Waiting for Romeo by Diane Mannino

running clothes, I leave a note and quietly sneak out the front door. I think about the previous night and wonder if Logan really meant what he said about only wanting one roommate. He could easily get any girl he wanted, even Bryn has stated this numerous times. Why me? And, then once he got me, why did he have to go and screw things up?
    Plugging in my earphones, I focus on tuning out my thoughts as I turn up the music. I laugh out loud when the song queued up is seemingly perfect: Pink’s “Blow Me (One Last Kiss). I’m certain Bryn has something to do with the song selection. I sing to the music and stretch at the front of the house. In the next moment, I turn to start my run and crash head first into… Oh, shit!
    He catches me by my elbows and the first thing I notice are his worn, low-slung sweatpants. I swallow at the sight of the way they hang on his hips. My eyes move upward, admiring his solid abs and chest leaving not much to the imagination in a fitted white t-shirt. Clearly, he’s not shy about flaunting his impeccable assets. When I finally look at him, I could swear I could see steam coming out of his ears.
    “Um. Good morning.” I murmur as I quickly turn away from him.
    He carefully grabs my arm. “I thought you weren’t with anyone .” I don’t think I have ever seen him so mad.
    I’m completely caught off guard so all I can say is: “I’m not.”
    “Instead of asking if you were with him , I suppose I should have asked if you were sleeping with him .” His eyes flare.
    Immediately, his accusatory words wake me up. “Fuck off, Logan. How is it possible for someone to be so nice…actually sweet one minute and then a complete and total dick the next?”
    His crossed arms at his chest fall to his sides as he lets out a deep breath. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
    “Besides, who are you to be mad at me? We broke-up, remember? And do I also need to remind you that it was entirely your fault?” I put my hands on my hips as further proof of my annoyance.
    His expression changes from anger to something else.
    “Damn, why do I find you so arousing right now?” He shakes his head in bewilderment.
    “Ugh. You’re pissed. Then I’m pissed and that’s turning you on? I think you need some serious therapy, Mr. Prescott.”
    “I don’t doubt that, Miss King.” His mouth curls up into a slight smile. “Look, I get it. I fucked up and I hurt you. I probably deserve this.” He waves his hand behind me, in the direction of Tyler’s house.
    I decide to keep quiet and see where he’s going with this…let him sweat a little. Before I tell him the truth about why I spent the night with Tyler.
    “Go on.” I say.
    “I shouldn’t have accused you of sleeping with him .” He says “him” with disgust. “But honestly, I can’t think clearly when you’re around. It pains me to see you with someone else.”
    “Yes. Well, that’s an all too familiar emotion.” I sigh.
    “I miss you, Emilia.” He gently strokes my cheek. “I miss everything about you.”
    “I miss you, too.” I say because it’s the truth. “But…” I hesitate to continue.
    “But, what?” His eyes are full of trepidation as he looks into mine.
    “But, I already took a chance with you. Getting involved with you was a giant leap of faith. I told you that probably a hundred times and you promised me over and over how you had changed. I finally believed you when it was all thrown back in my face.”
    “I made a huge mistake. You can call me any name in the book and I know it is well warranted. I know I caused you pain and I wish there was some way I could erase that night.”
    I glance at my watch. “I have to go, Logan. I need to run and I work today.”
    “Sure. Can I cook you dinner tonight so we can continue this conversation? Incidentally , what are you doing leaving his house this early in the morning?”
    “Oh. Our place was broken into. We need to get a window fixed and the police recommended we install