Starts With a Bang (Redemption Ridge #7)

Chapter Three

Sven

M y phone vibrated against my stomach, rousing me from a post-feast coma. Expecting the interruption to be another Happy Thanksgiving text message from a friend, I chose laziness over politeness and ignored it. When the phone buzzed again immediately afterward, I figured the situation was a bit more dire. I cracked one eye open and lifted the device to read the display, but my carbo-loaded-sluggish brain didn’t immediately connect the name to an identity. Marlowe?

Staring at the phone with both eyes didn’t help. Damn my addiction to potatoes, bread, and cheese. My text preview feature was turned off, so the name was my only clue. Marlowe. There was a tickle in my brain as it tried to engage its gears. At least smoke wasn’t coming out of my ears…yet. A third message arrived, and I squinted with purpose, but that got me no closer to solving the mystery.

Mystery ! My eyes widened in recognition at the same time my brother snatched the phone from my hand.

“Who the hell is Marlowe?” Kerry asked.

Marlowe was the code name I’d given Dom when I created a contact for him in my phone. I’d wanted a PI name, and Philip Marlowe seemed to be the most Dom-like of all the famous fictional investigators I knew. I’d have been much faster to recognize the name if I hadn’t indulged in a second helping of my favorite side dishes. But I was on high alert now. I jackknifed out of my reclined position on the couch and leaped to my feet.

“Give me that.” Big brothers were the worst, especially when they were lumberjack-sized like mine.

Kerry held the device out of my reach. “Is this another sad-sack loser who’s going to break your heart?”

“No, it’s not.” My reply came too fast and was too furious to be sincere.

My brother shook his head sadly. “When will you learn?”

“At least I try, Ker.” Though my voice lacked animosity or accusation, the words were verbal darts, and the aim was true.

Kerry lowered his arm and extended my phone to me. “I don’t have to try. I’m happy with my life.”

The grim set of his mouth said otherwise, but I wanted to read the messages sooner rather than later. Arguing with Kerry wouldn’t accomplish that. I retrieved my phone and held up my free hand in surrender. “Hart’s Creek Rescue is a thriving business. You have wonderful friends and an adoring family. Your life is as rich as you want it to be right now.”

“Damn right it is.” Kerry sounded mollified, but his expression was still bullish as he eyed my phone like he might snatch it again. My brother outweighed me by seventy pounds of muscle, but my leaner stature made me more agile.

I darted out of reach and tucked my phone away. Making a French exit when Lucinda had gone to such lengths to prepare a feast would’ve been rude, but I avoided falling into the Southern so-long that required at least three rounds of goodbyes. I hugged Lucinda, the best bonus mom and employer on the planet, and thanked her for the most amazing dinner. Then I shouted a goodbye at the remaining stragglers before ducking outside to leave. I wanted to read Dom’s messages as soon as I reached my vehicle, but I didn’t want to chance anything. The drive to my apartment only took fifteen minutes, but it stretched on for what seemed like days. I didn’t even bother stripping off my outerwear when I got inside. I locked the door, flopped on my sofa, and pulled up Dom’s messages on my phone.

Thur, Nov 24, 2022 at 6:00 pm

Dom: Casanova?

Dom: Really?

Dom: and Happy Thanksgiving!

The smile pulling at my lips actually hurt. I relaxed my jaw and did some facial stretches, but my lips went right back to the Joker position when I reread Dom’s messages. A hundred responses flooded my mind. I parsed through the chaos and found the one that was guaranteed to provoke a reaction. He’d taken the time to search through his phone for my contact, and I wanted to keep him chatting.

Me: Happy Thanksgiving!

I included adorable emojis to make it look more festive and carefree. He didn’t know that I’d been prepared to take Kerry down to the living room floor to retrieve my phone if necessary, or that I’d driven down the mountain road like a maniac, or that I ran into my apartment like the hounds of hell were chasing me. Dom didn’t need to know my heart was in my throat as I typed those simple words and symbols. He just needed to react. My phone buzzed almost immediately. Eureka!

Dom: Casanova?

Me: I thought it was cute and quirky. You certainly figured it out easily enough.

Me: Or have you been searching for the hidden treasure this entire time?

Dom: Don’t get a big head about it. I’m at my parents’ place in Arizona. They’re at the senior community center for a card tournament, and I’m bored out of my mind. I’d forgotten you even gave me your number until tonight.

Me: Uh-huh. You forgot.

