Chapter 39 Marco/Roc

I spotted Sara the second she walked into the boutique, bright smile, excited energy, the kind of woman who made a room feel lighter. But it wasn’t her I was watching. It was the man behind her.

Roc Hale. He froze when he saw me, and for a second, I swear he forgot how to breathe. I didn’t blame him. The last time we saw each other… well, things had gotten heated fast. And then slow. And then...he bolted to the couch like it was a lifeboat. I let him.

Sara looped her arm through mine. “Okay, fashion expert, help me find something that says ‘elegant but don’t mess with me.’”

I grinned. “Say less.”

We sifted through dresses, fabrics, colors. She was easy to shop for, confident, open, willing to try anything. And she talked. A lot.

Especially about Roc.

“You know he likes you, right?” she said casually, holding up a deep emerald gown.

I didn’t even pretend not to know who she meant. “Yeah. I know.”

“He’s just scared,” she added softly.

I nodded. “I know that too.”

Because I did. I understood exactly why Roc was still in the closet. His world wasn’t built for softness. Or honesty. Or men like me. But I also wasn’t going to be anyone’s secret. We found a few dresses, and Sara disappeared into the fitting room. The second the curtain closed, I headed straight for the couch. Roc stiffened when I sat beside him.

“Relax,” I said. “I’m not going to bite.”

He shot me a look. “You’re not funny.”

“I’m a little funny.” He tried not to smile. Failed. Good. I leaned back. “So. Are we going to pretend we didn’t… y’know… last time?”

His ears went red. “I’m working.”

“You’re always working.” I nudged his knee. “I’m trying to have a real conversation.”

He swallowed. “Marco… I just need time.”

I studied him, the tension in his shoulders, the fear in his eyes, the hope he was trying to hide. “It’s 2026,” I said gently. “Not 1926. If your family loves you, they’ll accept you.”

He looked away. “It’s not that simple.”

“I know,” I said. “But I’m not going to be a dirty little secret. I like you, Roc. A lot. But I won’t hide.”

He finally met my eyes. “I don’t want you to be a secret. I want this to work. I just… need to talk to my family first.”

I nodded slowly. “Okay. I’ll wait. But not forever.”

Before he could answer, Sara stepped out of the fitting room.

And everything stopped.

The dress was the dress, deep emerald, fitted bodice, soft shimmer, elegant and powerful all at once. She looked like she belonged on a red carpet.

Roc let out a low whistle.

I stood immediately. “Oh, we’re getting that one. No discussion.”

Sara laughed, twirling. “Really?”

“Yes,” I said, already grabbing shoes and jewelry. “Now let me work my magic.”

Roc watched her, smiling. But every few seconds, his eyes drifted back to me. And this time, he didn’t look away.

**Roc

By the time Sara finished trying on the last dress, my nerves were shot. Then Marco helped her find the right shoes and accessories. Eventually, Sara headed to the register to pay.

Marco turned to leave too, grabbing his jacket from the chair. “Alright, Hale. Try not to miss me too much.”

I don’t know what snapped in me. Maybe it was the week of tension. Maybe it was seeing him again. Maybe it was the way he kept looking at me like he knew every thought I was trying to bury. But before he could take another step, my hand shot out and caught his wrist. He froze.

“Roc?” he said quietly.

I didn’t answer. I just tugged him gently but firmly toward the hallway that led to the changing rooms, away from Sara, away from the salespeople, away from anyone who might see the way my hands were shaking. Marco let me pull him, eyes locked on mine, breath catching just slightly. We reached the corner, out of sight. He leaned in, voice low. “What are you doing?”

I swallowed hard. And before I could think or stop myself I slammed my lips to his, he moaned as I pushed him up againist the wall and I slipped my tongue into his mouth. Fuck he tastes amazing. I pulled back, brushing my lips against his as I caught my breath. Giving him one more quick kiss, I stepped away. "Be my plus one to the Gala on Friday?" I asked, letting my fingers trace along his jaw and down his neck.

"Okay, if that’s what you want. I’ll go with you, but you’re paying. I need a tux."

I laughed, reaching for my wallet. "Take this and spend whatever you need. I have to take Sara home. I’ll call you and come over tonight." He nodded, taking my card, but I held onto it a moment longer, pulling Marco in for one last kiss before turning and walking out of the dressing room, a smile playing on my lips.