Hi everyone! So this week it is Roman's story which means the last story of this book.

I hope you enjoyed this journey. If you didn't let me know as well.

These kids are basically my babies, just like Ariana and Reyan were. (I'm the grandma, LOL)

You guys must have figured from the title about the much awaited contents of the story. Let's see how Roman, the guy who doesn't believe in relationships starts to. 

Enjoy!

___

It was going to be a long month, and Roman was well aware of that. The Madrid Film Festival was about to start, and De La Cruz Resorts, Madrid, was the host to the celebrities and their families.

Roman was arranging for this for the past 6 months. It was a lot of stress and very tiring, but it had its perks as well. He could easily flirt with actresses and actors, maybe get into their pants. Not that they mind. He was one of the most good-looking, and successful people in Spain according to a recent poll.

Roman was interested in both genders equally, but he never found the right person to not just have sex. He didn't disrespect anyone. He made it clear what he wanted before getting involved with someone.

Roman Raj Valdez wasn't searching for his other half and still looking for one. He wasn't desperate for someone. He knew from the stories he heard and saw all his life, that he will one day meet the one person who is made for him. But trying too hard wasn't something he would do. None of his siblings did. Love will find him eventually.

His Grammy, his Mama's Mama wasn't searching for love when she met his Grand Pappy. She wasn't even aware, but they both found each other. Their story was his favorite while growing up.

Boys made faces on love stories, while Roman grew up listening, and watching them. He saw love stories every day. At times it seemed to him that love never faded. Weird because he had also seen people fall out of love as they get older. Contradicting everything, his grandparents were still very much in love.

It wasn't like they were smooching around, no. Love was when Pappy would scold Grammy for not taking her medicines on time. While Grammy would lecture Pappy for watching too much TV without his specs. The care and the bickering reflected their love.

He couldn't meet them much after they shifted with his Uncle Hridhaan a few years before, but they chatted twice a week.

Roman's thoughts came to a halt when his nanotooth buzzed a name.

Roman answered the call.

"Buenos días, preciosa," He greeted her.

"Buenos días, mijo," She seemed cheerful.

"You seem happy," He pointed out.

"I just saw Hugh Jackman on the coverage of Madrid Film Festival!" She squealed like a teenage girl. Boy, his Abuela was 77 for god sakes!

"You have met him before, Abuela," Roman pointed out. Hugh and his wife stayed at their resort every time they came to Spain. Abuela had a fair amount of autographs and pictures with them. Her Instagram was a proof of that.

"I know, but you know, I am excited!" She said.

"No, Abuela. You are not allowed to travel long distances," Roman reminded her.

"Barcelona and Madrid aren't far away!" She argued. She was a baby most of the time.

"Are you even hearing what you are talking? It takes 2 hours of traveling!" Roman exclaimed.

"Whatever okay?" Abuela wasn't backing away.

"You want me to call Mama, and tell her you are making plans to travel when you are strictly prescribed bed rest after that scare you gave us?" Roman threatened.

"Okay, okay! Don't pull your mother into this. You know I can't argue with her," Abuela whined.

"I know, that's why I bring her in. She keeps you in line more than Papa does," Roman chuckled.

"Whatever okay? Just get his autograph for me," His Abuela sulked. He wanted to remind her that she had enough of them on her plates, mugs, and napkins but stayed quiet.

"I'll try," Roman told her.

"I miss you, mijo. Come back soon," She told him.

"I miss you too, babe. See you soon," He told her, and they hung up.

Roman sighed. His Abuela, Natasha, had a minor heart attack 2 months ago. It scared all of them so much. Now all she was allowed was to go out on a walk that's what the doctor prescribed.

Roman decided it was better he started looking at the preparations. Nothing had to be left out in making their guest's stay comfortable.

___

Days went in a blur. As the guests started coming Roman saw to it personally that they were not having any issues while checking in.

It was almost dark when Roman was talking to one of his ex-flame (or lay), Sebastian Darley. Sebastian was now with one of the directors from Hollywood whose name Roman didn't care about asking.

"It's funny how you never visited L.A or Hollywood. You can totally audition for a movie," Sebastian tutted, clicking his tongue.

"I visit L.A frequently, we have a resort and a few restaurants there. I just never had the time to go to Hollywood," Roman told him.

"Shame. You should come by Beverly Hills, we can hang out. I can introduce you to a lot of people," Sebastian smirked touching Roman's hand.

Roman wanted to roll his eyes so bad they would end up behind his head. That's why he didn't like Sebastian, he was too clingy and too desperate.

"I will when I can, Sebastian. If you could excuse me," Roman politely slipped away and went straight towards the reception.

He wondered why he even slept with Sebastian Darly. Oh yes! He was drunk enough to not make good decisions.

"Hola, Sam," Roman greeted the robo receptionist.

"Bueno tardes, Señor Valdez. Looking dashing as always," The She-robo smiled.

"Thank you, you seem doing pretty well even after so much of work," He told her.

"I am programmed to work 24x7, Señor. Although I did have to plug in for charging once," She told him.

Sam was a fully programmed robot which was as much a female as a human could be except for obvious lack of reproductive features. Sam had emotions in rather lesser quantity, but Roman knew she was fond of him, and so was he. He referred to the robo as if she was a human, rather than a thing.

"Great! So what's the update?" He asked her.

"Only one of the guests is remaining to check in, Señor," Sam told him.

"Who, and calculate the time of their arrival, Sam," He commanded the robo.

"Ms. Ekaashi Chatterjee. Estimated time, twenty minutes thirty-five seconds, forty milliseconds," Sam told him.

"Alert me when she comes in, Sam," Roman told her.

"Will do, Señor," She told him. "Reception," She answered a call, and Roman turned to go to his office.

As he walked towards his office, he was stopped by Alicia González, the HR Manager.

"Señor, are you busy at the moment?" She asked him.

"Is there a problem?" He asked her.

Alicia explained him about a fight between two staff members where one of them threatened to kill the other and a mention of using weapons. Roman decided to check the footage.

The footage didn't show any weapons, it was a verbal discussion, more like an abusive fight.

"Ms. Ekaashi is going to arrive in five minutes, fourteen seconds and 2 milliseconds," Sam's voice rang in Roman's ears.

"I'll deal with this in some time. Keep me posted about this," He told her, Alicia nodded as Roman walked towards the entrance.

"Security breach!" Sam's voice rang in his ears.

"Update! Activate the security systems, now! Close all doors except front entrance! Don't activate panic!" He commanded her.

"Security system activated. Intrusion in property! Close all doors!" Sam repeated executing the commands.

Roman ran towards the entrance.

"Activate manual security!" He commanded as the Security head was connected to him.

"Suarez! Status!" He asked the head security.

"Paparazzi, Señor! They are following our guest before her arrival. I'll have my men to push them out," He told him.

"I'm almost there. Keep them out, we don't want any inconvenience coming to our other guests as well," Roman told him.

"On it, Señor!" He told him.

As Roman reached the entrance he saw the celebrity's car hovered by cameras. He had never seen anything like that ever. Yes, mega stars have arrived, but no one brought all this public with them. What was new with this actress? Why was she so popular?

"Ms. Ekaashi, answer our questions," The people were shouting.

He saw the bodyguards trying to protect the female as well as his team.

"Will you tell us about you being linked to Paul Hanson's brother?" They were asking.

"What is the climax of The Indian Wife?" Another asked. Roman scoffed, as if she would tell them.

"Did you really cheat on Mr. Hanson like he claimed?" The other asked.

"Sources say that you have a child with Jerry Vales," Another said. Were they crazy?

"You are here being the Ambassador of L'Oreal USA, what can you tell us about it?" The only sensible question Roman heard.

"Any hopes of winning the Best Actress this year?" Another asked. Roman had enough.

"Activate security barrier on entrance," Roman commanded Sam.

"Activating barrier on the gates," Sam responded.

As the security barrier started, it filtered out many of the paparazzi, but some were still there. Roman saw one of the reporters flashing his nano cam at maximum non-stop. He moved forward, concerned for the celebrity.

How has she been handling the situation?

"Leave me alone!" A voice spoke, alerting Roman.

The man who was flashing the camera was almost over her. Roman had enough standing there. He angrily stomped towards the cameraman and pushed him aside. He activated his barrier filtering the people out including only him and the actress.

"Get the fuck out of my resort!" Roman shouted as the man looked at him with a scared expression. The flashes continued.

"Get out or I'll sue you all for manhandling!" He shouted, and the paparazzi backed off.

"Sam, I want maximum security on the resort perimeter!" Roman told the bot as he followed the bodyguards who were now taking the actress inside.

When they were secured inside, Roman asked Alicia to guide the guest to her room. He instructed Alicia to inform the actress if she was again disturbed by the paparazzi, he would personally see to it. Alicia nodded and went towards the actress.

He couldn't see her face, just her dark, waist long straight hair as her back faced him. He decided to meet her after he sorted this out, and apologize for everything.

"Scan the perimeter. I want no one without identification inside, or outside the resort. Make use of the new robot, Rob," Roman instructed Sam and Suarez.

After one hour of solving the issues about the security, and the dispute amongst the staff, Roman decided to visit the actress, Ekaashi to check if she was comfortably settled.

"Sam, connect me to Ekaashi Chatterjee's room," He ordered the robot.

"Connection complete," Sam delivered as the phone rang.

"Hello?" A sweet voice answered.

"Good evening, Señorita. This is Roman Valdez, CEO of the resort," He introduced himself.

"The call is unexpected, what can I do for you?" She asked.

"You are embarrassing me, Señorita. I want to apologize for the drama outside. I had no idea those people would cross the security. I guarantee you will have no problems until your stay here," Roman promised.

"I am used to it, Mr. Valdez. Thank you for the effort though. I really appreciate it," Ekaashi assured him.

"It was our duty, Señorita. Are you fine? Anything I can do for you?" Roman asked her.

"I am absolutely fine. My team will coordinate with your staff about my schedule. I have a few interviews, and photo shoots late in the morning. Other than that there is nothing," She told him. Roman sensed that indeed there was something else.

"Actually, there is one thing you can do," She spoke after a moment.

"Of course," He said politely.

"Can you send the person who protected me from the paparazzi? I want to personally thank him," She requested, Roman had to bite a grin.

"You mean the security?" He asked her, just to confirm she wasn't talking about Suarez or anyone from his team.

"No, not security, I think. Tall, dusky, black hair, sexy jawline and he wore a three-piece suit," Ekaashi described.

Roman touched his jaw. Sexy huh?

"He'll be outside your room in no time. Anything else?" Roman asked.

"Uh...yes...Is the dinner still open? I am starving," Ekaashi said and Roman chuckled.

"I'll send the guy with your dinner like your team had sent us before," Roman told her.

"NO!" Ekaashi exclaimed. "I mean, can you send an extra cheesy hamburger with pickles in it?And fries?" She asked.

"Of course, Señorita. Your guy and food will be there in 10 minutes," Roman informed her while he sent a message to the Head Chef via his cell phone with Ekaashi's order.

"Thank you so much," Ekaashi thanked him.

"No problema, Señorita," Roman said and hung up.

The order was ready by the time Roman reached the restaurant. The Head Chef, his best friend, Conan, his aunt Esme and Uncle Theo's son, smirked at him while handing him the tray control.

"What are you up to?" He asked him.

"Fulfilling my guest's demands," Roman grinned. It was amusing really.

"I hope the reward is worth it," Conan wriggled his eyebrows.

"I am not doing this with ulterior motives, idiot. The paparazzi basically gave her a panic attack. She asked me for the person who saved her, which is me," Roman told his best friend.

Reyanna, Rylen, Roman, and Conan were in the same school before Roman was sent to special business school for 2 years in the USA. When he came back, Roman was again to return to the USA to study at Harvard. This time Conan went with him too. He studied culinary arts. Although they weren't together, Conan had to study in New York, France, Italy, and London to complete his course, Roman and he still remained best friends.

"So Ekaashi Chatterjee wants to meet her knight in shining armor?" Conan raised a brow.

"There is nothing such as a knight in shining armor. I was there, and I helped her because it was my duty. Now she wants her dinner and the person who shielded her," Roman rolled his eyes.

"Whatever. I won't stand in between you, and your damsel. I'll see you after my shift," Conan told him as more orders arrived. Roman mock saluted him and walked towards the actress's room.

Her room was on the 3rd floor, just a floor below his.

He rang the bell and waited for her to open the door.

"Yes?" She asked.

"Your dinner is here, Señorita," He replied from behind the door.

The door opened immediately. The tray he was controlling took its place near the kitchen as Roman entered the room.

"Close the door behind you, please," Ekaashi told him, it was just her voice, she was nowhere to be seen. The door was automatic, but Roman didn't say anything.

"You wanted to see me, Señorita?" Roman asked. He waited eagerly to see the owner of the sweet voice.

It was the voice that attracted his attention for the first time anyways.

"Yes, I did. I wanted to thank you personally," Ekaashi's voice came from the closet.

"You don't have to, Señora. It's my duty," Roman told her, getting impatient to see her face.

"I understand, but I do want to thank you," Ekaashi said, and finally the woman stepped out of the closet.

Roman had to recollect that he had to breathe, she was that beautiful. He knew she was a raven head with waist-length hair. Roman didn't regret he didn't see her heart-shaped face, and dusky complementing dusky complexion. He would have lost all senses if he saw her, maybe forget his work. The plump lips with a beauty spot just above them drew him in, almost inviting. Her innocent looking doe eyes looked at him taking in his appearance, hopefully finding him attractive.

She was wearing loose pants and a tied up top, Roman didn't pay attention to her clothing before because he was busy kicking the paparazzi away. But, Dios, the top showed off her stomach, and that deep belly button was distracting him from his purpose.

He had no ulterior motives, he reminded himself.

"I...um...got your dinner," He said looking away from her to the tray of food.

Dios save him!

"Thank you once again. You saved me from starvation," Ekaashi joked walking towards him.

"Ekaashi Chatterjee," She introduced herself, holding out her deep red painted, well-manicured hands. Even her hands were beautiful.

"Roman Raj Valdez, at your service," Roman introduced himself placing his hand in hers.

Static. It was static when his hands touched hers. A shock, a wave of electricity. A beautiful one.

"Roman?" Ekaashi asked slowly pulling away her hand in shock. "As in the CEO, I just talked to?" She asked pointing the communication device on the wall.

"Yes. Sorry for not mentioning before, but it seemed odd introducing myself like, 'Hey, I am the guy you want to meet,'" Roman joked. Ekaashi looked mortified.

"This is unbelievable. The CEO of the De la Cruz resorts brought me dinner...extra cheese hamburger," She had an incredulous look as she weaved her hands through her hair, messing it up. Shit! It was hot!

"I am not 'The' CEO. Just a CEO. I just handle LA, Florida, Las Vegas, Madrid, London, and Paris. Other than that it's my father who takes care of the empire. And you forgot pickles and fries. I asked them to put mayo, tomato ketchup, mustard, as well as, the mint sauce with your burger. I didn't know what you would like," Roman told her.

Ekaashi gaped at him for a moment and then laughed.

"Oh my god!" She covered her mouth with her hands and sat down on her queen-sized bed. "I thought you were some manager or something like that," She said facepalming at her stupidity.

"I am not well known internationally, it's not your fault," Roman said sitting beside her. "It's okay, really. I didn't mind," Roman assured her.

"Way to go, Ekaashi. The only time Mel doesn't push you doing your homework, you mess up. You just told him you thought he had a sexy jawline. Superb," Ekaashi muttered to herself, but Roman heard her. He wanted to laugh at her but stopped. She was a guest, she shouldn't make fun of her.

"What homework?" Roman asked as she gaped at him again, embarrassed.

"My PR told me to read about your resort, Madrid, and everything else. I just didn't pay any heed," Ekaashi confessed.

"You are not too late. If you need a guide through the city, we have them as well. Tourists come all the time," Roman told her.

"No, no, thanks. I am just embarrassed that I didn't recognize you even when you look so much like your father," Ekaashi told him.

This statement made Roman look at her in surprise.

"You know my Papa?" Roman asked.

"Yeah. Your mother's company, or rather your mother planned my best friend's wedding. I met them there, and a few other times here and there," Ekaashi revealed.

"When?" He asked.

"A few years back. You might know, though I didn't see you there, or I might have remembered," Ekaashi said. "Shiv Bose and Shreya Banerjee," She told him.

Realization struck him. Ekaashi was talking about Shreya, his Uncle Shashank's oldest daughter. His mother and father were best friends with Uncle Shashank. Roman had missed it because of his final exams. He did visit them after though.

"Oh, so you must be Shiv's friend because I know Shreya's best friend," Roman figured. Yeah, he slept with her, of course, he knows her.

