"I'm assuming she walked out on him and was in a bad way."
"Yes, she ended it. It took months for her to get over the feelings of betrayal and guilt. You know Kayla; she would never in a million years get involved with someone who had unfinished business with someone else."
"She's always been such a good judge of character."
"He really did a number on her. We didn't think she'd ever go out again, but this guy walked into the office one day. He is a swag salesman, of all things. Brought samples in for Camille to look at for the upcoming author events she'll be attending. Camille was out that day, so Kayla talked with him, they went to lunch and the rest is history. He asked her out for dinner, and they really hit it off."
"How serious is it?" Cora asked as she buttered a roll.
"At first, Kayla explained to him that she had just gotten out of a bad relationship recently and wasn't ready for anything heavy, and he was okay with it. He told her he understood; he'd been through a bad time a few years ago himself and was very cautious these days."
"But it escalated quickly?" Cora asked.
"No, not really quickly, but over time," Audrey explained. "They've been seeing each other for about six months exclusively, but as far as I know, there has been no mention of making it a permanent thing yet."
"What do you think of him?"
"I really think he's good for her. He's cute in his own sort of way, and he brought a smile back to our Kayla's face, so that's in his favor. He seems genuine. Camille thinks a lot of him and is probably one of his biggest customers now."
"Camille, my dear Camille, how I miss that woman," Cora said wistfully. "We talk some, but not as often as I'd like."
"She and Joe have not been getting along lately. She's been out of the office quite a bit."
"Camille and Joe, you're kidding? I hate to hear that. What's the problem?"
"I really don't know. She's very close-mouthed about it."
"I'll have to give her a call soon. Maybe she needs to talk about it."
"I know an old friend of hers recently lost his wife, left him with four children to raise. Camille was distraught about that, but I'm sure that has nothing to do with the problems she and Joe are having. I don't think Joe even knew the family."
Something clicked in Cora's brain. "I think I know who that might be. Camille had told me about him once. I really do need to give her a call."
Audrey gave her a puzzled look but didn't pursue the conversation. Instead, she asked about Dale and the children.
"Oh, they're perfect. I really did make the right decision, Audrey. Dale's a wonderful husband and father. Little Dale is in kindergarten this year, and Beth Anne's started preschool."
"Do you get down to San Antonio often to see Cassie?" Audrey asked.
"As often as we can. They come up here sometimes on weekends, too. But they're just as busy as we are with work and kids. Dad's retired finally, so they get down there more often than we do."
They finished their salads and decided to forego dessert. Cora paid the tab and stood up. "What would you like to do now? I'm thinking maybe some retail therapy, Texas style."
"Oh, sounds like an adventure. I'm sure it's nothing like shopping New York City style."
"You got that right, but we do have some of the major stores out here. We're not that far behind you. Austin is a lot different than Fredericksburg, though."
The two friends left the restaurant laughing. As Cora drove to a local upscale mall, they chatted about the two weeks that lay ahead of them. Cora told her some of the plans she'd made for them.
"It sounds wonderful. I don't know if you picked up on it in our conversations, but I really need this trip to get my head on straight. Lately, I've been a little distracted. I don't even go to the clubs anymore. Well, Kayla doesn't either, with her new guy, but that shouldn't stop me from going."
"I did pick up on it, but I didn't want to pry. What's happened, honey? You have so much—a wonderful family, plenty of money at your disposal, a great job—what could be wrong?"
"You know I don't use my family's money. I don't go to their country club. I don't socialize with their crowd. We get along, and I see them often, but that's just not me. I grew up in that life and that social scene, and it's not who I want to be."
"And you've done a damn good job of making it on your own. Your folks should be proud of you. As for the club scene, are you tired of the lifestyle?"
"They are, and they understand the way I feel. That's not it. I love my job, too. I do have a great life, but lately it just seems like it's not enough. And the lifestyle? I think I'm just ready for something more in my life. I keep having this recurring dream about being with a man in a peaceful setting. It's like my inner psyche is trying to tell me there's more to life than what I have."
"Maybe it's time you started looking for Mr. Right. I know you've always said you weren't interested and your dates have been casual in the past. But it may be time to start thinking about finally getting into something serious."
"That may very well be it, but I'd have to find him first. So far, that's not happening."
"It could happen when you least expect it."
"It could in a romance novel, but this is real life."
"It happens in real life, too. I'm a prime example."
"Your story is not one that happens to most people and doesn't happen every day. You and Dale are special."
"Here we are, at the mall. I say we forget all our problems and just enjoy the afternoon. Two good friends shopping; you may even find some Texas clothes you like."
"Who knows, I just may." Audrey laughed as she jumped out of the car and accompanied Cora into the building.
The rest of the afternoon was spent giggling, window-shopping and trying on outrageous outfits. Audrey did finally give in and purchase a few outfits. Cora bought some things for the children, and by the time they were ready for dinner, both of them were ready to get off their feet.
"How about a nice steak dinner, and then we'll head back to Fredericksburg?" Cora asked when they got to her vehicle.
"Sounds great to me," Audrey replied. "I do want to try a genuine Texas steak while I'm here."
