Dominique pointedly ignored Reggie’s sexual innuendo about the man who’d invaded her thoughts since first seeing him a little more than two weeks ago. The intense feelings she felt for a virtual stranger made absolutely no sense. But denying them was equally crazy, which is why she felt so torn. She wasn’t in the emotional position to give her heart to anyone and logistically wouldn’t be able to do so for another six years, after Justin graduated high school and left home for college. That’s when she’d be able to once again focus on herself, and love.

“He invited me out to dinner tonight, but I’m going to cancel.”

Reggie didn’t even try and hide his chagrin. “Why?”

Dominique sipped her coffee, answering thoughtfully. “He seems like a nice enough guy, but the timing sucks. I’m not interested in a relationship right now and have never been able to handle casual encounters. Going out with him would be pointless because nothing can come of it.”

“You want to know what I think? Good,” he hurried on before she could answer. “I think you should keep an open mind, Miss Dom. Not saying that anything serious has to develop out of anything. But would it really be so bad to go out to dinner every now and then, take in a movie or hit the dance floor every once in a while? Put your cards on the table and let him know that you’re just interested in friendship... although with a man such as the one you just described in close proximity your interest is sure to shift to something else before long. And I do mean long.”

“Ha! Reggie...” Dominique shook her head, sure that anything she said would fall on deaf ears. She looked at her watch. “Let’s get back to work. We need to leave in an hour.”

After Reggie had left her office, Dominique reached for her cell phone. Certain muscles in certain places clutched as the image of the person she was getting ready to call wafted into her mind. You mean he can fix your meal and then you can be his meal? Dominique took a deep breath and punched the first three numbers. Your interest is sure to shift to something else before long. And I do mean long. She punched in the next three, her resolve waning. Then she remembered what Jake had shared with her last night, the things he had planned if she came over—the plans that included cold ice cream in a hot Jacuzzi with no bowl or spoon needed. Then another picture came to mind—the look on her son’s face when she told him that Kevin had left and that he would not be coming back. She punched in the final four numbers.