From Best Friend To Fiancé (Savannah and Roman) novel Chapter 161

**TITLE: Dreams Folding Into Broken Time**
**Chapter 100: A Crime Of Passion**

As we stepped into the restaurant, Roman’s hand settled possessively on my waist, guiding me through the sleek glass doors. His grip, though seemingly casual, was anything but; I had learned long ago that Roman never did anything half-heartedly. Even in this elegant establishment, adorned with crisp white tablecloths and the gentle clinking of wine glasses, he exuded an air of dominance, like a lion surveying his territory.

In stark contrast, I felt like a tangled mess of nerves. My free hand flitted anxiously from my hair to my skirt, then to the buttons of my blouse, as if I could somehow smooth away the chaos swirling inside me. Each polished surface we passed reflected my unease, amplifying my fear that the world might somehow know what had transpired in his office earlier.

“Stop fussing, Sav,” Roman murmured, his voice low and laced with amusement as he leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. “You look perfect.”

“Sure, you always say that,” I replied, trying to sound casual, but the flutter of my heart betrayed me.

“Because it’s always true,” he countered, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

I rolled my eyes, but the heat creeping into my cheeks was undeniable. Just then, the restaurant manager approached us, a spark of recognition lighting up his face. “Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood,” he greeted, extending his hand with an air of polished charm.

The title struck me like a splash of cold water, sending a shiver down my spine. Mrs. Blackwood. My stomach danced with a mix of excitement and anxiety, wild butterflies taking flight within me.

Roman shook the manager’s hand with practiced ease, his mouth curving into a confident smile. “Afternoon.”

We were led to a table nestled by the window, perfectly positioned for a semblance of privacy while still allowing the golden sunlight to spill across Roman’s striking features. I fought the urge to stare, but how could I not? He was breathtakingly handsome, and here I was—just plain me, feeling utterly inadequate in comparison.

Ugh.

Once we settled into our seats, I leaned forward, a teasing smile threatening to break free. “Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood? Am I missing something here?”

Roman shrugged, his demeanor nonchalant, as if he hadn’t just tossed a verbal grenade into my chest. “Wouldn’t want to repeat the same mistake twice, my love.”

My heart skipped a beat. He was referencing that moment in New Hope when I had jokingly suggested I might be his wife, and we had laughed it off. But now, he spoke as if it were a reality already in the making.

We placed our orders swiftly, the exchange smooth and effortless. When our food arrived, Roman allowed the silence to linger, filling the space with an unspoken tension that made me feel seen, cherished, and utterly exposed all at once.

After a moment, he leaned back, his gaze sparkling with mischief. “How have you been, Sav?” His eyes roamed over me, deliberate and slow, as if he were savoring the sight. “Not that I need to ask. You’re glowing. Just look at how beautiful you are.”

My fork nearly slipped from my grasp. I ducked my head, trying to tuck my hair behind my ear, feeling like a shy schoolgirl caught off guard. “Thanks,” I managed to stutter.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify