"Keep talking, Dale, pretend you are here now."
An hour later, he finally hung up the phone and thought, this house had better be done soon. I can't hold out much longer. I want that woman.
Two more weeks passed. It was the beginning of June and still no indications that Dale would be visiting anytime in the near future. Depressed as she realized her birthday was fast approaching, she resigned herself to the fact that she, most likely, would not be spending it with him and tried to busy herself with work.
One afternoon, a phone call came in from Tori. Surprised, she answered quickly, "Tori, how are you?"
"I couldn't be better. Are you sitting down, Cora?"
"Yes, Tori, what's the big mystery? Spill it, already."
"Jonathan and I are finally engaged."
"Oh, Tori, I'm so happy for both of you. I know you've wanted this for a long time," she gushed with a slight twinge of envy.
"There's more. Mom and Dad are buying me a round trip ticket to New York City as an engagement gift, so I can go wedding shopping with my maid of honor."
"Wow, that's some gift. When are you coming?"
"That depends on my maid of honor's schedule. When are you free, Cora?"
"Tori, are you asking me to be your maid of honor?"
"Who else would I ask, silly? Of course, I'm asking you."
"I'd be honored. I can clear my schedule for you anytime. We're going to have a blast hitting the stores together here."
"How does this weekend sound? Is that too soon? You don't have a date or anything, do you?"
"No, I don't have a date, unfortunately. Dale has been trying to get out here but has been tied up with court cases and the house he bought."
"That reminds me, I ran into him and your dad having lunch the other day."
"Dale and my dad were having lunch together? Now, that's strange. Well, I guess it really isn't. Dale's dad is my dad's attorney, so maybe it was a business lunch."
"Or maybe they just happened to run into each other."
"Neither one mentioned it, so it must not have been anything important. So, will you get here on Friday?"
"I'm hoping to get a flight on Friday and fly back on Monday if that works for you."
"Whatever you can work out will work for me. I can't wait to see you, Tori."
"I'll call you and let you know my flight plans. Will you pick me up?"
"Of course, I will; just let me know what time."
"Talk to you later, then."
When she ended the call, she dialed Dale's number, drumming her fingertips on her cherry desk as she waited for him to answer.
"Hi, babe, what's up?" His voice finally came on the line.
"I just wanted to make sure that you wouldn't be coming out here this weekend. Tori just called, and she's planning to fly out on Friday."
"I will definitely not be coming. For one thing, I don't want to intrude on that gabfest, and for another, when I come out there, I want you all to myself. So, enjoy the girl time, and I'll be out there sometime this month. I promise."
"There you go, making promises again."
"Cora, I will be there," he responded in a low, husky voice.
"Okay, Dale. I believe you," she said softly into the phone.
"Baby, I hate to cut you short, but I've got to get over to the house and meet with the contractor. Can I call you later?"
"I'll be home after six, my time."
"And that's five here, so I'll call around eight, New York time."
"Perfect, I'll talk to you later."
"Okay, sweetie, later."
She sailed through the rest of the day, excited about Tori's visit. It would be such fun to take her shopping for gowns in New York City.
At five forty-five she unlocked the door to her loft and walked in, setting her briefcase and purse on the table in her entryway, and made her way into the bedroom. Changing out of her skirt and blouse into shorts and a T-shirt, she went into the tiny galley-style kitchen to search for food. Finally deciding on a salad, she was slicing a tomato when the phone rang.
"Hello."
"Honey, it's Mom. Did I catch you at a bad time?"
"No, I was just making myself a salad for dinner. Is anything wrong?"
"Everything is fine. We were just wondering what you had planned for your birthday this year."
"I'm not sure yet, Mom. Dale is supposed to be flying out sometime this month."
"That would be nice if he could make it for your birthday. I was just making sure you weren't planning to come home. I'll mail your gift, since it sounds like you'll be staying there."
"No, I hadn't planned on coming home. I might later this summer."
"I spoke with Cassie the other day. She'd like to see you again soon, so hopefully you will make it out for a week or two."
"I'm sure I will; I just don't know when. Tori is flying out this weekend. We're going shopping for her wedding."
"Tori is getting married?"
"Don't sound so surprised, Mom. I told you she'd been dating Jonathan for a long time, when I was home in January."
"Has she set a date?"
"She didn't say, but I am her maid of honor, so I'll be home for the wedding, whenever it is."
"Well, have a nice time, honey. I have to go. Enjoy your salad."
"Bye, Mom," she said as she hung up. That was a really strange phone call, she thought as she went back to slicing the vegetables for her salad. When the salad was ready, she poured a glass of iced tea, popped a slice of lemon in it, and walked into the living room.
She sat down on her navy and white-striped couch and flipped on the television set as she ate her dinner. Taking a sip of the tea, she thought about her mother's phone call again. She's never called and asked about my birthday plans before. I wonder what that was all about. And I forgot to ask her about Dad and Dale having lunch together.
Forgetting about the strange phone call and the lunch, she finished her light summer dinner and finished watching the news. When it was over, she took her dishes to the kitchen, rinsed them, and went into the bedroom to wait for Dale's call.
