by Janice Sims
Blair got full and relaxed in the friendly atmosphere. The Winstons talked about their business, some of Deborah’s teaching experiences, and life in Red Oaks. Blair countered with talk of the life he’d experienced in Rally, Georgia, which was a bigger city and one that had sheltered him until his late teens and his parents’ divorce.
When it was time to go, John stood at the door with Blair and shook his hand. Unlike Blair’s dad, who worked the racing circuit with him, Winston had parlayed a small, independent neighborhood bank into an empire. He was a shrewd and successful businessman whom Blair admired.
Looking forward to dinner the next day, Blair left the mansion with Mother Maybelle. Fleetingly, he wondered how Dominique would react to him showing up on her territory, but he couldn’t imagine her making an issue out of it in front of her hospitable parents.
Back at Scooter’s, Blair found his friend in the living room, already home from work.
“I came home early so we could go somewhere for dinner,” Scooter said. “Where’ve you been?”
Blair plopped down into a padded chair. “Mother Maybelle came by and asked me to go visiting with her.”
Scooter nodded. “Cool. So where’d you go?”
“The Winstons’.”
“Sounds like Mother Maybelle’s trying to match make,” Scooter muttered.
“No, Dominique wasn’t there,” Blair said, defending his family friend. “She wasn’t even mentioned, except in passing.”
Scooter’s glance sharpened. “But you got invited back, right?”
Blair inclined his head. “Yeah.”
Scooter sighed. “The Winstons are good people, and they want what’s best for their children. They messed up by trying to make sure Dominique got a husband from a well-to-do family last time, and that ended badly. Her ex’s family had money, but he was a big problem.”
Blair shot his friend a look of annoyance. “Why don’t you just come out tell me everything?”
“Because that would be adding to all the nasty gossip that’s been circling around Dominique for years. I swear she’s been afraid to even look at another man. And don’t think the town bachelors haven’t been trying to get a date.”
Blair’s eyes narrowed. “Scooter, cut the bull and tell me. I’m not about to spread any rumors, and everyone around here but me knows all about it anyway!”
Considering those words silently, Scooter shrugged. “I guess that’s true. Dominique was married to Phil Crater, the town player. The Winstons must have thought it would be good for her to have a husband who came from money, but that was a pipe dream. Phil was one of the big family problems. The man went all out to charm Dominique, and then when she finally agreed to marry him, he put the ring on her finger and slipped right back into his old habits. Rumor has it that she caught him in their bed with two women, but you already know how we exaggerate things around here. Anyway, she dumped him so fast his head spun. She ain’t been the same since.”
Blair considered what his friend had said. He knew that dealing with women who had been hurt or mistreated by other men was usually a balancing act, and sometimes more trouble than it was worth. But something about Dominique made it hard for him stay away from her. From what he’d seen of her, he thought he could handle anything that came up. Anything, that is, except the marriage issue. “I like what I’ve seen of Dominique, but I’m not ready to settle down. I don’t even have a real place to sit on a regular basis that I could call my home.”
Scooter just shook his head disparagingly. “I’m not getting any further into this one. Just know that you’re dealing with a home girl and a real sweetheart,” he warned.
Four
Dominique should have suspected something when her mother called as she was getting dressed and asked her to wear that apricot silk dress she’d worn to the Working Women Helping Others charity luncheon.
“Why?” she asked, noting that her mother rarely meddled in her clothing choices.
“To tell you the truth, your dad has invited one or two people to dinner. I hope you don’t mind.”
“So who did he invite?” Dominique asked, going back to her closet to find the requested dress.
“Uh—do you want me to ask him?” Perennially gracious, her mother suddenly sounded slightly put upon.
“No, that’s okay,” Dominique answered, not wanting to be unreasonable. As a businessman who was proud of his family, her father often brought friends and associates home to enjoy dinner at his home. “I’ll see you at six, Ma,” she said before hanging up the phone.
Dominique brushed and coaxed her auburn hair until it framed her face in shiny curls. She applied makeup to emphasize her brown eyes, and coated her full lips with a rum color. Then she stepped into a pair of delicate apricot sandals and added a little of her favorite fragrance, Desire, to her thighs.
Grabbing her purse, Dominique left the condo and hurried to her car. Her parents did not like late guests for dinner because they said it affected the quality of the food their chef painstakingly prepared.
Traffic was much lighter than she’d anticipated, so she arrived at her parents’ home fifteen minutes early. Inside, she greeted and kissed her mother, noting that her mother had also taken more care than usual with her appearance.
When she entered the living room to greet her dad, she stopped short.
Impossibly handsome in a tan suit and cream shirt that brought out his sexy brown eyes, Blair Thomas sat on the sofa with her father discussing the basketball game.
Her stomach dropped and sucked the air from her lungs. The thin silk slip dress suddenly felt hot and constricting.
Blair stood at the sight of her. “Dominique.”
“Blair,” she choked out, managing to get the word past the sudden dryness in her throat. Her father brought guests to dinner from time to time, but having Blair in their fortress seemed more like an invasion. She’d been brought up to adhere to a strict code of behavior toward guests in their home. Despite her shock, she pasted on a smile. “W-what a surprise. Welcome.”
Blair eyed her intensely, not sure of her sincerity. “It’s good to see you. You look beautiful.”
A hunger lurked in those eyes and strengthened the caress in his tone. No one had ever looked at her in quite the same way. Dominique’s thoughts swam with images of hot bodies and twisted sheets. Blinking, she caught herself and thanked him for the compliment.
Drawing closer, Blair continued. “I was here visiting your parents with Mrs. Carmichael yesterday. One thing led to another, and they invited me to dinner.”
“I hope you don’t mind,” her father said, extending a hand to her. “From all accounts, you two do know each other.”
Escaping Blair’s mesmerizing presence, she went to hug her dad and kiss his cheek. “Yes, we do know each other, and no Daddy, I don’t mind,” she lied, knowing that he saw right through it. “But I still think you’re picking with me.”
“Would I do that, princess?” he asked innocently.
Dominique shot him a wise glance. “Mmm-hmm.”
“Actually Blair and I have business to discuss after dinner,” he said.
“Good. I’ll go see if Mama needs any help.”
Dominique’s father tossed her an impatient glance. “You know your mother’s not in there doing any real work. That’s why we have a full staff. Stay here and help me entertain Blair.”
With a slight grin over being caught trying to get away, Dominique dropped down into the chair across from Blair. “Are you enjoying your visit to Red Oaks?” she asked pleasantly.
“I’m having a great time,” Blair said, his brown eyes attentive. “This town has a lot to offer. Everyone has been helpful and friendly.”
“You’ve got to come to church on Sunday,” she said. “It’s beautiful and the reverend is a joy to listen to.”
“I’ll be there. Deacon Jones has already threatened to haul me out of bed if I’m not up and ready to go by ten-thirty,” he chuckled.
“Don�
��t feel bad, they threaten me, too,” her father commiserated. “I’ve enjoyed the sermons, but every now and then I’d like to sleep in on a Sunday morning.”
Dominique smiled. “What do you usually do on Sundays?”
“Race cars, fix them, take my sisters to lunch, and sometimes I go to church. Now that I’m here, I’d like to get in some fishing, swimming, horseback riding, and tennis.”
“If you’re looking for challenging company, Dominique is good at just about everything sports-related,” her father said proudly.
She glanced at her father from beneath her lashes, wishing that it didn’t sound like she was a horse he was trying to convince Blair Thomas to buy. The look on Blair’s face melted her insides. He looked fascinated.
“Would you like to play some tennis or go horseback riding this week?” Blair asked.
