by Jacki Kelly
“I’ve been really busy. I’m sorry. How are things in San Francisco? How’s Darius?”
“Don’t ask me about him.”
“Are you mad at him again? Was he snoring last night, too?”
“Snoring? What are you talking about?” Melissa’s casual tone changed to her proper schoolteacher voice.
“Nothing. It’s just an ongoing joke between Jennifer and me. What’s up with hubby?”
“I’d rather not talk about him right now.” Her voice cracked. “I might be coming that way in a few weeks for Thanksgiving.”
“Are you okay? Are you crying?” Dakota sat up straighter in her chair. Melissa never cried. Even at their parents’ funeral, she hadn’t shed a single tear. Melissa was the stoic one, busy being the big sister in control.
“No, I’m not crying. Look, let me call you back in a day or two. By then, I should know if I’m coming or not.”
“Don’t you want to stay with Asa? You know my housekeeping doesn’t meet with your standards.”
The last thing I want is to be around two love birds, kissing and screwing like rabbits.”
“Oh, then you’ll definitely want to stay with me.”
Chapter Six
Dakota looked in her closet for something to wear to her sister’s dinner party. She pushed aside the pale yellow dress. The color didn’t speak to her. Even though Asa made the dinner sound casual, Dakota knew better. Everything Simeon and Asa did was on a grand scale.
The deep purple dress with the low-cut V-neck might be good. She pressed it against her shoulders and stared at her reflection in the mirror. The bold color lifted her spirits. Now was the best time to say goodbye to the gloomy Dakota. She refused to allow Brian to control another moment of her life.
“This should work.” She twirled around and grinned.
She pulled the dress over her head, pushed her arms into the long sleeves, and tied the sash on her right hip. Her breasts pushed against the thin fabric. She stood on her toes to decide which heel height would give her that glamorous feeling she needed tonight. In her closet, she found the three inch sparkling silver pumps she adored. After slipping them on, she clicked her heels together.
“Have a good time. Have a good time. Have a good time,” she chanted.
Brian’s picture on her nightstand caught her eye. She used to think his solemn smile meant he worried about righting the wrongs in the world. Now she knew the look meant he needed to get away from her and the commitment she represented.
After removing the back from the small wooden frame and pulling his picture out, she looked around the room, unsure of what to do with the photograph. Ripping it would have been easy, but they had unfinished business. He owed her an explanation for his behavior. She turned the pictured face down on the dresser.
After a quick fluff of her loose curls, she applied a nude lip gloss and headed out the door.
As she pulled into the circular drive in front of Simeon’s and Asa’s house, she noticed all the cars. There were at least ten of them lining the drive. Asa’s idea of a small get- together made her smile.
She spotted Bishop’s blue Lexus just beyond the door and brushed her finger across the base of her chin. She didn’t need to be in his company again. Thoughts of him popped in and out of her head at the weirdest times, while showering, or watching game shows. The last thing she needed was a playboy occupying her thoughts. Bishop changed women like Mother Nature changed the weather. At the Christmas party he was with a blond, at the summer picnic he was with a tall brunette. Tonight, there could be a redhead glued to his lips.
Dakota hurried to the door. She was about to have some fun. Her stomach somersaulted as she planned her future and rebirth. It was time to shake up her life. Tomorrow she’d call up her girlfriends to catch up on all the things she’d missed while she’d been hibernating. Why she’d been willing to play this miserable role for Brian still puzzled her. But now, she wanted no part of that. She should have accepted Bishop’s offer for dinner. He could be a nice distraction, a way to get back into the dating game, to reactivate her dating stamina. There was no way she could ever take Bishop seriously, so there was no way she could get hurt.
After a year of being alone, just the thought of a risky relationship with a gorgeous man made her body warm. Bishop looked good. He had two arms, two legs, a strong, lean body and most of all, he was here, not stuck in a remote location. She’d been too harsh on him yesterday. If she could get a minute alone with him without whatever beauty he had clinging to him tonight, she might offer him an apology for her behavior.
