ROMAN'S POV

“Another day of coming to my place without letting me know,” Lauren said, leaning casually against her front door. Her arms crossed.

I hesitated for a fraction of a second, weighing how to respond. I couldn’t let her think I was careless or inconsiderate, but at the same time, I needed to maintain my own calm presence. “Well, technically I told you I was going to come over so we could finish the conversation we were having at my office,” I said, hoping that could counteract the accusation and remind her that this visit was purposeful.

Lauren tilted her head slightly, the expression on her face unmistakably skeptical....