At eight-fifteen, he hadn't called. By eight-thirty, she was beginning to become irritated with him, and then she started to worry that something had happened to him.
Finally, at eight forty-five, he called.
"Cora, I'm so sorry. Please don't be mad. I got tied up with a client meeting that ran late after I met with my contractor. The poor guy probably thought I was rude because I kept checking my watch every five minutes."
"I was beginning to worry about you," she replied, relief evident in her voice.
"Baby, I didn't mean to worry you. Settle down, relax, and tell me all about Tori. Have they set a date?"
"What is it with everyone wanting to know if they've set a date?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Mom called earlier, and when I told her about the engagement, she asked the same thing."
"I think it's a fairly common question, Cora, when someone gets engaged."
"I suppose so, but to answer you, I don't know. She didn't say, but I'm sure I'll get all the details this weekend. I do know that I am to be her maid of honor, so I'm pretty certain that we'll be shopping for gowns."
"Now we're both going to be in a wedding."
"That's right, you're going to be in Bruce and Sara's wedding."
"Pretty soon we aren't going to have any single friends. You know that, don't you?" he asked in a strange tone.
"I have single friends here. Kayla and Audrey are both single."
"That's a New York thing, I guess."
"Well, you're a confirmed bachelor, and you don't live in New York."
"I guess you got me there, baby. And a bachelor I may be, but I'm taken, all the same."
"Lucky girl."
"Yes, she is a lucky girl," he teased and quickly added, "but not as lucky as I am to have her as my girl."
"Nice save, counselor," she quipped.
"
I try." He laughed easily with her. "Now, what else do you have planned for Tori's visit?"
"I'm not sure that we'll have a whole lot of time for anything but shopping. She'll get in sometime Friday and is heading back on Monday."
"No clubs?" he asked.
"Well, since neither of us is on the prowl for a man, I doubt that we'll be taking in any clubs while she's here."
"That's my girl, just checking." He chuckled deeply.
"You're just plain bad. You know that, don't you?"
"Did Tori tell you that I ran into her the other day?"
"She mentioned that she saw you and my dad having lunch together."
"I met him to go over some business. She was in the same restaurant, but she didn't mention that she'd gotten engaged."
"Well, either it hadn't happened yet, or she didn't think you'd be interested in such trivia."
He laughed again. "You are the bad one, Cora."
"How did your meeting with the contractor go? Are you ever going to get into your house?"
"Yes, finally, they think they'll have it completed next month. Some of the materials were on backorder, so that's what has slowed things down."
"You must have done some major remodeling for it to take this long."
"I knew exactly what I wanted, and I intend to stay in this place for a long time, so I want it to be perfect."
"You really are a perfectionist, aren't you?"
"About some things, yes, I am."
"I miss you like crazy."
"I miss you too, baby. And it looks like I definitely will be able to keep that promise I made. I'll be out sometime this month."
"I can't wait."
"Well, I'm afraid you're going to have to wait, Cora," he teased.
"All I can say is this. You've made me go without for two months, so you damn well better be prepared to make it up to me."
"You don't have to worry your pretty little head about that."
"Sounding better all the time," was her slightly breathless reply.
"Vixen," he said in a low voice.
"I should warn you, my bed is pretty small, nothing like that mammoth thing you sleep in."
"Oh, cozy, I like it."
"Speaking of bed, I'd probably better get some sleep. I have a busy day, tomorrow, if I want to take off Friday afternoon to pick Tori up."
"I'll let you get your beauty sleep, although you don't need anything to make you any more beautiful."
"Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Barton."
"Sweet dreams, baby."
"Goodnight, Dale."
Chapter 11
As they walked out of the fourth store, Cora was ready for a cup of coffee. Shopping for wedding gowns was exhausting. "Tori, you've tried on eight gowns, and you didn't like any of them. Let's take a break."
"I'm ready for a break too. I didn't know it would be so hard to find the perfect gown, did you?"
"Well, to be honest with you, I have never given it much thought. I didn't think I'd ever be shopping for a wedding gown."
"Really, have you changed your mind about that since you and Dale are back together?" Tori asked as they sat down and ordered coffee.
"Dale and I may be back together, but there has been no mention of settling down. It's all fun and games right now, at least for him."
"Are you sure about that, Cora? From what you told me, he was pretty demanding about making this an exclusive relationship. You can't go on forever in a long-distance thing. It's just not feasible. At some point, one of you is going to have to bite the bullet and tell the other one it's time to move to the next step."
"He hasn't asked me to leave New York and move back home."
"Maybe he doesn't feel he has the right to do that. You may have to be the one to tell him that you're willing to do that."
"Maybe, but not yet. I'd still like for it to come from him, so I can be sure of his feelings. I don't want to force the issue if he's not ready."
"And it's only been six months, so maybe you're right to give him some more time. He might just surprise you one day, though, and tell you he's ready."
"I can only hope. Honestly, Tori, I am not sure how much longer I can tolerate being away from him. I'd move home tomorrow, if he asked me to."
"What about your job?"