Dom: What’s my contact saved under?

Me: Y for yummy.

Dom: Be serious or I’m hanging up.

Me: Hanging up? Okay, Boomer.

When fifteen minutes passed without a response, I chided myself for blowing my opportunity with a snarky mouth. With luck, I could’ve talked Dom into a joint jerk sesh to finish the holiday in style. But no, my big mouth got me in trouble. Disappointment left a bitter taste on my tongue and a heaviness in my chest. And I realized that Kerry, annoying as he was, might’ve been right about his assessment. Dom was sad, though not a loser, and he could do some serious damage to my heart if I weren’t careful.

Sat, Dec 24, 2022 at 3:00 pm

Me: Merry Christmas!

Sun, Dec 25, 2022 at 10:00 am

Dom: Merry Christmas

Sat, Dec 31, 2022 at 2:30 pm

Dom: Do I want the extra toasty Cheez-Its or the bacon and cheddar duo for a snack?

Me: Neither. Come to the Feisty Bull for our New Year’s Eve Party. Surely, you remember what a good time those are?

Dom: Kerry invited me, but I’m not sure.

Me: Because I’ll be there? I don’t have to be. I have other parties I could attend.

Dom: Not everything is about you.

Dom: But yeah. It’s about us.

Me: Ohhhh. There’s an us?

Dom: No! There’s no us. But there was for a few moments.

Me: Mmmm. I relive those moments every time I close my eyes or…

Dom: You’re not helping.

Me: Sorry

Dom: No, you’re not.

Me: Busted

Dom: I’m not sure I can look Kerry in the eye

Me: I don’t want you to be alone tonight

Dom: I don’t want to be alone either

Me: It’s settled then. You’re coming to the party. I’ll keep my distance. No kissing. No touching.

Dom: I’ll think about it

Sun, Jan 1, 2023 at 11:00 am

Me: You looked smoking hot last night. Keeping my word was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I hope the new year is kind to you. Too bad it couldn’t start with a bang.

Dom: You looked like a walking wet dream, but I think you know it. All those fawning men had to give you a clue. Which lucky bastard did you kick out of your bed this morning?

Me: None. I couldn’t have the man I wanted, so I didn’t leave with anyone.

Me: And to be clear, you’d still be in my bed and we wouldn’t be texting.

Dom: Are you texting me from bed right now?

Sven: Yep. Want to know what I’m wearing? Or not wearing? Curious about what my hand is holding right now? I’ll send a pic.

Dom: No don’t.

Dom: Ha ha ha. A remote. You got me there. What are you watching?

Me: The Big Sleep. Humphrey Bogart plays Philip Marlowe and Lauren Bacall plays Vivian.

Dom: A fan of black and white movies?

Me: I used to watch them with my mom when I was little. They brought her a lot of comfort when she was sick, especially near the end when she needed the escape. The Big Sleep is my favorite noir film and Philip Marlowe is my favorite private detective. Don’t be jealous. You’re my favorite PI now.

Dom: Fuck me

Me: I can be ready in fifteen minutes.

Dom: That was an expletive and not an invitation. Is Marlowe your contact name for me in your phone?

Me: Yeah. I thought I told you that

Dom: No. I asked, but you acted like a smart ass and said Y for Yummy. Then you called me a boomer when I threatened to hang up.

Me: Oh yeah. How’d you know about the saved contact name?

Dom: Kerry tried to hire me last night to find out who the hell has been texting you. He saw the name on your phone on Thanksgiving. Said you’ve been acting secretively ever since.

Me: I have not. What did you say?

Dom: I told him you were a mature adult who didn’t deserve an invasion into your privacy.

Me: Glad you agree I don’t need his permission to date men. Come over.

Dom: No way. I would love to hear about this rich dating history Kerry eludes to though.

Me: That’s a negative Ghost Rider. I’m more than happy to let you vent about your marriage troubles.

Oops, I blew it again. Would I ever learn not to push him so hard?

Tue, Feb 14, 2023 at 8:00 pm

Me: Happy Valentine’s Day. Any plans?

Dom: *fist emoji*

Me: Can I watch?

Dom: no

Me: Okay. How about we jerk off at the same time. I’m already getting hard just thinking about the noises you make when you come. Are you busy now?