"Yeah, yeah. Shiv and I knew each other since I was five. I was there at their wedding, trying to stay low-key. I mean it was weird when the photographer won't stop clicking my pictures instead of the bride and groom," Ekaashi joked and Roman chuckled.

"I can understand why," He said. There was a double meaning behind his words Roman didn't actually try to conceal.

"I should be the one to say sorry now," Roman told her.

"Why?" Ekaashi asked.

"First, because I didn't know about you, or saw you before today. Second, I am keeping you hungry by not letting you have your food," He pointed out standing up. "I'll see you later, Señorita Chatterjee. Hope you enjoy your meal," He told her and turned to leave. He should leave, he was feeling things he shouldn't right now.

"No, wait!" Ekaashi stopped him, and Roman turned towards her. God, she was breathtaking.

"Can you stay for dinner? I can't eat alone," Ekaashi requested. "You didn't have your dinner, did you?" She inquired.

How will he control himself if he stayed longer?

"I didn't, but I promised dinner to someone," Roman said but regretted when he saw the disappointment on her beautiful face. "I can stay for a bit, and steal some of your fries. If you don't mind?" Roman offered. Ekaashi smiled and nodded.

Roman and Ekaashi sat down and talked until she finished her dinner. Roman could see how much of a foodie she was. She must have to maintain a strict diet because it seemed she was having a hamburger after ages. She was adorable when she ate.

Was there anything she would do and not look good? Probably not.

"Thank you so much once again." She said as Roman stood up to leave.

"Hey, I can do it for a friend. If you consider me one that is," Roman said holding out his hand.

Friend? Idiot!

"Of course," Ekaashi said placing her hand in his.

Again Roman felt the static. It was a pleasant static, a pull wanting him to never leave her hand.

"Uh...Roman. Can I call you Roman?" Ekaashi stopped him again.

"Yes, of course, you can. What is it?" He asked.

Roman? How did his name not sound so good in 25 years like it did just now?

"Don't pay attention to the questions the paparazzi asked. I am not a mother to any children, nor I was getting married to anyone," Ekaashi told him, her hand was still in his.

Dios mio, it felt good. She pulled away from him, a little too soon, he thought.

"I don't care about any of this nonsense. But can you answer my question?" Roman asked, and he saw her getting tensed.

"Yeah?" She asked hesitantly.

"What is the climax of your show?" Roman asked seriously, then saw Ekaashi's expression change from serious to a grin, and then a laugh.

They both laughed as Ekaashi shook her head, and Roman opened the door and walked out.

He sighed and grinned. He looked at his planner watch to see it was almost 12, time for the restaurant to close. He walked fast towards the bar where Conan was waiting for him.

Roman usually stayed in Madrid, he sometimes went to Barcelona to meet his family. Conan stayed in Madrid. His parents, actually his mother, owned all the restaurants in the De la Cruz resorts. Roman's dad never broke their partnership, he was happy to work with Esme and her family.

They owned a couple of restaurants as well. Some were together, some were not, but Conan was interested in being a chef, not a businessman. Nobody minded. He was a great chef, one of the best in the continent.

Roman was greeted with the sight of Conan, and his specialty pizza lasagna and rum. Roman loved it. It was a simple recipe of pizza base filled with extra cheese lasagna and a lot of veggies and chicken in it. With mint sauce, Roman's favorite.

"Where were you?" Conan asked as he served him his food.

"With Ekaashi," Roman told him looking at the cheese flowing out of the slice. Yum!

"So did you..." Roman cut Conan.

"No, nothing like that. She didn't know who I was, and was embarrassed when I told her. Turns out she knows my parents, my Uncle Shashank and their whole family," Roman told him.

"Oooh...I smell arranged marriage," Conan joked.

"Fuck off! I'm just 25. No one is asking me to get married so soon," Roman defended himself. "No one in my family had an arranged marriage, why would I?" Roman pointed out.

"I heard Tía Ariana talking to Mama about finding you a nice, homely partner once," Conan snickered biting into his food.

"Nonsense. She wouldn't say that. Ever!" Roman argued.

"Oh, she did," Conan told him. "I told you I heard them talking. She's scared you'll elope with a male stripper," Conan said with a serious face. Roman gaped at him giving Conan an incredulous look.

"Male stripper? What the fuck?" Roman shuddered. "Strippers are not even my type," Roman pointed out.

"I know, Rom. You have been crushing on me since we were kids. That's why you don't leave me, even for a chica like Ekaashi Chatterjee," Conan joked.

"Now that you know it, let's get married," Roman rolled his eyes.

"Why not? As if I am scoring chicas in that kitchen," Conan said sardonically.

"You can be the wife, I'll be your hot husband," Roman suggested.

"Hey! Why would you be the hot husband? Everyone knows I am the hot one," Conan argued.

"You are hot, but I am better, and you know it. As you said my mother wanted a homely wife for me. You cook and keep the room tidy more than I do. You'll be the perfect wife," Roman winked Conan.

"I'll be the wife if you admit I am hotter than you," Conan said biting into another piece.

"Puhlease! The whole Spain knows I am the hotter one in this relationship. If you are Mercury, I am the Sun!" Roman boasted.

"I think by tomorrow the whole Spain would know how Roman Raj Valdez became the damsel in distress Ekaashi Chatterjee's knight in shining armor," Conan wriggled his eyebrows.

"Again with that shit? Why would you even call her a damsel in distress? She looked pretty awesome to me," Roman asked his best friend.

"Awesome in a meeting?" Conan raised a brow. Roman rolled his eyes. "You don't know her yet. You haven't even watched her films or shows, you don't even know who she is, and what her past was," Conan told him finishing his dinner, and wiping his hands.