Dominique choked. Maybe it was too soon. The prospect of a date with Blair gave her the shivers. Blair seemed like the kind of man who went after whatever he wanted and usually got it. He was too close to what she dreamed of, too close to what she thought she’d found in her rotten ex-husband. “Actually, I—I’ve been pretty busy lately,” she said, “I have my company, DWIS, to run, and I’ve been doing a lot in the church.”
“Maybe you could take some time next week?” Blair asked. “Everyone needs a little time off.”
Heat rushed her face. She didn’t need to look up to see her father’s gaze centered on her. She knew that he still felt guilty about the part he’d played in ensuring she married Phil. In the back of her mind, all the hurt and embarrassment she’d suffered replayed. Still, she couldn’t bring herself to offer another lame excuse. “Why don’t you call me?” she asked finally.
Just then her mother appeared and called them to dinner. Dominique wasn’t surprised to discover that Blair was the only dinner guest who wasn’t a family member. The Winston family took turns engaging him in conversation and keeping him entertained.
Blair’s manners throughout dinner were impeccable. He seemed to be enjoying himself and the prime rib. But despite his interaction with her family, his gaze found and settled on Dominique over and over again.
“You said your company was called DWIS. What does it stand for and what type of company is it?” he asked over the crème brulée dessert.
She swallowed a mouthful of the light confection. “Dominique Winston Investment Services.”
“I’m impressed. How long have you been in business?”
Dominique’s lips curved upward. “Four years.”
“I’d like to discuss your company’s services sometime,” Blair said, “Maybe we can do business together.”
“Maybe so,” she agreed.
Dominique’s father cleared his throat. “Speaking of business, isn’t it time we had our talk?” he asked Blair as he pushed his chair away from the table.
“I’m ready when you are, sir.” After using his napkin, Blair eased his own chair back and stood.
“Let’s go out on the porch and visit for a while,” her mother suggested to Dominique.
They stepped out onto the spacious wood deck to the sound of crickets and the occasional hoot of an owl. A soft Southern breeze caressed their faces.
When they were both settled onto the flower-splashed pillows of the white oak glider, Dominique’s mother turned to her and said, “You like Blair a lot, don’t you?”
Dominique sighed. “I hardly know him, Mama.”
“Exactly.” Her mother started the glider. “You can’t let the mistakes of the past destroy your future, honey. You’ve got to live your life.”
“What are you saying, Mama? The man’s in town for as long as he’s having a good time. According to him, that’s six weeks at the most.”
“It can be six weeks of pure heaven if he’s the right guy.”
“If,” Dominique echoed. “So what do I do if we really hit it off and he rides off into the sunset after six weeks?”
Her mother smiled. “You kiss him good-bye and you wish him the best. Life holds no guarantees for anyone, sugah. Your daddy and I were just lucky.”
Dominique’s fingers curved around the armrest. “What if he’s just like Phil?”
Her mother shrugged. “What if he is? You already know how to handle that type of man.”
Dominique nodded. “True.” She wished she didn’t feel like such a coward. Despite her fears about repeating the past, she was strongly attracted to Blair. She rode the glider with her mother in companionable silence.
After a while, they exchanged stories about their charity work at the church. By the time the men returned, they were both relaxing against the pillows.
“Dominique, I need a favor,” her father said, motioning Blair to one of the gliding oak chairs before dropping himself into a matching recliner.
“Of course, Daddy,” she said without thinking. “What do you need?”
“Blair already signed on the dotted line of my endorsement contract, but he’s got his heart set on one thing more.”
“What’s that?” she asked, the heavy feeling growing in her stomach and lifting to her chest.
“A picnic with you,” her father said, eying her carefully. “He promises to behave himself. If you would be uncomfortable, we can all picnic at the lake instead. What do you say, princess?”
Dominique’s hands shook a little. She dropped them to her lap, conscious of the fact that, although she’d agreed before she knew what the favor was, her father had given her an out. She barely recognized her voice. “Sure, Daddy. I’ll do it.”