Dom: Bye

Mon, Mar 13, 2023 at 9:30 pm

I’d just stepped out of the shower when my phone went off with a text from Dom. I toweled off quickly, slipped into my fuzzy bathrobe, and took the phone into my bedroom to read his message. I’d been kicking my ass daily since our last chat and vowed not to chase him off again with suggestive comments. Once cozy under my down comforter, I opened our text thread. My heart sank further with every word I read.

Dom: My divorce became final today. I celebrated by securing proof that my client’s husband is a cheater too.

My thumbs hovered over the keyboard, trying to find the right words to type. Did I tell him I was sorry? That was hardly sufficient, considering Dom’s revelation. My client’s husband is a cheater too. He could’ve meant that he’d solved yet another cheating case, but context clues told me otherwise. Before I could form a response, another message landed.

Dom: Sorry to reach out so late. I just… I don’t know.

Without thinking, I pressed the phone icon to call Dom instead of replying to his message. Would he answer?

“Hello?” Yes, he would. Dom’s voice sounded raspy and rough, and my heart lurched even more.

“Hi,” I said. “I’m sorry you had such a rough day. Want to talk about it?”

“Not in the least. I don’t know why I texted you. You don’t have to babysit me. I’m okay. Maybe I just didn’t want to be alone tonight of all nights.”

“I could come over,” I replied. “I’d keep my hands to myself.”

Dom laughed dryly. “I think we both know that isn’t true.” He cycled through a deep breath. “And we also know that I wouldn’t want you to. I think this is much safer.”

Maybe not so much for my heart, but this phone call wasn’t about me. “Talking about your newly minted single status is off the table, and you’re probably not in the mood to jerk off together.” So much for my moratorium on suggestive comments. “Oh damn. I didn’t mean to say that. I can’t seem to help myself around you.”

I expected Dom to make an excuse to get off the phone or just disconnect the call. But a low chuckle rumbled through the phone. “This is why I reached out to you. No artifice or bullshit. Just you and the color you inject into my dull world.” Dom took a deep breath, and I expected him to take it back. “Thanks to you, I know how Dorothy feels when she steps into Oz for the first time.”

“That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me,” I told Dom.

“You need better friends.”

I liked that he considered himself my friend, and I hoped we could be more someday. But even I had a tight enough leash on my tongue to prevent either of those thoughts from escaping. “And now I want to watch The Wizard of Oz .”

Dom chuckled. “Me too.”

“I think it’s streaming on Max,” I said.

“Let me see.”

I reached for my remote and turned on my TV. I pulled up the Max app and opened it. Dom found the movie on his end too, and we pushed Play after the count of three. I stayed up later than I normally would on a work night, but the sacrifice was well worth it.

Mon, May 29, 2023 at 3:05 pm

Me: It’s my birthday!

Dom: That’s what it says on the giant birthday cake. Kerry didn’t tell me that when he invited me to the Memorial Day barbecue. I would’ve brought you a gift.

Me: It’s best you didn’t. He would’ve wondered why you brought his brother a birthday gift. We’re not supposed to know each other that well.

Dom: True!

Me: But I know how you can make it up to me.

Dom: Where are you texting me from? You’re missing the party.

Me: I’m arranging a private celebration as we speak.

Dom: Then why are you messaging me?

Me: Come upstairs. Take a right at the top of the staircase and walk to the end of the hall. Lucinda converted that tiny spare bedroom into a laundry room. No one will look for us there.

Dom: Absolutely not!

Me: Just a kiss. It’s the only gift I want this year. I’ll keep my hands to myself. Promise!

Dom: No way.

Me: Not too proud to beg. On my knees, if needed. Please. Just one kiss.

A few minutes later, Dom closed the door and stalked toward me with the intensity of a big jungle cat, and I’d never been prouder to be a man’s prey. “This is a terrible idea,” he said.

I backed up because I knew it would only trigger his carnal instincts even more. Dom’s nostrils flared as he slowly pursued me. My butt backed into the dryer, and there was nowhere else for me to go unless I darted left or right. Dom lunged forward, caging my body between his and the machine.

“Got you now.”

I wanted to loop my arms around his neck and press my chest to his, but I’d promised. Instead, I placed my palms against the cool metal of the dryer and notched my chin higher. “Kiss me.”

Dom searched my eyes for what seemed like eternity. The internal battle he waged played out in his vivid green gaze. I wanted this man more than anything in the world, but he needed to make the move here. The fog of indecision cleared from Dom’s expression seconds before he claimed my mouth. My breath snagged in my throat, and my pulse raced when he teased my lips open and slid his tongue over mine. I’d been foolish to think one kiss would be enough. I gripped the edge of the dryer hard enough to bruise, but I kept my word, even when Dom pressed the full length of his body against mine.

