Amali POV

I couldn't help but bite my lip as I looked after Roman as he set off to get ready for the show too. Images of last Sunday flashed through my mind. Just like they had all week. Images of Roman's toned upper body flickered repeatedly in my thoughts since the whole world had seen him like that.

That was also the reason why I was a little nervous to see him again. Well... it was one of the reasons. And then I really hadn't expected him to ask me out to dinner.

But somehow the flirting came naturally whenever this man stood in front of me. I took a deep breath when he was out of sight. My knees were shaking a little. It was a good thing that I didn't have a match tonight but only had to film a few segments backstage. Because I wasn't so sure I would have been able to concentrate.

The show began and I took advantage of the brief moment I had to watch Roman and Uncle Pauli open the show. The aura that surrounded him... the confidence and that little smirk. And one thing I was damn sure of was that he kept licking his lips on purpose. Man... He really had everyone in the palm of his hand. And I had the feeling that this was just the beginning.

*****

A while later, I was waiting for Roman at the exit. He had let me know where to meet him and when. And where I should leave my belongings so that they could be taken to the hotel and I wouldn't have to worry about them. As the last match was still going on, it was quiet here. And since we were both finished, no one would miss us.

"Amali Mae! Look at you! I wanted to ask you if you wanted to join me for dinner later, but I think you might already have plans." Uncle Pauli suddenly said.

"We have indeed." replied a deep voice before I had the chance.

"Ah, I see. Have a nice rest of the night, then." Paul grinned as he saw Roman approaching.

"Ready, baby girl?" he asked me after Paul had retreated.

"Always. I'm starving." I replied and held out my hand to him.

He took it in his and together we left the building. Every now and then, on the way to the car, I noticed him looking at me. But whenever I tried to catch him, he quickly looked away.

*****

I didn't know how he had got a reservation for this fancy restaurant so quickly, but I guess he could just get anywhere he wanted.

"It's magnificent here. You've done a good job. I know it's not easy to find a really first-class Italian restaurant," I said at one point as we waited for dessert.

We had talked a lot. It was really easy to talk to him. But my insides were starting to knot up.

"Oh that's nothing, sweetie. But I can see that you're getting more and more restless. What's wrong?" he wanted to know.

"Well... I don't know how to describe it. You're really a great man and I'm having a lot of fun. It's just... I don't want to fool you. I don't want you to think that this is going to go anywhere... I just got out of a long relationship and... well you make me really nervous, if you know what I mean." I stammered as the heat rose up my face.

"Amali, please! I'm in the same boat as you. I don't want to jump straight into the next big thing either. Let's just enjoy ourselves." he replied calmly.

"Okay... you're right... There's nothing wrong with a bit of fun." I nodded as the waiter placed the Tiramisu on the table in front of me.

"How is it?" Roman wanted to know a short time later.

"It's heavenly! Do you want to try it? But I think the espresso will keep me awake all night." I replied.

Then I held out a spoonful to him. He reached for my hand before devouring the delicacy. I couldn't quite read the expression on Roman's face. There was this little twinkle in his eyes. But suddenly his gaze became serious.

"Are you all right?" I asked, licking the cream off my fingers.

I saw him swallow first and then shake his head very slightly.

"What? Oh yeah... I just realized something..." he said quietly as he held my gaze.

"What is it?" I wanted to know, of course.

"I realized I don't want to be here." he mumbled.

"I... oh. Then we should-" I began disappointedly, but he quickly interrupted me.

"I've realized that I'd rather be in my hotel right now. Where I can taste the sweetness on your lips in private. I've realized that I can't stand how crazy you make me any longer, Amali.

I really tried to get it out of my head, but... wow. I just can't. I know we both don't want anything serious. But that doesn't change the images in my head. All the fantasies you trigger in me." he muttered softly.

Here I sat, completely surprised by his words. That's why it took me a moment to react. And to be honest, I would have been lying if I said I didn't feel the same way.

I slowly wiped my hands and mouth with my napkin before placing it on the table. I stood up, picked up my purse and smoothed out my dress. Then I took a step around the table.

I looked at Roman. His confused look almost made me laugh. But instead of saying anything, I simply held out my hand to him.