She shook her head. Before she could ring the bell, Asa opened the door and flung her arms around her neck.
“I’m so glad you came. I’ve been looking out the window all evening for you.”
Dakota peeped around Asa, trying to detect the size of the crowd. “How many guests are you expecting tonight? I thought you said this was a small party.”
“Oh girl, get in here. We only invited a few people from Harper Enterprise and a few of my favorite customers. Nothing fancy.” Asa grabbed her arm and pulled her inside. “Besides, you needed to get out of the house and have some fun.”
Dakota dropped her backpack at the door. “I’ve actually gone back to work, thank you very much.”
Asa eyed her bag, then rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “When are you going to get something more sophisticated?”
“What’s wrong with my backpack? That bag has lots of compartments and it didn’t cost a small fortune.”
“Well, someone has a birthday soon. I know what to get you now.” Asa grinned. Dakota kissed her cheek. “Now where is my niece? I need some hugs.”
“I hope you’re ready for drool. Come on back. We’re all in the game room.”
Dakota followed her sister. She could hear cheerful chatter. As they rounded the corner to the huge room, she couldn’t help but search the crowd for Bishop. She spotted him seated on the leather sectional. His large hands were wrapped around Mia while he bounced the baby on his knees. She chewed on her fist while giving him a wet grin.
Simeon broke away from a small gathering and approached. Dakota embraced her brother-in-law.
“How are you?” The extra squeeze he gave her was loaded with meaning.
She patted his forearm. “I’m fine. Everyone needs to stop asking me that question. Don’t I look better today than the day I slogged out of your office?”
He pulled back and glanced at her from head to toe. “You look fabulous.” He laughed.
“Have you heard any more from Brian?”
He exhaled, shifting his position and looking uncomfortable. “No.”
“Do you think—”
“Dakota, forget about Brian. No matter what, you need to move on. As my sister, I’m telling you, this little stunt was the last straw. Move on.” He emphasized his words.
He guided her by the elbow into the crowd, introducing her to his new Human Resources Manager, Marshall Hanks and his ultra-thin, former-model wife, Olivia. After greeting them, she made her way to the seat next to Bishop.
“Do you mind if I hold her a while? I haven’t seen my sweet pea in weeks.” She held out her arm and Mia leaned forward, trailing a stream of saliva.
“I don’t think I could stop her if I wanted to.” Bishop placed the baby in her lap.
The light touch of his arm as he passed the baby sent a jolt of excitement through her. Like a new girl in school, all her cute conversation starters escaped her thoughts. What could she say to the man who had women hanging from his arm any time he wanted?
“Are you stalking me? In the past few days, I’ve seen you at Simeon’s office, my house, and now at my sister’s party.” Dakota swallowed. That’s not what she intended to say. She wanted to sound witty and sophisticated. She held her niece’s hand as Mia reached for her necklace.
“No, but don’t give me any ideas.”
“Let’s see if your date agrees.” Dakota looked around the room for the wo
man with the biggest breasts, narrowest waist, and longest lashes.
“As a matter of fact, I’m alone tonight. I was hoping you’d show up alone too.”
“That’s pretty much a sure bet, considering my circumstances.”
“I shouldn’t have phrased my statement that way.”
She waved his comment away. “Don’t worry. I’m over him. I’m unleashed on the world now. And if they knew what I know, they’d better run for cover. I’m taking no prisoners.”
“Wow that sounds exciting.” He rubbed his hands together.
“Oh, that’s my intention.” Dakota glanced down at Mia as the baby started to squirm.
“No fancy boots tonight?” he asked.
She grinned and stuck out her high-heeled foot. “I thought tonight I’d dress up a bit. Asa hates for me to wear boots when it’s not raining, and certainly not to one of her dinner parties. I see you’re still wearing the same attire.”