He pulled back abruptly and stared down at me, his lips wet and puffy from the intensity of our kiss. “Touch me, damn it.”

The savage whisper had barely left his mouth before I complied with his demand. I relearned the planes of his chest and the strong muscles in his back. I wanted to explore below the belt but knew it would be a mistake. I’d be on my knees with his dick in my mouth at the slightest provocation, and Dom would likely resent me for it later.

“Sven!” Lucinda yelled from downstairs. “It’s time to cut the cake!”

Dom jerked away from me and gasped like she’d dumped a gallon of ice water over his head. “Fuck!” He turned away from me and shoved both hands in his hair. “I can’t go down there like this.”

By this, he meant the rock-hard erection pressing against his jeans. I had a similar dilemma and used my limited brain cells to come up with a solution.

“Sven!” Lucinda called out.

“Be right down!” I called before she came looking for me. “You stay here and cool off,” I told Dom. “I’ll head to the bathroom across the hall. Splash my face with water.” I placed my arm on Dom’s shoulder, and he flinched away from me. It would’ve hurt less if he’d stabbed me in the heart. I cleared my throat and stepped away. “See you down there.”

But I knew he’d be gone by the time I got downstairs, and I’d been right. I tried not to be obvious when I searched the house and backyard for him. I even pasted on a fake smile that fooled everyone into thinking I was the happy birthday boy. Well, all for one surprisingly astute asshole named Kerry Hart, who followed me outside when I left.

“You deserve better,” he said.

I whipped around in the driveway so fast that I nearly dropped my leftover birthday cake. “Better than what?”

“Than who,” Kerry corrected. “I’m talking about the Marlowe guy you’re moping about all the time. You’re a year older and a year wiser. I want you to be happy.”

“I am happy.” Or I had been during those precious minutes I’d had Dom all to myself. At Kerry’s skeptical scowl, I said, “Or at least I’m working on it.” The intensity of Dom’s kiss felt like a step in the right direction. “And that’s good enough for me right now.”

Kerry shook his head sadly. “Stop settling.”

“Can’t wait for your next birthday so I can attack you about your love life.”

Kerry held up his hands and backed away. “Fine.”

I’d won the skirmish, but the war would rage on.

Wed, Jun 7, 2023 at 7:30 am

Dom: Can’t stop thinking about that kiss.

Me: Uh-huh. That’s why you took off without even saying goodbye.

Dom: I couldn’t trust myself. We both know I was minutes away from bending you over that dryer if Lucinda hadn’t interrupted us.

Me: I wanted to blow you instead.

Dom: What did you wish for?

Me: It won’t come true if I tell you.

Dom: Are you sure about that?

Me: I smell a trap. Guess what?

Dom: What?

Me: I live out my birthday wish at least once a day. Sometimes twice. You’re always the star of the show.

Dom: You’re making this so hard.

Me: Your dick? I hope so.

Dom: That too. I need to get ready for work.

Me: Me too. Going to live out that birthday wish in the shower.

Dom: Asshole!

Me: Yes. That will be involved. Bought myself a new toy for the shower. Named him Marlowe.

Dom: I want to hate you right now.

Me: Oh, an angry jerk sesh. Can I watch?

Dom: No. You work this question into nearly every conversation we have.

Me: Because I always want to see you jack off that massive cock. Are you doing it right now?

Dom: No. Are we still on for weekly buddy watch tonight?

Sven: Yep. You ask this every week.

Dom: Because I figure you’ll come to your senses one of these days and find someone better to spend your time with.

Me: Not going to happen.

Dom: But maybe it should. I might not ever be able to give you what you want.

Me: Then I’ll take what you can give.

Dom: That’s not fair to you.

Sven: I’ll decide what’s best for me. The Maltese Falcon at 8:30.

Tue, Jul 4, 2023 at 12:30 pm

Me: The festivities have started. Where are you?

Dom: Working. Took on a last-minute case and I can’t get away. Sorry.

Me: Bummer. Still on for movie night tomorrow?

Dom: Too soon to tell. I’ll let you know. Enjoy the barbecue.

Mon, Sep 4, 2023 at 10:00 am

Dom: Hey. I know you’re sick of hearing this excuse, but I’m working on a case today. I hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day celebration.

