Jake and Justin continued to talk as they walked to the door. Dominique was glad for the idle chatter, for the chance to rein in the emotions and hormones that had been roiling all evening and to think of an appropriate “so long, farewell” to end their stay. She’d covered it well, but Dominique’s attraction to Jake was not only undeniable, but almost frightening in its intensity. From the covert glances she’d received and the way his hand had casually covered hers at various points of the evening she’d say the feeling was mutual. Just like her bra size, Jake McDonald was definitely a triple D—dangerous, distracting, and now she could add, debonair. It was a good thing she wasn’t in the market for romance. Otherwise she’d be in big trouble.

The three reached the front door. Justin grabbed his mother’s keys and ran out to unlock the car.

“Thanks for the attention you’re paying Justin,” Dominique said as she and Jake stood in the open doorway. “He needs good male role models in his life.”

“And you think I’m one?” Jake took a step and closed the distance between them. One step more and her generous breasts and his solid chest would make their acquaintance.

Dominique barely breathed. “Yes.”

Jake’s eyes narrowed and his long, thick tongue flicked out to moisten suddenly dry lips. “You feeling what I’m feeling?”

Now Dominique’s throat went dry. She placed a foot on the porch before Jake stopped her with a hand on her forearm. His touch was like fire, scorching hot.

Jake’s face broke out in a confident grin. “Yes, you’re feeling it.”

“Look, Jake. I’ve already admitted that I find you attractive. But I don’t have time for or interest in a relationship.”

“Neither do I.”

“Oh, so you just want to hit it and quit it?”

Jake’s smile widened. “Basically. We’re both adults here and I don’t know about you but for me... it’s been a while. I’m attracted to you. You’re feeling me, so... why not?”

Dominique’s back was ramrod straight as she faced him, her heels bringing them almost eye to eye. “Because my goodies are worth more than a damn chicken taco, that’s why not!”

And before Jake had time to formulate an answer, Dominique was gone.

7

7

“What’s wrong, Mom?” Justin noticed his mother being uncharacteristically quiet on the drive home.

“Nothing, baby. Mommy just has a lot on her mind.”

“Is it Coach Mac?”

“No!” Yes. “Why would you say that?”

Justin shrugged, totally unaware of the field of dynamite into which he navigated, and in which his mother was trying to prevent an explosion. “You and Coach were looking at each other funny, and then you didn’t want to leave his house.”