by A. P. Jensen
“I’m fine,” Juliet said shortly. “What’s with you and Bennie?”
“He’s a great fuck buddy, but not relationship material.”
Before Juliet could reply, her phone rang. She couldn’t stop the tightening of her gut, but relaxed when she saw Dominick’s name.
“Hi,” she said.
“Dinner’s ready.”
Juliet pulled the phone away to confirm it was Dominick before she said, “I think you have the wrong number. This is Juliet.”
“I know who I called. I’m telling you dinner’s ready.”
“For who?” she asked dumbly.
“For us.”
“Us?”
“Aren’t you coming over?”
Juliet tightened her hold on the phone. “Did we plan to have dinner?”
“I told you I’d see you later.”
That meant dinner to him? “But I’m not coming back!”
“Why not?”
Juliet gestured wildly. “Because!” Hadn’t he had enough of her? She cried all over him last night.
Maile snatched the phone out of her hand. “Hey, Dom, what’s going on? Dinner? Sure. I’ll send her right over. She’ll be there in five.” She handed the phone back. “There you go. You’ll thank me tomorrow.”
Juliet stared at her. “I’m going to kill you.”
“Why?”
“I’m not like him!”
“Like what?”
“Normal.”
Maile pat her on the head. “Don’t be dramatic, Juliet. He’s waiting.”
Juliet muttered under her breath as she grabbed the laptop and loaded more of Maile’s paperwork into the bug. Maile stopped to talk to one of the nail techs, but broke off to yell, “Don’t forget to buy condoms!” as Juliet drove away. Juliet stuck the middle finger out the window.
This had to stop. Her life was in ruins and she didn’t want to get involved with anyone. It would only cloud her judgment, which hadn’t been clear since she stepped foot on the island.
Juliet parked and left her paper bag of clothes and toiletries in the car. She wasn’t spending the night. She would eat, explain why he was better off without her and then leave. When she tried the door, she found it unlocked. The smell of something amazing tantalized her. She walked upstairs and found Dominick on the phone. There was a simple meal of smoked pork, cabbage and rice. Dominick finished his call and kissed her on the lips. Once more, it was careless and quick. Juliet stiffened, but he didn’t seem to notice as he pushed her onto one of the stools.
“Thanks for everything you did today,” he said.
Juliet relaxed. So that’s why he did this. A thank you. That was sweet. “It’s not a big deal, really. You didn’t have to cook for me because of that.”
“I didn’t,” he said and asked, “so, what are your rates?”
Juliet jerked. “For what?”
“For being a bookkeeper.”
She waved a hand. “You don’t have to pay me for what I did today. After all you’ve done—”
“I called my bookkeeper today and she said that she can’t handle the job on top of the kids. So, what are your rates?”
Juliet stared at him, the first forkful of food still in midair and nowhere near her mouth. “I’m not a trained bookkeeper.”
“But you have experience.”
“Well, yes, I used to do it for Grant Shipping when I was younger and—”
“That’s good enough for me. What you accomplished today in a matter of hours took my bookkeeper days. She was so methodical that it took her forever to get anything done. Let me know what your rates are and when you want to work.”
Juliet didn’t know what to say so she took the first bite of kahlua pig. Her eyes shut as the taste of pork brought back memories of her childhood. Hawaiian food was simple, tasty comfort food.
“Like it?”
She grunted in response and he chuckled.
“Anything happen today?” he asked.
“No.”
“You worked with Maile?”
“Yes. I think she’s going to open another shop so I’m looking over everything.”
“No calls from Callie?”
“No, but I talked to Brent.” She saw his eyes narrow and reassured him, “It was fine. He answered Callie’s phone when I called. She saw a doctor. She’s just bruised. He fired Freddy and told him he’s going to get a divorce. I figure she just slept today. I told her to call me if she needs me.”
“So, Brent was civil?”
“Yes. He thinks Freddy might come looking for me.”
“He might, which is why I’d rather you stay here.”
Juliet eyed him as she finished her food. “You talked to Lee last night?”
“Yes.”
“Brent told him about Callie?”
“Yes.”
“And you told Lee I was here with you?”
“Yes.”
“What did he have to say about that?”
“Nothing.”
Juliet scoffed. “Sure.”
“What do you think he said?”
“I would’ve thought he’d warn you away from me.”
“Why?”
“I’m not…”
“Not what?”
“Like you.”
Dominick raised a brow. “What does that mean?”
“You’re nice and normal and I’m anything but.”
“How do you figure that?”
Juliet took both of their empty bowls to the sink and began to wash. Time to go.
“Juliet?”
She put the bowls in the dish rack and turned to face him. “I have a lot of hang ups and I’m not staying in Hawaii so thanks for feeding me, again, and for being nice to me. We shouldn’t do this again.”
He rose and rounded the island. “Running scared, Juliet?”
