all grow on you eventually.”
We'll see. “Khristos isn't married, right?” I ask casually. I'd like to know more about the man that has full control over my life. Adelaide just might be the perfect source of information.
“No, he's not.”
“So, it's just Khristos and Roman that live here?”
“As far as I'm aware of,” Adelaide says as she turns away and starts rummaging around some drawers.
“Is Khristos an only child, or does he have family in the area? Do I have grandparents or cousins that I have yet to meet besides Roman?”
“Khristos does not have any family here in Cherry Creek.” She gives me a chiding look. “If you're that curious about him, you should ask him these questions yourself.”
“Well, he's not exactly around, is he?” I point out as I finish off my fruit. I get the feeling that the man is rarely around.
“He's a very busy man,” she agrees. “If you request it, he'll make it a point to put aside time just for you. All you have to do is ask.”
No thanks. The man has bought me a car, electronic gadgets, a new wardrobe, and a bunch of sexy lingerie. I think I'll stay far, far away from that man.
Adelaide looks like she's about to say something when she looks over my shoulder and smiles with amusement. “Morning, Roman.”
I turn to meet my cousin, and my jaw just about hits the floor. The man that has just ambled into the kitchen looks to be nineteen rather than seventeen. He's also scratching his head, mussing his already tousled dark, brown hair while he yawns. Have I mentioned he's shirtless? Black lounge pants seem to be the only thing he's wearing, and they rest low, showing off the V of his hips. His body is muscular, and he has very defined ab muscles. I've never seen anyone up close with a six-pack before. Brad had been in good shape, but not anything like this guy.
“Hey Cuz.”
I rip my eyes from his chest and meet startling aquamarine eyes. How can the men here in Cherry Creek be so beautiful? Khristos is a stunner, though he doesn't really affect me like Trace had. Trace—definitely one hot male there. And Roman, what the hell? His facial features are quite striking, and I can’t help but notice the sensuous curve of his lips. There’s a strong attraction that’s throwing me a curve ball. Why do I find him so attractive if he's my cousin? I feel a slight pull towards him like I'd felt with Trace, but it's not quite so overwhelming.
“Hi,” I say cautiously.
“I'm Roman,” he introduces as he fights back another yawn. Adelaide approaches him with a glass of orange juice. He accepts it and gives her an affectionate smile. “Thanks, Addie.”
“Are you hungry?” she asks him as she moves back behind the island counter.
“Nah, this is fine.” He sits down on one of the stools at the end, leaving two empty stools between us. I'm grateful for that. Once again, his hand lifts and he brushes aside his dark hair that has a tendency to fall into his eyes. His gaze flickers to me. “You're just as I expected.”
“I am?”
He nods. “Gorgeous.”
Me? Gorgeous? That's a strange thing for a cousin to say, but I’m also a little bit flattered. I’ve always thought that I’m attractive looking. However, I haven’t ever considered myself to be beautiful or gorgeous. I do know that my dark, purplish-blue eyes stand out, and they draw attention to my long lashes that frame them. My features are fine, almost delicate, and my skin is smooth and blemish free.
I study Roman closely as my thoughts shift back to him. He looks nothing like Khristos. Where Khristos's features are more classically handsome, Roman's are a bit more exotic. I don't think he's my cousin.
“What's on your mind? It's working pretty hard there,” Roman comments as he takes a drink of his juice, his gaze still focused on me.
“You look nothing like Khristos,” I say, deciding for the truth.
He doesn't look the slightest bit perturbed by my observation. “I take after my mother.”
“And where is she?”
“Dead,” he says bluntly.
Oh. Well, crap. Now I feel bad for even voicing my suspicion. “Sorry,” I mutter as I turn back to my now empty plate. I'm relieved I have an excuse to escape, and I rise to my feet, my plate and glass of orange juice in my hand.
Adelaide glances at me and frowns. “Leave it, Livia. I'll take care of it.”
“I can take