Me: k

Dom: Don’t!

Me: Don’t what?

Dom: Don’t “k” me. Don’t be mad. I really am working. It’s a complicated child custody case and I can’t afford to fuck it up. My business is finally picking up, and I can’t afford to lose momentum.

Me: I’m happy for you

Dom: You’re not.

Me: I am. I just miss you. We hardly text anymore. We haven’t buddy watched a movie in months. It was the bright spot of every week. Sorry. That’s not fair to put on you.

Dom: This Wednesday. I promise.

Me: I’m going to make other plans. Kerry is right.

Dom: What’s he saying about me?

Me: Kerry isn’t saying anything about you. He doesn’t know you’re Marlowe.

Dom: What are you saying about Marlowe?

Me: Nothing. Kerry has just made some observations, and I think he’s right. I need to stop mooning over Marlowe. Take care, Dom.

I wanted to launch the phone across the room, but I re-downloaded Grindr to my phone. I had every intention of reactivating my account and following through with my half-hearted threat to move on. But my thumb shook as it hovered over the download arrow because I didn’t want anyone else. I tossed the phone aside in disgust and turned on my favorite Philip Marlowe movie instead. If I was going to be miserable, I’d go all out.

Sat, Nov 11, 2023 at 9:00 pm

Me: Happy fuckversary.

Dom: What?

Me: It’s the anniversary where you fucked me over for other men.

My phone rang, and I picked it up. “Now you have time for me?”

“Are you drunk?”

“No.” I hiccuped loudly.

Dom chuckled at my answer. “You sure about that?”

“Not drunk yet .”

“Then why don’t you switch to something else to drink? Do you have water?”

“In the kitchen. That’s so far away,” I whined.

“Live in a sprawling mansion, do you?”

I snorted. “No, but the refrigerator feels like a long way off after I’ve drowned my sorrows.”

“Why are you home on a Saturday night?” Dom asked.

“I’m home every night.”

“Okay, why are you home alone on Saturday night?”

“Because the guy I want doesn’t want me back,” I replied. “Whew. This truth serum is serious shit.”

Dom laughed. “Truth serum. Is that what you’re calling it?”

“Label said it’s a rosé wine, but it feels too potent for that.” I giggled. “Maybe it’s because I haven’t eaten much today.”

“Do you want me to come over?” Dom asked.

“No. Not when you offer out of pity. I need you to want to be here.” I hiccuped again. “Does that make sense?”

“Actually, yes.” Dom sighed. “I want to be there. More than you know. I shouldn’t tell you this. Not after what you said in your last text.”

“What did I say?”

“You said you’d been mooning over me and you needed to get out and meet other people. I shouldn’t interfere with that.”

I snorted. “That was months ago. Guess how many new people I’ve met?”

“I don’t want to know,” Dom said.

“Zero. I tried. I really did. I only want you. Miss you so damn much.”

“Sven.”

“Don’t,” I said. “Don’t pity me. Just tell me what you think I shouldn’t know.”

“That I miss you too. I pick up my phone to text you multiple times a day. I think about you until it becomes a physical ache. But I’m not in the right headspace to give you what you deserve. I am the sad sack Kerry doesn’t want you to be around. I don’t know what your history is, but I don’t want to hurt you. And it feels like it’s already too late.”

“I mend broken hearts,” I said. “That’s my superpower. I attract men who’ve been shattered, and I put them back together—piece by piece—until they’re whole again. And they always end up going back to the person who broke them in the first place, and I’m the one left in pieces in the end.”

“They’re fools,” Dom said. “Each and every one of them.”

“Or maybe I’m the one who is fucked-up and just don’t know it.”

“No way,” Dom replied.

“You don’t know me.”

“Wrong. You’re beautiful and so fucking special.”

When the first tears fell, I knew it was time to cut the call short. “I’m sorry I drunk texted you.”

“I’m not sorry, but I thought you said you weren’t drunk.”

“Tipsy texted, then. I’m going to make the long journey into the kitchen and make myself something to eat.”

“Do you promise?”

“Yes.”

“Will you check in tomorrow to let me know how you’re doing?”

“No,” I replied. “I will pretend this conversation never happened.”

“At least you’re honest.”

“To a fault.”

“Take care,” Dom said.

“You too.”