Juliet headed towards the staircase. “People are getting the wrong idea about us. I don’t have a good reputation and you’ve been so nice—”
Dominick grabbed her arm and spun her around. Juliet opened her mouth, but didn’t get anything else out before Dominick’s mouth covered hers. Juliet gasped and he took full advantage, sliding his tongue into her mouth and cradling the back of her head so she couldn’t escape. His large body surrounded her, one hand sliding down her body and gripping her hip. Juliet clung to him, the scent and taste of him filling her with need. She never wanted anyone the way she wanted Dominick Bryson.
“You want me?” Dominick murmured against the curve of her jaw.
Juliet tried to gather her wits. “I don’t think we should do this.”
He looked down at her and her breath seized.
“Do you want me?” he asked again.
She trembled with desire. “Yes, but—”
“Good enough for me,” he said and hefted her over his shoulder.
“Dominick!” she shrieked, thrilled and shocked by his aggression.
Dominick dropped her on the bed. Juliet sat up and watched Dominick peel off his shirt. His body was chiseled from hard labor. Did Maile say something about Dominick in a tool belt? Yes, she needed to see that in her lifetime. Dominick braced his hands on either side of her and kissed her soft and sweet. Juliet clasped his face between her hands and savored the moment. No man had ever treated her with such care.
“Okay?” he murmured.
“More than okay,” she said and fell back.
“Feels like I’ve wanted you forever,” he said as his hand went to her shirt.
Juliet raised her hands over her head so he could easily tug it off. Dominick tossed the shirt and surveyed her for a moment before he smiled. He ran a hand over the sports bra he bought from the drugstore and then unbuttoned her jeans and tugged them off.
“It’s been a while,” he said hoarsely and went for the good stuff.
Juliet gasped when he pressed the heel of his hand between her legs. Dominick watched her with lusty green eyes that made her want to give him whatever he wanted.
“I want to see how much you want me,” he said.
Submission wasn’t in Juliet’s DNA, but the gentle coaxing in his voice made her want to obey. She remembered the tender way he held her when she cried. She could trust Dominick Bryson. Juliet spread her thighs. Dominick slipped his hand into her underwear. She gripped fistfuls of the sheets as his fingers slid teasingly over her slit and nub. Dominick lay on his side, watching her with unwavering focus. It was almost unbearably intimate, staring at one another as he teased and got her accustomed to his touch. Juliet wasn’t a virgin, but she couldn’t remember being this nervous with any man. Juliet moaned and witnessed the triumphant expression on his face as he slid his fingers home.
“God, you’re already wet. I can’t wait,” Dominick muttered.
He jackknifed off the bed, shed his jeans and rolled on a condom, giving Juliet an unhindered look at the perfection of his lean, muscled body. She was reaching out to touch his ass when he turned and crawled across the bed towards her. Dominick kissed her as he settled between her legs. Juliet whimpered as he worked himself inside her. Dominick vibrated above her. His eyes were wild with lust, which made her even wetter. Dominick groaned into her mouth and planted himself deep. It didn’t make any sense. She had known this man for less than a week, but she felt as if she had been waiting for him for years. Dominick rocked into her and she moved with him. It felt great. Better than great. Amazing.
Juliet knew sex. She lost her virginity at fourteen after Gray told her she would never measure up to Scarlet or Callie. Juliet had been with many men, but none of them made her feel like this—desperate, uncertain and needy.
Dominick planted his hands on either side of her and began to thrust. Juliet closed her eyes because she couldn’t handle the intensity of his gaze.
“Juliet.”
“Hurry, Dominick.”
“Look at me.”
Her chest tightened. What the hell was happening to her? “Dominick, I—”
“Juliet, look at me.”
Juliet opened her eyes as her climax slammed into her. Dominick jerked as if he’d been electrocuted. Dominick began to thrust hard and fast, incapable of holding back now. Juliet urged Dominick on and met him thrust for thrust. She reveled in his strength and clawed his back. Dominick yanked her head back and buried his face against her neck when he came, her name on his lips. He didn’t release her until he was completely spent.
Juliet stared at the ceiling as she tried to get her breath back. He slid out of her to take care of the condom. Before Juliet could decide what to do, he was back. He wrapped his arms around her and tucked her against him. Juliet didn’t cuddle. She tried to wriggle away, but Dominick tightened his hold. Juliet braced her hands on his chest and raised her head to tell him to let her go. The words died on her tongue. Although his eyes were alert, there was a sleepy, satisfied quality to them that warmed her heart.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“I want to get home before it gets too dark,” she said lamely.
He searched her eyes before he grinned.
“What?” she demanded.
“You don’t know what to do with me, do you?”
He was far too perceptive for her peace of mind. She tried to shove him away. He rolled, pinned her beneath him and nuzzled her neck.
“Dominick, Maile will get worried—”
He laughed and nipped her neck. “I doubt that.”
“But I didn’t come here for this!” Juliet protested and liked the feel of him against her way too much.
“You didn’t come here for this, but this is what we both need. Don’t think. Just feel.”
Juliet lay tense under him as his mouth and hands explored. Her body recharged under his touch. She began to do some exploring of her own, losing herself in another human being. Dominick rolled her on top of him. Juliet straddled him and braced her hands on his chest. Seeing Dominick Bryson beneath her, sea green eyes devouring her as she rocked really got her going.
“You like cowgirls?” she breathed.
