From Best Friend To Fiancé (Savannah and Roman) novel Chapter 221

**TITLE: Dreams Folding Into Broken Time**
**Chapter 135: A Place Of Fear**

As I swung open the bathroom door, a veil of steam cascaded around me, clinging to my damp skin like a warm embrace. The air was thick with the lingering scent of Roman’s cologne, a heady mix of spices and musk that always seemed to wrap around me like a comforting blanket. I could hear the rhythmic tapping of his fingers against the keyboard, a sound that had become a familiar melody in our shared space. He was perched on the edge of the bed, his laptop balanced precariously on one knee, his shoulders tense as if they bore the weight of the entire universe.

For a fleeting moment, I stood there, towel cinched tightly around me, my hair dripping droplets against my collarbone. I couldn’t help but admire him—how the blue glow from his screen danced across his features, accentuating the sharp lines of his jaw while softening the intensity in his eyes. It was a beautiful contrast, one that made my heart flutter.

I crept forward on quiet feet, suppressing a grin that threatened to break free. If I could just sneak up on him this once, I’d have the ultimate bragging rights for the rest of our lives. The thrill of the chase was intoxicating, and I could already envision the playful banter that would follow.

But as soon as my fingers brushed his shoulder, he spoke, his voice low and calm, without even glancing back. “Nice try, Sav. But I already know you’re there.”

My smile faltered, morphing into a playful pout. “Killjoy.”

He chuckled, finally turning to face me. “You did well, but you smell like my body wash. Kind of hard to miss you.”

I rolled my eyes at his teasing, but before I could muster a witty comeback, his hand found mine, pulling me forward with a gentle tug. I landed on his lap with a surprised squeak, the towel shifting higher up my thighs, leaving me momentarily frozen. Then, laughter erupted from me, bubbling up and spilling over.

“Roman!” I exclaimed, half-indignant, half-amused.

“Sorry,” he murmured, though the mischievous grin on his face said he wasn’t sorry at all. It was a lazy, unguarded smile that made my heart skip a beat. Then, as if abruptly reminded of the world beyond us, he turned back to the laptop. “Tell me when you want to get dressed so I can raid the kitchen. I have no idea what’s even edible in there.”

I leaned against his shoulder, still comfortably perched on his knee. “Eggs would be nice. Bacon too. Maybe some toast?”

“Let’s just hope they’re not expired,” he replied, a teasing glint in his eye.

I scrunched my face in mock disgust. “Then it’ll smell awful! Your alarm system will probably go haywire.”

His laughter filled the room again, a sound I cherished deeply—the way it started low in his chest before breaking free, unfiltered and genuine. He rested his hand at the small of my back, his thumb drawing slow, soothing circles that sent warmth radiating through me.

“Sav?” he asked, his tone shifting slightly.

“Mm?” I replied, turning my head slightly to look up at him.

“Everything okay?”

I lifted my gaze, the soft glow from his screen illuminating his face in a way that made him look almost ethereal. I could see the question lingering in his eyes, that quiet worry that never fully dissipated.

I nodded slowly, my heart fluttering in my chest. “Yeah. I just…” My words trailed off as I pressed my forehead against the warmth of his neck. “I just want you close tonight.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify