“Another one of those career women,” Jake mumbled. He preferred more homey and less driven women, the way his mother had been, and a couple of his sisters-in-law were. They were content to take care of home. That’s the kind of women he found attractive. Wasn’t it? The way he kept trying to make a case to the contrary, one couldn’t tell. “I don’t buy that you’re not interested,” he continued. “But let’s move on to number three.”

Dominique stifled a sigh. “Do you really need more beyond these first two I gave you?”

“I guess not. But I’m bored tonight. Humor me.” When seconds passed without a response, Jake asked his question again, with a bit more bass and sexy to his voice. “What’s the third reason?”

Dominique shifted in a bed that suddenly seemed to have too much room for just her body alone. “Three is... well... it’s late.” Yes, that sounds good! “Any invitation after ten is just a booty call.”

At the word “booty,” Jake almost groaned aloud. Visions of Dominique’s plump rump had plagued him ever since he’d followed her to his front door. After a couple seconds, he responded. “What if I told you what would happen if you came over?”

“Do you really think it would make a difference?”

“Let’s see.” Jake then proceeded to tell Dominique what he had in mind for their late-night rendezvous.

“My answer,” Dominique stuttered, even as her nipples remained hardened by his words, “is still no.” She mentally kicked herself so hard, a headache set in.

“What about tomorrow?” Jake persisted.

“I have to work tomorrow.”

“On a Sunday?”

“It’s a photo shoot with a busy actress, the only open date on her calendar, and I need to be there to hold her hand.”

“Working seven days a week, Dominique? Where is the balance in that? You’re focused on your job and on Justin. Who’s focused on you?”

Nobody was, but she was less than pleased to be reminded that outside of work she had no life.

“Let me take you out to dinner tomorrow night.”

Because he didn’t have school on Monday, Justin was spending an extra day in Inglewood. Dominique couldn’t remember the last time she’d been taken out to dinner, let alone the last time she’d spent time in the company of a desirable man. “I’ll think about it.”

“I have a feeling you do too much thinking. What time would you like me to pick you up?

This man is relentless! A part of her was appreciative of this fact. She liked that someone else was in charge and making decisions for a change. “What restaurant do you have in mind? I’d prefer to meet you there.”