“It was Coach Mac,” Justin replied, still animated from the come-from-behind victory. “He devised the play and it was awesome, perfect, happened just like he said it would. Right, Coach?”

Jake gave Justin a playful punch. “If you say so,” he answered, his eyes never leaving Dominique’s face.

“It was a good game, Coach,” Dominique said, finally acknowledging him. The boys played almost as good as you look. The flutters came calling in spite of her resolve.

“Thank you.” Will you help me in an after-hours celebration? his expression seemed to say.

There was an awkward, tension-filled silence.

“It was good,” Reggie added. “But I can’t believe how you make these little boys beat up on each other. So violent!” He held out his hand. “I’m Reggie Williams, Miss Dom’s assistant.”

Jake shook Reggie’s hand, a smile dancing across his lips. “Jake McDonald.” He raised his brow. “Miss Dom?”

Before either Reggie or Dominique could respond, other parents and players surrounded Jake and the current that had run between the lovers was broken. Dominique stepped back, waiting for Justin to say good-bye to his teammates. She knew Reggie was getting antsy, since he was due to meet Quinn at the Kodak Theatre.

“Time’s a wastin’, sistah,” Reggie said, looking at his watch as if reading her mind.

“I know you’ve got to go. Justin!”

Justin ran over. “Mom, the team is going over to Coach’s house. Can I go? Please?”

“How will you get home?” Dominique asked, remembering what had happened the last time she’d stepped over the McDonald threshold.

“Coach will bring me.”

Dominique walked over to where Jake stood, politely interrupting the sports talk on the Hurricanes loosely resembling a team in the Pac-10. “The boys are going to your house?”

Jake’s dark, unreadable eyes bore into hers, before moving lower to her mouth and back up. “Yes.”

Dominique swallowed. “If Justin will call me, I’ll pick him up.”

“You’re not far. I’ll bring him home.”

“I don’t want to be a bother.”

Jake scanned her body again. “No bother.”

Dominique’s triple Ds heaved as she worked to calm her nerves. What is it about this guy that frazzles me so? Straightening her shoulders and tilting her chin, Dominique responded. “Fine.” But was it, really? Because at the thought of Jake McDonald in her home, the flutters started again.

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