His smile widened. “Different suit and different loafers.”
“Yeah, different, but the same.” Dakota surveyed the crowd. “Out of all the beautiful women in this room, why aren’t you chasing one of them down?”
He broke into a hearty laugh that made Mia squeal, too. “What does that mean? You make me sound pretty desperate.”
“Like my Mim said. If the shoe fits, wear it.”
“Who is Mim? And why would she say that about me?”
It was her turn to laugh. “My grandmother. She had a saying for every occasion. Not just for you.”
“She sounds like she was quite a person.”
“She was pretty special. After our parents died, she held my sisters and me together, dishing out her wisdom in clichés.” Dakota wiped the drool off the baby’s chin with the bib tied around her neck.
He nodded. “You look radiant tonight.” He smiled and instead of making baby sounds, Mia grinned at him. Judging from Mia’s reaction to him, he might not be the bad playboy she’d pictured.
“You know, I can’t remember the last time someone called me radiant. I know you’re probably just being nice, but thanks just the same.”
“I wouldn’t make a comment I didn’t mean.” He tickled Mia under the chin, but looked at Dakota.
“You better be careful or she’ll spit on you.” Dakota wiped Mia’s chin again.
“I’m not afraid of a little spit.” His hand brushed hers as Dakota cuddled Mia. If only his touch could have lingered longer. Long enough for her to remember the feeling tonight while she lay alone in her bed, again.
“So where is your girlfriend, tonight?” Dakota held the baby up on her wobbling legs.
He directed his attention on her. “I don’t have a girlfriend. I have lots of friends. Some of them are female. My life’s not more complicated than that.” He held out his left hand for her to examine. “I’m not married. I’m not into commitment. Permanent relationships work well for some people, but not for Contee men.” His voice trailed off.
“What does that mean?”
He cleared his throat. “I have three brothers. We’re all single and plan to stay that way. My father should have remained single, but my brothers and I have vowed to learn from our parents’ experience.”
“That sounds like a story.”
“Oh, I’ve got a story alright. But not one I should share during a dinner party.”
“Okay. Then tell me what you’re doing in Bristol. Dressed like that, I’d think Bristol was too slow for you.”
“It is. I live in Philly.”
“I should have known.” Dakota directed her attention back to her niece.
“Should have known what?” He sat forward and looked at her face.
“I can kinda tell. You look like you live life in the fast lane. The pool of available women in Bristol probably isn’t big enough for you.”
“I’ll ignore that last comment, but I get the impression you’re no slouch when it comes to enjoying life either. Besides, I’m sitting with a woman right now that puts any others in the pool to shame.”
“Who, Mia?”
“Mia’s aunt.” The playfulness disappeared from his voice.
She tried to hide her smile, but couldn’t. Teasing with him was enjoyable. But the serious turn in the conversation made her uneasy. Bishop was an Adonis—on any given day. And she felt like Cinderella dressed up for the ball. In her real world, she wore jeans, tank tops, and an unruly ponytail. After a year of celibacy, her body reacted to his declaration like he was the antidote for her lonely heart.
From the other side of the room, she saw Simeon run his hand along Asa’s butt. Dakota turned away from the intimate gesture.
“Well, I used to take one step at a time, but now I’ve vowed to make up time.”
“What does that mean?”
“I plan to sow some wild oats. I deserve to have some fun, and I plan to have as much fun as my two hands can hold.”
“I’m intrigued. What do you have planned?”
His sensuous smile lit a desire in the pit of her stomach. Good thing her niece was planted in her lap or she might have climbed on his.
Simeon stood in the doorway. “Dinner is ready. We’re eating on the patio, so come on.” He waved everyone over.
“It’s cold outside.” Dakota glanced at her sleeveless dress and bare legs.
“The fire pit is nice and hot. You’ll be warm,” Simeon continued motioning everyone outside. “Besides, it’s time for Clara to put Mia to bed.” The au pair took Mia out of her arms. “Good night, sweet pea.” Dakota kissed her niece’s forehead.
