Chapter 14
In Chapter 14 of *Dreams Folding Into Broken Time*, the protagonist wakes up to a surprising and intimate situation with Roman. As she realizes their close proximity, she feels a mix of confusion and humor. Their playful banter about their physical closeness lightens the mood, showcasing their chemistry and comfort with each other. However, the arrival of Emily’s giggles interrupts their moment, forcing them to confront the reality of their situation and the boundaries of their friendship.
The scene shifts to a lively pool setting where the protagonist finds herself amidst a chaotic gathering of friends and family. She observes Roman swimming gracefully, feeling a mix of admiration and attraction. Their interactions become charged with tension as Roman playfully positions himself close to her, blurring the lines between friendship and something deeper. The protagonist’s heart races as Roman’s teasing advances stir feelings within her that she struggles to acknowledge.
Just as the moment escalates, Chloe interrupts, casting a shadow over the budding romance. Her sarcastic remarks and scrutinizing gaze introduce a sense of discomfort, challenging the protagonist’s resolve to enjoy her connection with Roman. Despite Chloe’s attempts to undermine the moment, the protagonist remains determined to hold onto the intimacy they shared, indicating her desire to navigate the complexities of their evolving relationship amidst external pressures.
Overall, this chapter encapsulates a blend of humor, tension, and emotional complexity as the protagonist grapples with her feelings for Roman while navigating the dynamics of friendship and family. The interplay between playful teasing and underlying desire sets the stage for potential conflicts and developments in their relationship.
**Dreams Folding Into Broken Time p>
*by Serene L. Arden*
**Chapter 14 p>
**Chapter 10: Accidental Third Base p>
As I stirred awake, a heavy warmth enveloped me, pulling me from the depths of sleep. My leg was draped over Roman’s thigh, and to my utter shock, my hand rested right on his bare hip. His arm was slung lazily across my waist, fingers curled possessively, as if he had claimed me for himself in the most intimate of ways.
I blinked, my eyes fluttering open to meet his gaze—those deep, sleepy eyes that sparkled with amusement.
“Morning, Mrs. Blackwood,” he drawled, his voice gravelly, thick with sleep.
A wave of confusion washed over me as I processed his words, my mind still foggy from slumber. It took a moment for me to realize the precarious position we were in, my thigh uncomfortably close to the one thing that could shatter our friendship into a million irretrievable pieces.
“Roman,” I began slowly, measuring my words, “on a scale of one to ten, how weird would it be if we’re just casually rubbing parts right now p>
His lips quirked into a smirk, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Depends. Are we talking friction with intent, or… accidental third base p>
I bit my lip, a teasing smile creeping onto my face. “You tell me. You’re the one pitched like a tent over there p>
Roman glanced down, completely unfazed by the situation, his confidence radiating. “Don’t flatter yourself, Hart. I always wake up like this p>
“Of course,” I teased back, unable to suppress a laugh. “Because your subconscious gets off to spreadsheets p>
“Hey, don’t knock it. Numbers can be sexy,” he shot back, a playful glint in his eye.
Our laughter mingled in the air, a soft symphony of shared humor, as we remained entangled in each other’s warmth, too comfortable to break the spell—until the sound of Emily’s giggles echoed down the hallway, shattering the moment.
Roman groaned, his expression shifting from playful to resigned. “Well, there goes the erection p>
“Tragic loss,” I said, rolling off the bed and hastily grabbing a robe. “Maybe next time, give me a heads-up before you spoon me like I’m your personal body pillow p>
“Only if you stop grinding in your sleep,” he retorted smugly, a teasing grin plastered across his face.
I gasped, feigning shock. “I did not p>
“Oh, sweetheart…” His grin transformed into something wickedly sinful. “You really did p>
With my parents off at some political brunch, leaving behind a whirlwind of chaos in the form of Chloe, Dean, Lizzie, Alyssa, Emily, and, of course, Roman—who was currently shirtless, gliding through the pool like an Olympic swimmer—I felt the weight of the morning’s events settle around me.
The sun hung high in the sky, its rays glistening off the shimmering water as I perched at the edge of the pool. My oversized T-shirt billowed around me, and I wore a pair of micro denim shorts, the fabric soft against my skin.
