“I just got out of kickboxing class,” the young girl panted. “I’m really good at it.”

“Oh wow...”

Becca took a moment to look her over. “That dress is awesome.”

“Thank you?” Victoria said as she tried to bury her panic. G.D. it! John was going to follow Becca inside and they’d have to talk and she hadn’t solved any of the problems regarding their weird relationship. She could feel herself spiraling and couldn’t stop the free fall.

The door opened and John entered the safe space of women trying on dresses. Victoria felt exposed in more ways than one. She wasn’t wearing the armor of her buttoned-up work attire. They weren’t meeting for an illicit hookup; they were out in the open with her friends and his niece looking on in curiosity. Her sexy catwalk was over and she stood awkwardly while he approached Becca, laying a hand on her shoulder.

“Mr. Donovan,” she breathed.

His eyes took a slow tour down her body before returning to her hot face. “Dr. Reese.” Her stomach dropped and her breasts tingled when he licked his lips and his nostrils flared. He and Becca were both dressed in workout clothes, but John’s gray sweatpants caught her attention. There was a definite outline against the front of his pants that she tried not to focus on. His sandy hair was slicked flat with sweat as if he had also exerted himself that afternoon.

“John, it’s nice to see you again,” Paula said, racing towards the clusterfuck. She sidled up to Victoria while Reggi found herself on her other side. Even Penny made an appearance. Four thirsty women against a man and child. Victoria held her breath and hoped for the best.

“I’m Regina Crawford, banker and one of Vicki’s closest friends.”

The store owner edged in and said, “I’m responsible for her dress.”

A flicker of amusement lit John’s face as he regarded each woman who crowded around Victoria. “Ladies,” he said, tilting his head. “It’s lovely to meet you.”

“Charmed,” Regina said.

“I’m John Donovan and this is my niece, Becca,” he replied.

“We know,” Regina said. Victoria shot a glare that her friend ignored. “Victoria told us about the project you’re working on.”

John’s eyes flitted back to hers before he blushed His eyes dropped to her cleavage once again. “Yeah, well. I’m hoping that I can help her as best as I can.”

“Oh, I’m sure you will,” Regina said in a demur voice. She looked down at Becca who watched the entire exchange with a bemused grin. “Baby girl, your hair is doing the most right now.”

Becca grinned. “I was kickboxing,” she said with pride.