“Tessa is watching Justin. Can I come over when I’m done here?” In a flash, Dominique was transported back nineteen years ago, when she was in college and TLC was all the rage. It was all she could do not to scream their hook: “I ain’t 2 proud 2 beg.”

Fortunately, she didn’t have to. Jake stepped up to her, and placed a kiss on her forehead. “All right. I’ll see you then.” They left the dining room and walked in silence to the elevator. “I enjoyed the baklava,” Jake said, just before the elevator doors closed. “But I have a taste for something sweeter... .”

38

38

Dominique stood over the table working with the order of interviews and pictures for an upcoming issue. She was satisfied with the Kirstie Alley interview and the accompanying photos. She studied the pictures carefully and felt the one of Kirstie relaxing in her Southern California home should be the centerfold. She went back and forth on what should precede this article and which advertisements should frame it. She liked the idea of the plus-size fashion spread from an up-and-coming designer dedicated to making fabulous clothes for big girls. Move over, Lane Bryant. Get out of the way, Ashley! Dominique loved the form-flattering separates the young Asian designer (who was all of a size 2) had created. She especially loved that he didn’t try to hide full figures, but rather accentuated them. “Yes. This should definitely follow the lead article.” She typed notes on her iPad and looked at the next set of pages. But there it was again. Thoughts of Jake, and the night that awaited her. His parting words had plagued her for the last two hours. It was a miracle that more work had gotten done. But covering her back by focusing on the magazine’s future direction had put her behind in her regular duties and, as it was, she saw herself working through the weekend.

“Come on, Dominique,” she told herself. “Keep it together.” But Jake’s words kept floating back into her mind. I figured you might be hungry. Dominique redoubled her efforts to concentrate on the model shots, and what sequence would best highlight the designer’s talents. I want you, baby. But not like this.

Dominique shut her eyes, trying in vain to block out the message of her heart—the message that told her to leave now and go to her beloved. She looked at her watch. Only 9:00, barely an hour since Jake had left the office. “This photo spread is fabulous,” she said aloud, in an attempt to infuse enthusiasm into what she least felt like doing right now. She moved around a grouping of four pictures and placed next to it an ad for Bulgari watches. I have a taste for something sweeter ... you.