“Hell, yeah.”
“Did I ever tell you I used to ride horses?” she asked conversationally as she rose and slid oh so slowly back down.
“No,” he groaned.
“I was a skilled rider.” She swiveled her hips and had the pleasure of seeing his eyes go blind with need.
“Show me later.”
He gripped her hips to make sure he stayed firmly imbedded and flipped so she was on her back again. She urged him on as his pace quickened and he pinned her thighs wide open, going deeper than he had the first time. She screamed his name and when he felt her contract around him, he came. He collapsed on top of her and she took his weight, arms steeling around him as she tried to recover.
“We’re going to do this a lot,” he muttered against her neck.
“We can’t do this again,” she said, so tired her words slurred.
“Whatever you say, baby.”
Chapter Nine
Juliet woke alone. She glanced at the clock. It was barely dawn and still dark outside. She swam out of the wrecked bedsheets and walked like a zombie into the bathroom. Her body felt deliciously boneless. There was a definite ache between her legs. If there was any tie Chad still had on her, Dominick obliterated it. She’d have to thank him for that.
Juliet walked barefoot into the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee. She was about to sit when she heard a phone ring and quickly cut off. Juliet peeked into the office to find Dominick behind his desk. His eyes warmed when he saw her and her heart clenched. When he beckoned she offered the coffee as he talked on the phone. He shook his head and held the phone away as he kissed her. Juliet’s body ignited and she moved in closer. The irritating whine of the person on the phone forced them to part. She couldn’t resist giving him a kiss on the cheek as she replaced his empty cup with hers and walked out.
Juliet went into the kitchen and found the ingredients for breakfast. As she cooked, she downed a cup of coffee and tried not to analyze what happened between her and Dominick. They were two healthy adults who had chemistry. Simple.
Juliet made a plate for Dominick and took it to his office. He was still on the phone, but he smiled appreciatively when she set the food in front of him. She was forced to go outside in nothing but his shirt since she left her paper bag in the car. With her laptop under one arm and the meager belongings she possessed in the other, she used one of the bathrooms on the first floor to get ready. When she was finished, she went upstairs and ate while she opened the laptop and worked on Maile’s finances. She was so engrossed that she shrieked when Dominick wrapped his arms around her.
“Gah, don’t sneak up on me!”
Dominick laughed. “What are you working on?”
“Some things for Maile. How long have you been up?”
“I wake at four most days to take care of paperwork since I’m usually at worksites.”
“You’re really busy, aren’t you?” And she had been jerking him around with her drama. She inwardly grimaced.
As if he could read her mind he said, “You’ve been a welcome distraction.” He kissed her slowly, savoring. “Very welcome.”
“At least I’m good for something,” she said flippantly.
Dominick frowned. “Why do you say things like that?”
“Like what?”
“You put yourself down a lot.”
It was a habit. She dreamed of coming home successful to prove to everyone that she didn’t need the Grant’s money. That didn’t happen. Instead, she came home nearly penniless and relying on others to see her through. Jesus, she was thirty-two and living out of a paper bag. How pathetic was that?
“Juliet, are you okay?” Dominick asked, breaking the silence.
“Yeah.” She scooted off the stool and began to clean the kitchen. “Don’t let me stop you from going to work. I’ll be ready to go in a minute.”
“Juliet.”
“Hmm?”
“I didn
’t say that to hurt you.”
“I know.”
“Gray never saw how special you are. I see it and so does Maile. Don’t let him make you think you’re worthless.”
Juliet kept her eyes focused on the dishes covered in suds. No man had ever spoken to her this way. She didn’t know how to react. Dominick wrapped himself around her and rested his chin on her shoulder.
“You ready to tell me?” he asked.
Juliet said nothing.
“There’s more to your story about the night your mom passed. You think you deserve whatever Gray and Brent throw at you because of what happened.”
“I don’t talk about that,” she said quietly.
“It haunts you.”
Juliet blinked hastily when she felt the burn of tears. “I have a lot of work to do today.”
“You can talk to me, Juliet,” he said and ran a hand down her hair.
She had been alone for so long, carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. The offer to share the horrible secret locked inside of her was tempting, but she couldn’t. Whatever lie Gray told everyone was better than the truth. Dominick wouldn’t be able to look at her the same if he knew the truth about her parentage. It still made her sick.
Juliet turned and wrapped her arms around Dominick. “Maybe one day.”
He tipped her face up and searched her eyes. “You okay?”
Juliet nodded and he leaned down to kiss her with just the right amount of hunger to distract her. When he pulled back, she tried to tug him back, but his smug look made her push away.
“Don’t you have to go to work?” she snapped.
He grunted. “If I didn’t need to drive halfway around the island I’d have you again.”
Juliet turned her back on him so she wouldn’t be tempted to ask him to stay. His cell rang and he sighed. He picked it up and gave Juliet another quick kiss before he left. Juliet shook her head as she worked. He didn’t make plans for later, ask what she was going to do today or if she wanted to stay in his house. No, he left everything open, as usual. He didn’t push, which would make her dig her heels in. Was it deliberate?