"Now you have my attention," Roman was suddenly interested. It was Conan's turn to roll his eyes.

"Google her, you'll know," Conan told her as he took away all the dirty dishes, and placed them in the sink. He pushed the button for self-rinse and dry as the machine did its work.

"I'm not going to Google her! She's a guest at my hotel, and we just became friends. I am not going to depend upon Google for information. If she feels like I am someone she can discuss herself, then cool," He told his best friend clearly.

"Okay, okay, Mr. Old School, don't get all defensive. I know you fancy her," Conan winked at him.

"I do. She's stunning, you can't blame me?" Roman confessed. "But, I am not going to make a move on her. She doesn't seem the quick tumble in the sheets type of a woman," He told her.

"And you do not want anything serious," Conan rolled his eyes as they both made way to their room.

"I will when I find the right person. I mean it's not like I don't want something solid, but I haven't felt that yet," Roman explained.

"I don't know what you want anymore. I mean you sleep around, but never with the same person. Here I can't kiss with one particular girl," Conan complained.

"And you said you were the hotter one," Roman rolled his eyes. "You're a chicken. Nica likes you too, you are too blind to see it," He pointed out.

"No, she doesn't. If she did she wouldn't have made out with Vic in front of me," Conan defended.

"She did that to get a reaction from you. But you? You stood their fist bumping her saying 'Great move!' Idiot!" Roman scoffed.

"What was I supposed to do? Snatch Nica away from Vic the dick, and kiss her instead?" Conan joked.

"Yes! You could have done the exact same thing, and Nica wouldn't have resisted!" Roman exclaimed as he opened the fingerprint censored door of the penthouse he and Conan shared.

"I don't think so," Conan said removing his chef coat.

"It is so! Con you need to man up and sweep her off her feet. You love Nica, and she has feelings for you," Roman encouraged his best friend.

"Did she ever tell you that?" Conan said flatly as he unbuttoned his shirt.

"Why would she tell me anything? She always complains about how we are each other's bitches," Roman pointed out taking off his clothes.

"You really think she likes me?" Conan asked Roman.

Roman sighed and made his best friend sit on his bed. He stood in front of him his hands on his shoulders.

"100% positive. I've seen the way she looks at you," Roman told his best friend who grinned like a schoolboy. He was 25 for god sakes! "Jennica Laura Ruiz likes you, Conan. She likes you very much, and it's noticeable to everyone. It's as obvious as looking at your whipped face when she is present," Roman shook him a bit.

Instead of swatting away his hands Conan grinned like a madman. His grin widened, and Roman had to back away for Conan looked that creepy.

"I'm going to ask her out tomorrow," Conan looked determined.

"Why tomorrow? Why not now?" Roman proposed.

"Now? It's almost 1," Conan protested.

"She's a vampire, Con. She sleeps through the day, and is active as fuck at night! I'll even let you take a day off," Roman looked at his best friend with expectant eyes.

Conan bit his lip in contemplation. He did that every time he had decided what he wanted but didn't want to take a chance.

"Okay. I'll call her," Conan pulled out his sleek fiberglass iPhone 35S plus. It was an old model, but Conan refused to change it.

"No!" Roman snatched his phone away from him. "You'll go to her house, ring the doorbell. When she comes out you kiss the life out of her, and profess your love," Roman told him.

"You watch too many classics man. I am not doing anything like that. I'll holo-call her," Conan told him.

"You are coming with me to Nica's house, and confessing your love to her right now!" Roman said handing Conan his phone and going inside his closet. He tossed the first t-shirt and jeans he saw.

"Okay, okay. Let me at least wear a shirt," Conan said, but Roman didn't give him time as he dragged him out of their room.

Roman didn't want Conan to pussy out now. He had finally accomplished the task to let Conan believe that his unrequited love was not unrequited.

It was a lie what Roman told Conan. Nica had confided in Roman about her feelings towards Conan. She was scared she would ruin their 5-year-old friendship. Roman told Nica repeatedly to tell Conan. She was as stubborn as Conan was, saying what she felt was just infatuation. It wasn't so. He saw the way they both stole glances at each other. They were a perfect match.

"Woah!" Someone collided with Roman as he and the person stumbled backward.

"I'm so sorry..." His words were cut short when he saw Ekaashi in a beige satin robe in front of him.

"Roman? What are you doing so late?" Ekaashi enquired. "And who's the shirtless guy?" She looked at Conan, and then their intertwined hands.

While Conan blushed, Roman introduced them.

"Ekaashi, meet Conan, my best friend, and the Head Chef. Conan, this is Ekaashi Chatterjee..." Roman couldn't complete when Conan cut him off.

"I'm a fan, Senorita," Conan said coming forward suddenly forgetting he was shirtless.

"You are?" Ekaashi asked. Was he?

"Yes! I've seen all your films, even the Bengali ones, in English of course. And I am hooked to 'The Indian Wife'," Conan told her. Oh! This was the Indian actress he always gushed about!

"I'm glad you liked them," Ekaashi smiled. It wasn't like the one she smiled when Roman, and she met in her room. This was restricted, professional. That was friendly and bright.

Wow, 2 hours of meeting her, and he knew the different types of smile Ekaashi had.

"I hope you liked your dinner," Conan was practically jumping.

"I loved it, it was delicious, thank you," This time Ekaashi's smile was warmer. "What are you guys up to?" Ekaashi asked looking at Roman.

"Conan has to confess to someone. I am just making sure he doesn't change his mind," Roman said looking at Conan who made a face and pulled away from Roman's hand.

"I am not chickening out this time," Conan crossed his arms against his chest.

"We'll see," Roman's tone was challenging. "What are you doing here at the foyer? Any issues?" Roman asked with concern.

