I returned to my designated spot, my steps lighter than they’d been all day.
“I’m ready.”