Chapter 55 Breakfast and Appetizers
Her stomach betrayed her.
A low, unmistakable growl cut through the silence between them.
Evelyn froze.
Heat flooded her cheeks. She squeezed her eyes shut, mortified. “Oh my God,” she muttered into the pillow.
For half a second, Roman simply stared, then his lips curved into a slow, delighted smile. A soft laugh slipped from him as he leaned back slightly, amusement dancing in his eyes.
“Never mind,” he murmured, his voice warm. “I’ll feed you first.”
She buried her face deeper. “Please pretend that didn’t happen.”
He reached out, brushing his knuckles gently along her heated cheek until she peeked at him. “Come on,” he said lightly. “Freshen up. Meet me downstairs.”
“Downstairs?” she echoed.
“For breakfast,” he added, already rising from the bed. “Before I get distracted again.”
His gaze lingered on her just long enough to make her pulse jump, then without another word, he turned and left, completely unbothered, as if he hadn’t just unraveled her moments ago.
The door clicked shut.
Evelyn let out a long shaky breath.
Only then did she really take in the sight of the room.
Soft pastel light filtered through gauzy curtains, warming the polished wooden floors and cream-toned walls. Nothing here felt sharp or imposing. The space was gentle—soft linens, woven textures, sunlight that invited rather than demanded.
It felt… lived in, and comfy.
She swung her legs over the bed and padded toward the open windows. The curtains lifted on a cool, crisp breeze carrying the faint, clean scents of salt and citrus.
Outside, a wide terrace stretched out before her, opening onto an infinity pool that seemed to spill straight into the horizon, blue melting into blue.
For a moment, she just stood there, barefoot, breathing it in.
Warmth settled in her chest quietly.
If this was how the vacation was starting, she had a feeling she wasn’t ready for whatever came next.
—-
Evelyn freshened up quickly in the spacious bathroom. Some of the luggage had already been unpacked—Roman clearly hadn’t bothered with the rest, knowing they wouldn’t be staying long.
She glanced outside again, taking in the sea and citrus groves. ‘Short stay or not, I’m going to make the most of this.’
A grin spread across her face. She’d take pictures—Lena would never believe it.
She chose a flowy, off-shoulder sunflower dress that ended just above her knees, simple sandals, and a wide-brimmed hat. The yellow made her pale skin glow. She grabbed her camera, holding it to her chest, a flutter of excitement in her stomach.
After a quick touch of makeup and fluffing her shoulder-length hair, she gave herself one last approving nod in the mirror. Ready.
—-
Evelyn made her way downstairs, her steps slowing as the house opened around her.
She’d thought the bedroom was beautiful, but this… this was something else entirely.
The space unfolded in soft layers of light and glass, open and expansive without feeling cold. Everything felt calm and unguarded.
She turned and saw it—a massive floor-to-ceiling glass wall spanning half the house. From here she could get a better view of the wide terrace, filled with flowers, and the sea.
There was also a small crystal blue lake at the side, surrounded with flowers. It looked too perfect to be real.
The sight made her chest tighten, something achingly soft blooming in her chest.
The fresh, clean flowery scent lingered here too.
Evelyn stopped without realizing it.
‘I could live here,’ she thought, the realization settling quietly but firmly in her chest.
“I see you’re ready for the day.”
Roman’s warm voice cut gently through her daze.
She turned to find him at the long dining table, sleeves rolled up, calmly setting dishes as if this were the most natural thing in the world.
She walked over, and before she could speak, he took her hand and twirled her in a slow, unexpected circle.
Evelyn went with it, laughing freely.
“Do you like it?” she asked without thinking, glancing down at her dress.
Seeing her glowing, happy face, Roman was mesmerized. “How could I not like anything my wife wears?” he said, making her blush.
“But…” he added, a playful smirk forming, “I’d prefer you in this.” He brought out a cream-colored box adorned with a discreet designer logo.
Evelyn's smile froze slightly, looking at the box, momentarily stunned.
“What is this…?” She said as she took the box. Curiously, she lifted the lid—and her breath caught.
Inside was a delicate, barely-there piece of lingerie.
Her face flamed instantly.
Roman chuckled, the sound a low, pleasant rumble. “Biting your cheeks would be a pretty good appetizer for me right now.”
Her brain short-circuited. Breakfast suddenly felt like a very dangerous idea.
Roman gently guided her into a dining chair before she could form a retort.
The spread on the table successfully diverted her attention. Fresh fruit, warm pastries, eggs prepared three ways, toast, jams, juice, coffee… It was a feast.
A wide, grateful grin spread across her face. She still couldn’t believe this man was real.
“I really can’t believe you cook like this,” she said, taking her seat.
Roman settled into the chair opposite her, lifting a glass and taking a slow sip. “What’s so hard to believe?”
She didn’t answer, already reaching for a pastry. Her eyes drifted back to the breathtaking view. “I could get used to this,” she said softly. “This view.”
Roman studied her for a long moment, eyes narrowing slightly. “You like it here?”
She nodded, mouth full. “Mm-hm.”
“Then we can come anytime,” he said easily. “Every time, if you want.”
She barely blinked. Compared to everything else, this promise felt almost simple.
“Is this your house?” she asked between bites.
“Easy,” he murmured, leaning forward to gently tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “Chew and swallow first.”
She frowned but obeyed, swallowing before meeting his eyes again. “Aren’t you going to eat?”
She glanced at his place. He hadn’t touched a thing, only sipped from his glass.
Roman’s lips curved slowly. “I’m not really hungry.”
“You’re not?” she asked, genuinely puzzled. “Then why make all this?”
His smirk deepened.
“Oh, I’m starving,” he said calmly. “I’m just waiting.”
“Waiting for what?” she asked, tilting her head. “Did you not like the food? Are you planning to—”
He cut her off with a quiet scoff, eyes locking onto hers with startling intensity.
“I’m watching my meal get fed.”
The words landed—but didn’t fully register.
“I’m just being patient,” he continued, his gaze darkening. “So I can get fed, too.”
Evelyn paused, her spoon halfway to her mouth.
Slowly, she looked up at him.
That’s when she saw his heated gaze beneath his calm exterior, the faint sheen of wine on his lips, the way his gaze lingered on her mouth like it had every intention of being there next.
She choked.
Coughing, she set her spoon down, eyes wide.
Roman leaned back in his chair, completely unbothered, amusement flickering in his gaze. “Careful,” he murmured. “Wouldn’t want you hurt before I eat.”
Her face burned furiously.
“Oh my God,” she muttered, grabbing a napkin to hide behind.
His smile only widened, satisfied.