"No. Just couldn't sleep," Ekaashi smiled nervously.

"Come with us then," Roman proposed as Ekaashi and Conan looked at him with shock. "Come with us, make sure he doesn't chicken out," He told her.

"But I am in my night clothes, and I don't even have my nanotooth," She told protested.

"We won't be gone long. I can promise that you won't even have to get out of the car," Roman assured her with a smile, and Ekaashi smiled back.

"Okay," She agreed and Conan cheered. Roman just smiled at her while Ekaashi smiled at him. He gave her his hand, and she took it immediately.

Roman towed two people while he commanded Sam on his nanotooth to bring his car in the driveway.

"You don't take off that stuff, do you?" Ekaashi enquired as they waited for Roman's car.

"Nah. He's addicted to it. Even sleeps with them beside him," Conan told her.

"Seriously? It's dangerous for your eardrums," Ekaashi pointed out.

"I've told him that millions of times, but Roman Raj Valdez doesn't listen to anyone," Conan scoffed.

"What do you want me to do? Leave my work? You know how crazy it went when I took your advice and left my nanotooth for an hour," Roman pointed out as his car appeared from the underground parking.

"Woah!" Ekaashi exclaimed as Roman's sleek midnight blue Aston Martin Vanquish 3.0 Reloaded showed up.

"Come on. I'm not wasting any time. We'll talk on the way," Roman said opening the front door for Ekaashi as Conan sat on the back seat.

"Shouldn't I be the one in the back?" Ekaashi enquired as Roman sped off to his destination.

"Nah. Conan needs his space when he's nervous," Roman told her.

"Hey! I'm not nervous," Conan said as he started fidgeting with his jeans.

"You see, he has ripped t-shirts and shirts doing that to them. Hopefully, his jeans will survive. This is why I didn't give him the chance to wear one," Roman explained.

"I hate that you know me so well," Conan mumbled swaying his body to and fro.

"Stop it. It's going to be fine," Roman assured him.

"So who is this lucky person? I have never seen a guy so nervous in asking someone out," Ekaashi asked. "Conan?" She turned to look at the nervous, shirtless guy. Poor him, he was sweating when the car was cooler than Spain in winter.

"Jennica Ruiz," Conan started.

"She's a mutual friend from what I can gather," Ekaashi pointed out.

"Yeah. She was Roman's classmate in college. I met her on his birthday five years back. We have never stopped talking since" Conan smiled.

"When did you start liking her?" She asked.

"From the very start, I think. But it wasn't until I came back from Italy during summer," he started. "Nica, like me, lives in Madrid only. Roman was in the UK, so Nica and I planned a reunion at the beach. You see when I came back from Italy we had already known each other for 2 years. I had met her once during that time and hardly saw her on video. She was a bit chubby and cute when I met her. She used to wear her hair in a bun with trendy pair specs on her nose, and she was paler than Roman or I. I found her attractive, I can't deny that. She was chubby, not even close to unattractive, and very interesting. I always had the urge to talk to her, make her laugh, meet her. It wasn't easy when she was in the States, and I was traveling and studying in Europe," Conan smiled fondly.

"Imagine my shock that after 2 years I don't see a cute and chubby girl. Instead, I see toned legs, sexy abs and a heartbreaking collarbone on a perfectly tanned girl. She was wearing a dark green bikini that matched her eyes. I couldn't recognize her. There was no bun on her head. Just a pair of shades while her chestnut colored hair cascaded down to her mid-shoulder. At first, I thought the girl was hot. Then when she came near me and said hi, I realized that it was Nica, the same Nica I met two years ago," Conan sighed.

"It wasn't the fact that she suddenly became hot. It was the fact that I couldn't keep my eyes off her. She was laughing at my silly jokes. She was interested in all my stories from the kitchen and outside. She cursed every girl that broke my heart while consoling me that I would get a nice girl soon. She pulled me in the sea with her. There was a moment when we were a bit deep in the sea, and the waves were so high that she stumbled and fell on me as we fell into the sea together. I held her and brought us both up, I thought she was joking. When I realized she wasn't and swallowed a lot of water, I panicked. I immediately took her on the shore and pumped her for any water. When she coughed out water, I thought my life was again in my body. That is the day till today I cannot avoid the giddy feeling when she is around," Conan paused with a huge grin.

"Wow! That is so sweet!" Ekaashi gushed. "I'm sure the girl likes you back," She told him.

"How can you say that?" Conan asked curiously.

"Because you are the sweetest guy I have ever met. I'm sure she'll be lucky to have you in her life. Plus you cook! That beats it all!" Ekaashi grinned.

"Thanks! It feels weird to hear it from your celebrity crush. But thanks," Conan thanked her.

"We're here!" Roman announced stopping in front of a villa's gates.

"Shit!" Conan panicked.

"Shit!" Roman cursed as he saw a figure in front of his car.

"Shit!" Conan cursed again.

"Rom?" The figure asked appearing into the light.

There was a girl outside the car. She was beautiful, slender figure, tanned skin and a pair of trendy looking specs over the beautiful almond shaped green eyes. Her chestnut brown hair cascaded down to her mid-shoulder as confusion appeared on her face.

Roman rolled down the window.

"Hey, Nics," Roman greeted his other best friend.

"What are you doing here...is that Ekaashi Chatterjee?" Nica's eyes widened.

"Um...yeah. But wait, there is something important," Roman said and looked at the back seat to see Conan trying to hide.

'Go' Roman mouthed to Conan. He shook his head. 'Get the fuck out' Roman mouthed again and Conan huffed. 'Give me your t-shirt' Conan pointed to the t-shirt.

"Nics, you mind opening the entrance? We need to come inside," Roman told her.