"My boss has told me she will work with me if I want to stay on. I can work from Texas. I'd still have to fly out here occasionally. I've also toyed with the idea of someday starting a small publishing company of my own, so I have options. But listen to us, planning my future in Texas, and I don't know that Dale will ever ask me to join him there."
"Cora, I don't think he would have given up his playboy lifestyle for you if he didn't feel something for you."
"I hope you're right, Tori. That boy broke my heart once, and I sure as hell hope he doesn't do it again."
"Well, are you ready to brave the stores again? I need to pick something out, so we can find a gown for you."
"Let's go. I think if I ever get married, I'll just elope. Then I won't have to go through all this."
"You wouldn't do that, and you know it. For one thing, your mother would never forgive you."
"Oh, you are so right about that." She giggled as she followed her friend into yet another shop.
Finally, Tori found the perfect wedding gown. It was a sheath style, classy and simple with a lace shawl. She found a veil that matched the shawl, and Cora had to admit that she looked beautiful when she tried it on.
"Now, it's your turn. I think, with your eyes, we need to find an amethyst-colored dress."
"You choose whatever color you want, Tori. It's your wedding."
"And I choose amethyst."
They found the perfect dress, similar in style to the bride's but in a beautiful shade of Tori's chosen color. It fit perfectly and showed off all of Cora's curves.
"Gorgeous, Cora, this should get old Dale thinking."
"Honestly, Tori."
"Oh, by the way, the wedding is going to be on Valentine's Day."
"I'm glad you said something. Mom and Dale both asked if you'd set a date. Honestly, both of them have been asking me the strangest questions lately. Is there something in the water back home?"
Tori smiled but didn't answer.
Not her, too. What is it with all the secret looks and long silences and strange questions and comments? Has the whole world gone mad, or just the people closest to me?
"I'm exhausted; let's call it a day and go back to your place and just kick back."
"Really, you're in New York City and you want to go home and kick back?"
"I'm here to see you, not the sights, Cora."
"Well, I'm a bit pooped too, so a hot bath, some wine, and dinner sounds good to me. Let's go. We can pick up Chinese takeout on the way home."
The two friends spent a relaxing evening in Cora's loft, discussing the men in their lives and Tori's upcoming wedding before finally calling it a night. They decided to take in a matinee the next day and then enjoy dinner out. Audrey and Kayla had agreed to join them, but Camille had plans with her husband.
Tori decided instantly that she liked Audrey and Kayla, and, for that, Cora was glad. The four women had a very enjoyable afternoon and evening together, and by the time the night had ended, Audrey and Kayla had exchanged phone numbers with Tori. Cora thought that a bit strange but didn't question it.
On Monday morning, she treated Tori to breakfast before dropping her off at the airport. Once the plane had taken off, Cora went in to work.
"I really like your Texas friend, Cora," Audrey told her as they chatted over coffee.
"She is good people," Cora agreed. "I think she and Kayla hit if off pretty well. They certainly had their heads together giggling about something, last night at dinner."
"Probably just silly girl talk," Audrey replied as she looked down at the papers on her desk.
"I really have to get busy. I'll see you on the flip side, girl."
"Yeah, okay, boss.
"
As she tried to concentrate on the informational packets she needed to email to her authors, Cora's mind wandered to last night's dinner. Yes, Kayla and Tori were giggling about something. It was almost as though the two of them shared a secret. But they had only just met, so that couldn't have been the case. I'm really starting to let my imagination run rampant.
Forcing herself to concentrate on her work, she tried to forget her paranoia.
Realizing she hadn't heard from Dale since the night he'd called forty-five minutes late, she switched her thoughts to him.
No, I won't call him. She shook her head as she picked up her cell and set it back down.
Finally focusing solely on work, she was able to make it through the rest of the day. By the time she made it to the safety of her small, cozy loft, she was mentally and physically drained. She soaked in a hot tub, heated up a can of soup, and was asleep by seven. She slept so soundly, she didn't hear the phone ring.
At four-thirty, she woke and noticed there was a voicemail on her cell. It was from Dale. As she listened, her eyes widened.
"Cora, where in the hell are you? I've been calling for hours. I don't know if you're out or if you're hurt or if you're sick or if you're just plain ignoring me. It's three-thirty, New York time. I can't sleep, so call me when you get this. And you have some explaining to do, young lady."
She looked at the phone. Oh, no! I was so tired I didn't hear the phone. Now he's pissed. Should I call, or has he gone to bed by now?
Deciding that she'd better call him, she nervously dialed his number. He answered on the first ring.
"Cora, where the hell have you been? I've been worried out of my mind."
"Dale, baby, relax."
"Don't you dare ‘Dale, baby’ me. I want to know where you were."
"If you're going to shout at me, I'm not even going to try to talk to you."
Silence, then, finally, "I'm sorry, but you don't know what kind of thoughts have been going through my head."
"I was exhausted after my weekend with Tori and fell asleep at seven o'clock. I must have been sleeping so soundly that I didn't hear the phone ring."
"Are you sure that's all it is?"
"Dale, what else could it be? Don't you trust me?"
Her Promised Dom (Dominant Men Book 3) Page 16