Chloe splashed around in a yellow bikini, her hair pulled into a messy bun, a pair of sunglasses perched on top like a crown. She was engaged in a game of pool ball with Dean, who, with every playful move, took the opportunity to shamelessly grope her.
What a disgusting pervert.
I leaned back on my palms, watching Roman swim slow, deliberate laps, his body slicing through the water like a shark circling its prey.
“Comfortable?” he asked, his voice husky from exertion, a hint of mischief lingering in the air.
“Very,” I replied, my gaze inadvertently drifting down to where his wet hair clung to his forehead, droplets of water glistening like diamonds.
He swam closer, positioning himself right between my legs, water lapping gently around his chest. His hands gripped the edge of the pool behind me, effectively caging me in, and I felt my breath hitch in my throat.
I didn’t dare to move.
“Let’s give the others something to wonder about,” he murmured, dipping his head low, his breath sending shivers down my spine.
I gasped as I felt it—his lips brushed against the inside of my thigh, soft and warm, each kiss deliberate and tantalizing. He placed another kiss higher, then another, and my heart raced in response.
“Roman,” I warned, my breath catching in my throat. “If you’re trying to seduce me in front of my family, it’s working p>
“We’re just playing the part,” he whispered, a smirk tugging at his lips, but the intensity in his eyes was anything but playful. They were possessive, filled with a longing that sent a thrill through me.
But just then—
“Sav!” a voice chimed, sweet yet dripping with sarcasm.
Chloe. Of course.
She approached, a margarita in hand and a smug smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Her blonde curls bounced with each step, her tan glowing under the sun, and her designer bikini, bright and a little too revealing, clung to her like a second skin.
“Well, this is cute,” Chloe remarked, her gaze narrowing suspiciously as she eyed Roman, who was still dangerously close to my thighs. “You dipping your feet in but not getting wet, Savvy p>
I maintained a blank expression, feigning innocence. “Didn’t pack a bikini p>
Chloe’s smile widened, just a shade too bright, as she turned to the others lounging nearby, throwing a faux-pity face. “How tragic. She didn’t bring a swimsuit. Poor thing p>
The tension in the air shifted, and I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, but I held my ground, determined not to let her spoil this moment.
In the aftermath of that playful morning, the air was thick with an unspoken tension, a realization that our friendship had morphed into something more complex and exhilarating. As laughter echoed around the pool, the boundaries we once maintained began to blur, leaving me teetering on the edge of a thrilling precipice. Roman’s teasing banter and the way he held me captive with his gaze ignited a fire within me that I could no longer ignore. The warmth of his body so close to mine was a reminder that our relationship had shifted, and the innocent camaraderie we once shared now danced dangerously close to something deeper, something that could either bind us together or tear us apart.
Yet, in the face of Chloe’s interruption and the chaos of our friends, I felt a surge of defiance. I was determined to embrace this new dynamic, to explore the feelings that had quietly blossomed between us. The laughter, the teasing, the electric moments shared in that pool—each one wove a thread of intimacy that could not be easily undone. As I caught Roman’s eye, a silent understanding passed between us, a promise that we would navigate the complexities of our evolving relationship together. In that moment, I realized that while dreams may fold into broken time, the connections we forge can withstand the chaos, transforming uncertainty into an adventure worth taking.
**What to Expect in Next Chapter p>
In the upcoming chapter, the playful dynamics between Sav and Roman are set to escalate as the tension that has been simmering beneath the surface reaches a boiling point. With Chloe’s interruption lingering in the air, the delicate balance of their relationship will be put to the test. Will Sav and Roman be able to navigate the complexities of their newfound intimacy while keeping the prying eyes of their friends and family at bay? Expect a whirlwind of emotions as they grapple with their feelings, leading to unexpected confessions and perhaps even more daring moments that could either solidify their bond or threaten to unravel it completely.
As the day unfolds, the chaotic energy of the group will serve as both a distraction and a catalyst for deeper connections. With each playful jab and flirtatious banter, the stakes will rise, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. Will Sav finally confront her feelings for Roman, or will the looming presence of Chloe and the others create a barrier too high to overcome? As secrets are revealed and boundaries tested, the next chapter promises to be a rollercoaster of laughter, tension, and heart-stopping revelations that will leave you eagerly anticipating what comes next in this tangled web of friendship and desire.
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.