"Sure," Nica furrowed her brows but did as asked.

Roman drove inside while Nica followed them on foot.

As the car stopped Roman quickly took off his t-shirt and gave it Conan who wore it even fast, and opened the door practically jumping out.

"Sorry for the mess," Roman apologized to Ekaashi whose eyes were stuck on his abdomen.

"No problem," Ekaashi whispered quietly, and suddenly the temperature inside the car increased.

Roman could feel the heat rising in his body as Ekaashi bit her lip while her eyes raked Roman's hard looking abs.

"Ekaashi..." Roman whispered as she looked at him in the eyes.

Dios she was beautiful. Innocent and delicate. Roman had a sudden urge to hold her. Shit!

"Con?" It was Nica's voice that distracted both of them.

Thank the Lord!

"N...Nica, h...hi" Conan was stammering.

"What are you guys doing here? And with Ekaashi Chatterjee? Can I get her autograph?" Nica looked towards the car and then towards Conan.

"I'm sure she won't mind...uh...but I need to tell you something..." Conan played with his fingers.

"Did you find any vampires or werewolves?" Nica asked looking around.

Roman chuckled, that girl was truly random.

"What? No," Conan looked confused.

"Then what?" Nica asked. Roman could see she was fidgeting. She was always nervous when Conan was around.

"Nica says random stuff when she is nervous," Roman whispered to Ekaashi. "She's fidgeting as well," He pointed out and Ekaashi nodded, not saying a word.

"I...I...Nica..." Conan was stammering again.

"Con? Do you need to come in?" Nica asked.

"I can't Nica," Conan said making the girl confused. "I can't come inside because if I am alone one moment with you, I'll lose control over myself," Conan told her balling his hands into fists.

"Yes!" Roman whisper cheered his friend, Ekaashi smiled at his reaction.

"What do you mean by losing control?" Nica asked. She knew the answer, Roman could see that. Nica was balling her hands into fists to control herself like Conan was.

"I mean I wanted to kiss you the moment you coughed out salt water three years ago. I mean that it killes me when I see you laughing and talking to other guys, Roman included. I mean that it almost destroyed me seeing you and Vic make out. If I go inside and we are alone, I might lose all the control I have on myself," Conan finally said.

Roman saw Nica's eyes were glassy, it was clear through the specs as well.

"Then lose control, Con," Nica said making Conan gape at her. "Lose control if that is what's making you stay away. Lose control if it restricts you to be just a friend. Let's lose control if it stops us from confessing our feelings," Nica said.

Roman was ready to dance. This was perfect.

"Us? You like me too?" Conan looked at her in disbelief.

"Like?" Nica laughed humourlessly, "I am madly in love with you, Conan," Nica confessed.

Conan did not wait anymore. He just loosened his grip on his fists, pulled Nica to him and kissed her full on the lips.

"He might not need the t-shirt after this," Roman joked, but Ekaashi still didn't respond.

Conan pulled away, his eyes dancing with joy while Nica looked awestruck.

"I love you more than I love my carving knives, Jennica. Always have, always will," He told her as Nica hugged him and he hugged her back.

"You think you'll come home today?" Roman shouted from inside the car.

"I am going to keep him tonight. We've got a lot to talk about," Nica shouted back.

"Are you 5? Ravish him, eat him for dessert. I gave him an off already," Roman joked.

"Fuck off, Roman!" Conan shouted as Roman reversed the car.

"You get fucked, Conan!" Roman shouted before he drove off from Nica's villa.

"Sorry for the language," Roman apologized as they were on the road again.

"Not really necessary," Ekaashi assured him.

"Still, so is there something you specifically want to do, or shall we go back?" Roman asked Ekaashi.

She was still looking out of the window. Her face looked so serene and peaceful that Roman wanted to look at her all the time. He was in half mind to leave the car on auto-driver and keep looking at Ekaashi.

"No, let's just go," Ekaashi said, not looking at him.

"Your wish is my command, Señorita," Roman mock saluted as Ekaashi chuckled.

"So..." Roman started after a few moments and Ekaashi looked at him. "It's your first time in Madrid?" He asked her.

"My first time in Spain actually. I don't travel much," She told him. Roman looked at her with surprise.

"Not even on vacation?" He asked.

"No. I prefer staying home when I am not working. Elle and I roam around the city in disguise, and spend the day together. If we need a change of scenery, we would go to the beach or anywhere peaceful," Ekaashi told him.

"Elle is your...?" Roman asked.

'Please don't be her girlfriend', Roman chanted in his head.

"My Saint Bernard," Ekaashi told him.

"So you are an introvert and a dog person. Nice," He commented with a smile. Thank Dios, no girlfriends.

"Staying at home doesn't mean you are an introvert," Ekaashi argued.

"It actually means that," Roman pointed out.

"No, it doesn't. It means that I like my house very much," Ekaashi defended herself.

"No it means that you don't like going out of your comfort zone," Roman stated.

"I don't get it how you can say that without knowing me at all," Ekaashi huffed and crossed her arms over her chest.

"I can say that because you said so yourself. When a person likes to keep to themselves, not go out and interact with other people, they are called an introvert. It's not a bad thing. It means you trust only a few, and it is a good thing most of the time," Roman pointed out.

"Oh," Ekaashi turned away her face towards the closed window, but Roman could see her blush.

She was adorable in a beautiful way.

"I never had a dog though," Roman told her.

"Never?" Ekaashi looked shocked.

"Nah. Our family was too busy for a pet. Though we had a few fish when we grew up, nothing since they all died," Roman told her.

"Seriously? No one is ever busy for a dog. They are the cutest things ever!" Ekaashi's mood lightened as she exclaimed.

