“So... are we cool? Am I forgiven?” Dominique’s eyes dropped to Jake’s full lips, and she instantly remembered how well he could use them. She quickly scanned his chest, arms, and large hands that now rested lightly on solid hips.

Jake watched Dominique look him over. Something stirred inside him as he watched a myriad of emotions play across her face, even as she tried to keep her expression blank. He’d had women coming at him from all angles in Oakland; but Dominique was the woman who’d occupied his thoughts. But Jake didn’t know if a woman like her was ready for a man like him. If she got this upset over something as small as a conversation between him and her son, who knew what would happen if something more serious came up. He’d dealt with competition all his life on the field, and it continued as the Hurricanes’ coach. Did he want to be going head-to-head and toe-to-toe with the woman in his life?

“I miss you, Jake.”

Damn, you’re not making this easy. But it was late and Jake was tired. Now was not the time to be making any major decisions and it was only in this moment that Jake realized what a major decision it was. If he and Dominique got back together, he’d no longer be satisfied being her live sex toy. She’d have to be ready for a relationship.

“I appreciate you coming over, Dominique,” Jake said, as he turned and walked to the door. “I’ll think about what you said.”

She didn’t want to leave, but Dominique stood and headed towards the now open door. “You sure you want me to leave?” she said, stopping to stand so close to him that she could swear she felt heat emanating from his body.

“Go home to your son, Dominique. I know you don’t like to leave him home alone.”

Dominique couldn’t resist at least a small touch. She laid her hand on his chest. “Good-bye, Jake.”

Jake watched her lips form those words and his manhood twitched. “Drive safe, baby.”

A slight smile scampered across Dominique’s face as she walked to her car. He hadn’t said he accepted her apology, but he had called her baby. Maybe I haven’t messed up this good thing. Maybe there’s a chance...

33

33

The next morning, Dominique prepared to face her accuser—Justin. She showered and dressed, and after checking her appointment calendar and noting that there were no scheduled meetings until one, she texted Reggie to let him know that she’d spend the morning working from home. When she walked downstairs, Tessa and Justin were sitting at the kitchen island eating oatmeal loaded with fruit.

“Good morning, Dominique,” Tessa said, rising from her chair. “Can I fix you a bowl of oatmeal?”