“Do you mind if I sit with you tonight?” Bishop walked with her to the patio.
“I’d like that.”
Her stomach rolled over.
He said, “I want to finish our conversation. You didn’t answer my question.”
“About how I live my life? Well let’s say the future will be quite different than the past. I’m planning to have more fun. To live like I’ve never done before.”
§§§
Dakota’s declaration stirred every cell in his body. She might as well have waved her panties under his nose. From the moment she’d entered the room, Bishop had followed her movements. Her graceful walk, easy smile, and understated elegance were hard to ignore. The dress exposed her shapely legs and her lovely cleavage.
She passed the mirror as they made their way outside without stopping to check her hair or makeup. A woman who wasn’t stuck on her appearance. Refreshing. The casual curve of her lips demonstrated she wasn’t too excited about being there. He hoped her indifference would make her receptive to his charm, instead of being focused on the way he led his life.
On the patio, she plopped into a cushioned rattan chair as he made his way to the elegant buffet table. “I’ll bring you a plate.”
He couldn’t look at anyone but her. Such a welcome surprise, her being there tonight. Since dropping by her house, he’d wondered when he’d have another opportunity to find out more about the exceptional beauty. Now, instead of spending the night trying to impress the boss, he would spend the night trying to impress Dakota.
Her smoky dark eyes surveyed the patio and landed on him. Heat climbed up his back when he caught her attention. He held her gaze for a moment, but those few seconds were enough to touch him like nothing had before.
The table was loaded with traditional barbeque food. The smell of grilled meat filled the air. Bishop grabbed two plates and filled them, before heading back in her direction.
“I wasn’t sure what you might like, so I gave you choices.” Bishop handed her a plate laden with brisket and steak along with a hot dog and a mound of salad.
She accepted the plate. “Thank you, Bishop. This is enough food for a truck driver.” The sincere smile she gave him boosted his confidence.
Forward women were about as common to him as his ten pairs of Italian loafers. But the way Dakota dropped her head whenever he looked in her eyes said she wasn’t one of them. Living a different life was e
asier to talk about than it was to follow through. As much as he tried to be different from his father by remaining single, there was an emptiness in the pit of his stomach that begged to be filled.
He took the seat across from her. “Whatever you don’t eat, I’ll take care of. If I’d piled all I wanted on my plate, I’d look like a pig.”
“With all the food they’ve prepared, we all will need to eat like pigs tonight.”
She set the plate on the glass table and cut the brisket. He watched her mouth as she spoke. Her lips were full. He tried to imagine what it would feel like to kiss her.
“I’m also thinking about making some other changes.” She gave him an earnest look.
“Yeah. How did you put it? Your future life will be different from your past life?”
“Not only changes in my personal life. I mean my business, too. I’m thinking about remodeling my bookstore. I haven’t done anything to the place in the last five years. The block going through a renaissance and I need to keep up or I’ll be going out of business.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“I haven’t got a clue. But since my brother-in-law has the biggest construction company in the area, I don’t need to, right?”
“Maybe I can stop by and give you some ideas.”
“I couldn’t ask you to do that. After chauffeuring me around last week, I think I’ve tortured you enough.”
“I don’t mind. Besides, I volunteered.”
“You do a lot of volunteering don’t you? Is that how you keep your steady supply of available women?” Her comment was accompanied with a smile, which took some of the sting out of the punch.
“Available supply? What does that mean?”
“Don’t pretend you don’t know that I mean. It would be disingenuous.”
He swallowed. She knew more about him than he wanted to share. Did she think he was a womanizer? “I’m just enjoying life. I tell everyone where I stand. So there’s no lying, cheating, or whining.”
She chewed the meat and nodded. From the way she clenched her jaw, his remark had struck a chord with her and not necessarily a good one.