"I'm sure. Reyanna has 3 now! Even Rylen got a pup last month," Roman told her.

"Your sisters?" She asked.

"Yeah. We are triplets. Reyanna is married, Rylen lives with her fiancé," He informed her.

"How old are you guys?" She asked.

"25," Roman said casually.

"Married at 25? I can't even think of marriage and I am 30!" Ekaashi exclaimed.

"Same. Reya married at 22. I mean you will get married too if the Duke of Devonshire falls in love with you," Roman told her shaking his head.

When Reyanna told the family about the Duke, everyone was surprised, more like shocked, except for Grammy and Grand Pappy. But then their parents agreed without a problem. Nobody understood how Reyanna suddenly loved the cold and the sophisticated, but Roman and Rylen knew not to doubt her. They knew Hayden would be good to their sister.

"A Duke? Oh my god! Your sister is a Duchess...wait a minute! I've met her!" Ekaashi exclaimed. Roman was surprised again.

"You have?" He asked.

"Yes! At the Wimbledon, I knew her as Duchess Reyanna Lennox. She is absolutely stunning. I follow her everywhere on social media," Ekaashi gushed.

"Oh okay. She doesn't understand sports though. Hayden must have a hard time explaining her stuff," Roman chuckled.

It took Rylen and him ages to make Reyanna understand what football actually is. She would come to Rylen's games, cheer her, but was clueless why everyone was running after a ball.

"That's rude! Tell me about your other sister," She asked.

"Rylen is an international football star along with her fiancé, Enrique," Roman told her.

"You mean Rylen Valdez and Enrique Álvarez?" Ekaashi asked.

"Yeah. You met her as well?" He asked. Has she already met all of his family?

"I didn't get the chance, but I saw her at a party once. They are my favorite couple though. I read the issue of Vogue where they were doing a Cover Story. Their story is adorable!" Ekaashi gushed about it.

"Yeah, no. Their story isn't cute," Roman shook his head.

"Why? They met in a bookstore, then at a party. It's cute how they both fell in love, like high school sweethearts. She is a tomboy and he's the shy nerdy footballer," Ekaashi gushed.

"That's what they tell the public. Their PR would kill me, but Rylen hated romance, couldn't stand a sight of people kissing in front of her. She is blunt and very opinionated. She thought Enrique was a pervert when she met him," Roman told her.

"What?" Ekaashi half laughed in surprise.

"Yep. Enrique almost had a panic attack talking to my sister when they met. It's not as smooth as you think. Rylen had her issues with romance, Enrique was socially awkward, but yeah what they are now is pretty cool. Never tell her that. She'll tease me all my life," Roman told her.

The thought of Ekaashi meeting his family made him feel weird. Why was he even thinking about it?

"I won't tell her. How about your parents? Aren't they adorable?" She cooed.

"Yeah adorable," Roman scoffed.

"What?" She asked.

"My parents are past adorable. They had set expectations and standards for each and every child in the family for love. But I adore my Grammy and Grand Pappy more, my mom's parents. I think they were the ones who made my Mom believe in love. That she shouldn't give up, and love will find a way," Roman told her.

"I think all of your family is quite adorable," Ekaashi had a lovely smile gracing her lips and the urge to leave the car on auto driver returned.

"You'll like them. They definitely are romance lovers," Roman told her.

"Aren't you?" She asked.

"I believe in love, alright. Even at first sight because I have seen that happening. But there is something I can't place, something that seems illogical about the whole ordeal. Maybe because I haven't been in love, I don't know. I mean sure my mom and dad found a way to be together. My Grand Pappy found a way to marry my Grammy. Even Abuelo and Abuela's relationship was all fate. But what is this fate? I've heard it too many times that you'll know the right one comes along. But I don't know how to know that," Roman explained his confusion.

"You know it's funny, but I have the same thoughts. I have people fawning all over me. Telling me they love me. What is love exactly, and how would you know if whom you choose is the right person. I mean are you sure the person you think is the right person won't leave you or hurt you?" There was an edge of sadness in her voice.

"Hey, hey" Roman touched her hand and the static was back again. "The only thing I have learned is that you'll know it. In your heart you'll know it that this is the person who will never leave you," Roman told her, stopping the car as Ekaashi looked at him.

Her innocent eyes were feverish, her eyes gazing his face.

"Are you sure?" Ekaashi asked in a whisper.

"I'm sure," He whispered back.

It was hypnotic that moment. It seemed as if something magnetic was pulling Roman towards Ekaashi.

"Roman..." Ekaashi spoke as she licked her lips making Roman's eyes fall on her plump lips.

"Ekaashi?" He asked as he saw her itching closer.

Her eyes stayed on his lips as they both reduced the distance between them.

"Can you...?" Ekaashi's breath was slow, her words almost inaudible. Her beauty spot caught his attention. It was a few millimeters away from those damned teeth which caught her upper lip. He wanted to do that.

"Can I what, Ekaashi?" Roman's own breath was labored as if he jogged for miles.

"Put me out of this misery," She finally said looking at his lips.

Roman didn't speak, he just pulled her hand which he was holding, and closed the distance between their lips.

As his lips touched hers, Roman felt fireworks.

*******

Spanish Translations:

Hola: Hello/ Hi

Buenos días: Good morning

Preciosa: Precious

Mijo: Son

Abuela: Grandmother

Señorita: Miss

Señor: Sir

Bueno tardes: Good Afternoon

No problema: No problem

Dios: God

Dios mio!: My god!

Abuelo: Grandfather

Tía: Aunt

___

How was it? Is Roman what you expected? 

He looks a lot like Reyan so you can imagine him just like you imagined Reyan.

Do let me know your views by voting and commenting.

Until next time

Racs...