Both men beamed.
“I’ll have the staff prepare the picnic basket and you can have the picnic up by the private lake,” her mother suggested. “Would that be okay?”
Blair and Dominique nodded in unison. Dominique found herself smiling.
“Could we picnic sometime next week? How about next Saturday?” Blair asked.
“I’ll call and confirm it tomorrow,” Dominique said.
Blair leaned forward and grasped her hand. “Thank you. You’re going to enjoy it. I promise.”
“I’m certain I will,” she returned pleasantly. She saw that her parents were working hard to conceal their joy at the turn of events.
On the day of the picnic, Dominique got up early to prepare. She showered and did her morning routine, then put on her bathing suit and a summery green capri pants set which made her slim figure look more curvaceous. Despite the way her date had come about, she was excited and looking forward to it. Blair Thomas could never be boring.
Slipping her feet into a matching pair of sandals, she headed for her parents’ house, intent on arriving before Blair did.
She found her mother in the kitchen, helping Lally pack the picnic basket. “You look beautiful,” she told Dominique and gave her a hug. “You’re going to give that man a heart attack.”
Thanking her, Dominique asked about the contents of the basket. She saw wine and champagne, shrimp, smoked salmon, ham, roast beef, pickles and olives, a fruit and cheese tray, chocolate-covered strawberries, and plates, cups, and utensils before her mother shooed her out of the kitchen.
Dominique was on the porch in the glider when Blair arrived in a white cotton shirt that was open for enough to reveal the smooth, milk chocolate skin on his chest. Navy Bermuda shorts reached his knees and left his muscular calves bare. Leather sandals encased his feet.
With a flattering show of welcome, he stopped to admire her. “Dominique, you’ve got to be the most beautiful woman in Red Oaks, and I’m definitely the luckiest man. Today I’ll have you all to myself.”
It sounded a little bit corny, but Dominique felt the heat rush her face. She hadn’t blushed so much in years, but it felt good to be appreciated.
“Can I join you?” he asked coming closer.
“Of course.” She stopped the glider’s motion and shifted to the side so that Blair could fit his tall frame into the space beside her.
Their hips and arms touched. She could feel t
he heat radiating off his body as he started the glider’s motion again, matching his leg movements to hers.
“Have you been here long?”
“I came early so I wouldn’t have to rush,” she confessed.
“I came early hoping I’d get to spend more time with you,” he declared, his warm brown eyes shining in an open invitation.
“You are smooth,” she said, determined to keep herself from falling under his spell.
“Would you like me to be a little more rough?” he asked, his voice going deeper.
A current of heat shimmered through her. She laughed it off. “I’d like you to be yourself,” she managed in a normal voice.
“I could never be anything else.” He chuckled. “What you see is what you get.”
Dominique swallowed. What she saw appealed to her on several different levels.
“How are we getting to the lake? Can I drive there?” he asked.
“If you’d like. It’s only about a mile to a mile and a half away.” She peered out at the sun painted landscape and issued a challenge. “It’s a nice day. We could walk if you’re up to it.”
His gaze was steady. “I want you to be happy. We can walk if that’s what you’d like to do.”
She glanced at her watch. “It is. Why don’t we get started?”
“What about the picnic basket?”
She shrugged. “When we picnic at the lake, Daddy usually has it brought up.” She stopped the glider and stood. “I’ll tell Mama that we’re going to walk up there.”
In the kitchen, Lally and her mother were almost done with the picnic basket. Dominique saw Lally add nuts and assorted crackers to their meal. There was no way she and Blair would be able to eat all that food.
As Dominique had expected, her mother planned to send the basket down to the lake with one of the household staff members. Dominique told them about her plans to walk, then found her sun visor and sunglasses and an extra hat for Blair.
“Did you bring a hat?” she asked, when she returned to the porch. “And are you planning to swim?”