Free Waiting for Romeo by Diane Mannino Page A

marry me.” He says defensively and I throw Bryn an irritated glance as he moves away.
    “Emilia, don’t ever accept a drink from a stranger. Don’t you know that?”
    “Um. Sure. I figured it was okay if he bought me one. I know you have to be careful with punch or whatever.”
    “No. You don’t know him. He could easily slip something in your drink.”
    I swallow. “Okay. You are officially freaking me out.”
    “Just keeping it real. You need to know these things. Besides, you’re my bestie and I gotta look out for you. Now, let me get you another drink.”
    A hand slides across my lower back and as he leans close to my ear he asks, “What can I get you ladies?” His lip just grazes my ear and I struggle not to pass out right then and there.
    When I turn to face him, he keeps his hand on me, sliding it from my back to the small of my waist.
    “Margaritas?” He crooks an eyebrow.
    “Well,” I start to say because Bryn has sworn off tequila, but she quickly interrupts me.
    “You again ? Holy crap! Every time I turn around, there you are.” She’s annoyed, but surprisingly she’s not using her choice four-letter expletives: the norm when she’s in Logan’s presence.
    “Nice to see you, too, Bryn.” He leans down and kisses the top of my head. “Hi, baby.”
    “Hold up! What do you think you’re doing? Is it just my imagination or is he acting like he’s done nothing wrong?” She waves her perfectly manicured finger in his face.
    “I’m just saying hi. You find that so wrong?”
    “You’re all kissy-kissy and baby-baby. Are you the only one on this campus that’s not aware that you two are broken up?”
    “Just a technicality.” He smiles, slightly at me as he continues to caress my back.
    “Logan, she’s right. What are you up to?” I can see Bryn’s surprise and pride in my response out of the corner of my eye. She’s giving me the ‘you, go girl’ look like we are on an episode of Dr. Phil .
    “You know what I’m up to. I’m trying to get you back.” His eyes pierce mine as he speaks in a matter of fact tone. When his hand moves from around my waist to my back it pulls my sweater up a bit so that his hand now touches my skin. His touch on my bare skin immediately ignites my body temperature.
    Bryn interrupts our heated gaze. “Um. Excuse me, you two, but I refuse to sit here and let this happen.”
    She gets in my face. “Emilia, he’s messing with your head.” Then turns her attention towards him. “Logan, leave her alone.”
    “Bryn, it’s fine. He knows we’re not getting back together.”
    “Not tonight?” He smiles.
    “Not ever.” Bryn quickly retorts.
    “Look, I just need some space…some time to figure this all out.” I look at Logan’s determined eyes.
    “She needs a lot of time and space.” Bryn jumps in again. She’s seriously amped up from the Red Bull.
    “Okay, okay Bryn. Thanks for all your input but I can handle this.”
    “Sure thing.” She looks suspiciously from me to Logan and back again. “I’ll let you two talk for a minute or two.” She then gets right up in his face. “But just so you know, Logan. I’ve got my eyes on you.” She threatens.
    “Okie dokie, Bryn.” I smile at her silly but touching sisterhood solidarity.
    “And, don’t forget to tell him the part about how you are dating someone else.” She calls out as she moves towards Josh and his group of friends. Ugh. Thank you, Bryn!
    “So?” He asks and cocks an eyebrow when I turn my attention from Bryn to him.
    “She’s kidding.” I say but I know he’s irritated.
    “I’m not laughing. Look, I need some air. Could we just step outside for a minute?” He runs a hand through his hair.
    I hesitate and squint my eyes at him. “Just outside or are you planning to throw me in the car and take me to Montecito?”
    “You really don’t trust me. Yes, just outside, although if you are up for Montecito I’m sure I can be coerced.” His lips turn up into the most