Cora chose one of her favorite restaurants to share with Audrey. Over dinner, the two relaxed and talked some more about the upcoming two-week visit. Cora wanted it to be perfect for Audrey, and Audrey was determined to make the most of her time in Texas.
When they finally decided reluctantly that it was time to call an end to their day in the city and head home to Dale and the children, it was well past eight.
"Dale will have the kids in bed by the time we get back. I'm sure he'll stay up to wait for us, though. He's almost as excited as I am about your visit."
"Dale is just a wonderful man. There's no two ways about it," Audrey said with a grin. "You really hit the jackpot with that one. And a gentle Dom, to boot."
"Yes, I did, and I'll be the first one to admit it. Even the D/s aspect of our marriage is great."
"Which is the real killer, since you weren't the one of all of us who was even into the lifestyle, yet you're the one who ended up with the Dom."
"Like I said, life is strange sometimes."
When the two tired women reached the Barton home late that evening, the porch light was burning for them and the living room light was on.
"The house looks great since you made the additions," Audrey said as she got out of the car and looked at the beautiful home in front of her.
"You'd barely recognize it as Gram's old house these days, but her memory lingers on. I miss her every day, and I'm so glad Dale was thoughtful enough to buy her home for us."
"It was a wonderful wedding gift," Audrey agreed.
Dale greeted them at the front door. After hugging Audrey and kissing his wife, he went to the SUV to carry in Audrey's bags. He deposited them in the guest room and went back out to gather their purchases from the shopping spree.
"It looks like the two of you had a succ
essful day," he said with a chuckle as he set their packages on the dining room table.
"We had a wonderful day, just catching up and acting silly at the mall."
"And I got to have real Texas beef for dinner," Audrey added.
Dale laughed. "I hope your entire visit is fun for you. We've really been looking forward to it."
"I believe it will be, if today is any indication," Audrey answered with a smile. "If you two don't mind, I'd really like to take a bath and go to bed. It's been a very long day."
"I think that's exactly what you should do, and I'm going to do the same. I'll see you in the morning. Sleep in if you like. I'll be taking the kids to school, and when I get back, we can have a leisurely breakfast and plan our day."
"Goodnight, Audrey," Dale said as he locked the front door. "You two go on. I'll get the lights."
As Audrey soaked in the tub a few minutes later, she lay her head back and sighed. It felt so good to be here with Dale and Cora. Somehow, it just felt right.
The next day, Cora and Audrey planned their day over breakfast. Cora had to pick Beth Anne up at noon and little Dale at three, so it didn't leave a lot of free time in between. They decided to set up an appointment with the realtor to look at some prospective buildings, in the hopes one of them would become the new home of Texas Flame Publishing.
Josie the realtor was pleased to hear from her, and they made plans to meet at ten to look at a couple of places. Cora called her mother-in-law and asked if she would pick up Beth Anne and feed her lunch. Of course, Mrs. Barton was thrilled and told her to take her time and wait to pick up the little girl after she'd picked up little Dale at three o'clock.
When they arrived at the first site, Audrey looked at Cora and said, "Is this going to be big enough? You don't want to have to move again in a few years."
Cora laughed. "You're thinking positively. We'll take a look. It may be bigger than it appears."
Josie unlocked the door to the office building, which was in a strip of other offices, and let them in. As Cora and Audrey wandered from room to room, they were amazed at the space. From the outside it had looked small, but in reality the building housed several rooms.
"You can decorate however you wish. There are no rules, but if you start tearing down or building walls, you need permission from the owners," Josie explained.
"I don't think that'll be necessary. What kind of rent are we looking at?" Cora asked.
Josie told her a figure, and it seemed reasonable enough.
"Okay, I'll keep it in mind. What else do you have?" she asked.
"There's a place on Main that's for sale. It might suit your needs. Let's go take a look at it."
Josie drove her car, taking them to the next site. It was an older building, in the midst of some other businesses, and although it was charming and the idea of owning rather than renting space appealed to her, Cora wasn't sure she was too pleased about taking ownership of an older building. The other place was ultra-modern and suited her needs perfectly.
"That's all I have at the moment, but if anything else becomes available, I'll let you know," Josie told them as they walked back to her car.
"I'd appreciate that. Let me talk with Dale, tonight. I'm leaning more toward the newer space, but I'm not sure what he'll think about leasing rather than buying."
"If you ever decide to expand and move again, it's easier to get out of a lease than to sell a building," Audrey stated.
"That's true," Cora said. She added, "Although the older building would be an investment."
Josie smiled. "I think you have some things to mull over. Give me a call if you'd like to look at either place again."
She took them back to her office where they got into Cora's SUV. "How about some lunch before we pick up the kiddos?" she asked.
"Sounds like a plan to me," Audrey replied with a grin. "We can talk about the two spaces and what you could do with them."
Cora drove to a local Mexican restaurant, and as the two enjoyed their lunch, they discussed the buildings they'd been shown that morning.
"I can see so much potential in the rental. There is plenty of office space there. The older place would need some work. I'm really leaning more toward being in the complex of offices," Cora said.
"I tend to agree with you. Of course, in New York it would be the way to go. Here in Texas, though, would Dale be more inclined to buy for the investment?" Audrey asked.
"I don't think so, once he sees the amount of work we would need to do."
"Sounds like you've pretty much made up your mind."
"I'll discuss it with him, first, but I feel the rental is the way to go. Wow, to think we may get this wrapped up so quickly. I was afraid it might take months to find a place."
"Next, you have to think about hiring an assistant," Audrey offered.
"True. Another editor can wait for a while if I have an assistant to take some of the load off with emails and such. And with Beau handling some of the work, I should be able to get by for a while longer. I can still work from the home office at times if need be, too."
"But how much time can this Beau guy give you if he works full time during the week? He won't be available to come into the office. He can only work on the weekends."
"I know. I've thought about that. I'm supposed to meet with him this week to discuss the growth of the company. I can always hire a second graphic artist, but Beau is just so good."
"Hopefully, you can work something out," Audrey said as she devoured her lunch. "I'm going to gain ten pounds while I'm here if you keep taking me out to all these wonderful restaurants."
Cora laughed. "I'll have to fix a home-cooked meal for you."
"That sounds so funny, coming from you," Audrey said with a giggle. "I can remember the days you ate takeout and opened a can of soup for dinner, most nights."
"Which is exactly what you still do, I'll bet," Cora retorted.
"Most of the time, yes, but occasionally, on the weekends, I cook. I get so tired of New York takeout all the time."
"Life in Texas is so much more laid back. I had forgotten how it could be here. I really love it. Maybe I was getting tired of the rat race and just didn't realize it."
Audrey looked at her friend thoughtfully. "Maybe that's my problem lately, although I can't imagine living anyplace but New York. I grew up there. We spent summers at the beach, but New York is my home, unlike you."
"Maybe you've come to a point in your life when you no longer belong there."
"Oh, Cora, do you really think that? Why, after all these years, would that even enter my mind?"
"You could move here and take the job as my acquisitions editor," Cora said in a serious tone.
"I have a job, Cora, in New York."
"You're right; I'm being silly. I couldn't pay you nearly what you're making there. I don't know what I was thinking. Wishful thinking, I guess. Forget I said anything."
"No, don't feel bad. It was a wonderful offer. I just wasn't prepared to hear it. I don't know if I could just up and leave New York. It was different for you. You were coming home, to the love of your life and your family and friends. I would be leaving my family to come to a strange place, where the only people I know are you and Dale and your families."
"And it would be quite a culture shock for you, I'm afraid," Cora added. "We have Austin and San Antonio nearby, but it wouldn't be the same." She glanced at her watch. "Oh, wow, look at the time. It's really gotten away from us. We need to get going."
"Let me get the tab," Audrey offered.
They arrived at the school just as the kindergartners were being walked outside. Cora got out and went to get her son. "Hi, big boy, how was your day?" She thanked the teacher and led him to the car.
"It was fun. Is Aunt Audrey here yet?"
"Yes, honey, she's in the car waiting for you. We got back late last night, and she was still asleep when you went to school this morning, but she can't wait to hug you."
The little boy ran to the car,
and when he got there, his beloved Audrey was standing beside the car waiting for him. She scooped him up in her arms and gave him a huge bearhug and a kiss. "I've missed you, little man. You're growing up way too fast for Auntie Audrey."
"You need to come for a visit more often," he said as he hugged her back.
"Out of the mouth of babes," Cora said. "Let's get in the car and go pick up your little sister. She's at Grammy Barton's house."
"I bet Grammy has cookies for me."
Cora laughed. "You know, I'll bet you're right."
When they pulled up outside Dale's parents' house, Mrs. Barton and Beth Anne came outside to greet them.
"Audrey, honey, it's so good to see you. Have you girls been having a good time, so far?"
"Yes, we have. I told Cora I'm going to gain ten pounds before I get home," Audrey replied as she hugged Cora's mother-in-law.
"You'll have to come over here for dinner one night, before you go home." She looked at her grandson and said, "Guess what? Beth Anne and I've been baking cookies, chocolate chip, your favorite."
Little Dale looked at Audrey and his mother and said triumphantly, "I told you."
They all laughed and went into the house. Beth Anne had stood behind her grandmother and was shy with Audrey. She'd only seen her mother's New York friend a couple of times. Audrey gave her some space, and finally, the little girl walked slowly over to her and said, "Hi."
"Well, hello there," Audrey replied with a kind smile.
"Can I hug you?" Beth Anne asked.
Audrey sat down her coffee mug and her cookie and said, "Of course you can. Auntie Audrey would like that a lot."
The little girl climbed onto her lap and put her chubby little hands around Audrey's neck. Tears sprang out of nowhere behind Audrey's eyelids. This is what it's all about, she thought. She hugged Beth Anne close to her and kissed her cheek.
"Aw, that's so sweet. I should take a picture," Cora said. She took her phone out of her purse and snapped a photo of her daughter and her friend.
Cora soon thanked her mother-in-law for watching Beth Anne and told her they needed to get home. "It's time to start dinner."
Her Texas Dom (Dominant Men Book 4) Page 3