Fri, May 10, 2024 at 10:00 pm

Me: It’s been a hot minute since we last talked. Maybe you’ve deleted my contact from your phone. It’s Sven, by the way. I’m not drunk. Or tipsy. Anyway, Kerry is going to need you. If you don’t hear from him by noon tomorrow, please make up an excuse to call him.

Dom: I didn’t delete your number. I’d hoped to hear from you, but not like this. Is everything okay? Should I call Kerry now?

Me: Not a 911. He got served legal papers tonight. The three of us were at the bar when it happened.

Dom: Thirsty Cowboy? Three of you?

Me: Yes, the TC. We ran into Kerry there. He was dancing with Keegan when he got served.

Dom: Who is Keegan?

Me: A friend.

Dom: The kind that comes with benefits?

Me: I think you’re losing the plot. I’ve never seen Keegan’s face when he comes. Is that what you mean?

Dom: Pretty much.

Me: More on Keegan and Kerry later. Let’s focus on the pending lawsuit. There was an incident with a former employee who broke every single rule at an accident scene and botched a rescue. The victim wasn’t seriously injured, but he’s still suing Kerry. Hart’s Creek Rescue is everything to my brother.

Dom: On it. I won’t let him down. Kerry’s calling me now!

Sat, May 11, 2024 at 2:00 pm

Me: Did you seriously say that I am too old to shop in the twink department?

Dom: I didn’t expect to run into you at the rescue station and panicked. I apologized and tried to fix it by complimenting your banging body. That just earned a mean glare from Kerry.

Me: Did you have to flirt with Keegan?

Dom: I didn’t flirt. I was being friendly. Kerry nearly took my arm off over him.

Me: He’s so in love with Keegan.

Dom: I noticed.

Me: It’s pitiful how hard he’s fighting it.

Dom: I gave him a little nudge toward Keegan before leaving the station. He won’t have to worry about the lawsuit much longer. I found tons of evidence disputing the plaintiff’s claims and I only just started.

Me: Thank you for everything

Dom: My pleasure. Don’t be a stranger.

Sven: I’m up for a buddy watch on Wednesday if you’re available.

Dom: I’ll make time. You pick the movie.

Sat, Jul 13, 2024 at 4:30pm

Dom: Free tonight?

Me: For you? Always! Do you want to make up our missed movie night?

Dom: I have something better in mind.

Me: Color me curious.

Dom: I need some surveillance help with a case.

Me: Ohh. A mission. I’m in! What do I wear?

Dom: Dress low-key. Nothing sexy. I need you to blend in at a bar and watch for someone to arrive. Snap a discreet photo or two if they do. I was just there asking questions last night and don’t want the bar staff to get suspicious and tip off the guy.

Me: Is this dangerous?

Dom: Would I ask you if it was?

Me: No. You’d ask Kerry. But he’s away with Keegan this weekend, doing a vineyard tour or something. My money says they’ll be married before the year is out.

Dom: What’s the wager?

Me: A kiss.

Dom: I’ll take that bet.

Me: I’ll be sure to use a lip mask every night to keep my pucker supple.

Dom: Uh, which pucker? What am I kissing?

Me: Guess we’ll find out, won’t we?

Mon, Jul 15, 2024 at 1:10 pm

Me: Kerry’s lawsuit got dropped during the deposition. Normally, I’d assume that Kerry would’ve told you already, but he and Keegan skipped out before the celebration lunch to party in private.

Dom: That’s the best news. Thanks for letting me know. I’ll act surprised when Kerry eventually reaches out.

Me: We’re having a party at The Feisty Bull tonight. You should come. I’ll be good.

Dom: I have a hard deadline on a case I’m working. Kerry’s lawyer was so impressed with my work that he’s hired me to do freelance work for his agency. I’d come otherwise. Still on for our Wednesday movie?

Me: Yep.

Saturday, Oct 26, 2024 at 9:00 pm

I looked at my reflection in the upstairs powder room as I washed my hands. Though I’d dressed as the male version of a noir vixen for the Halloween party, my expression was more melancholy than seductive. Dom had said he’d try his best to make it, but I had resigned myself that he’d be a no-show again. I’d existed on a meager diet of Wednesday watch-alongs because that was the best Dom could give me. And it was enough most of the time, but on other occasions, the loneliness and pining became unbearable. Maybe I needed to try harder to meet new men.

I forced a neutral expression on my face, dried my hands, and left the bathroom. A man stood in the hallway, leaning against the wall with his head down. He wore a trench coat, suit, and a fedora. I didn’t need to see his face to know who waited for me outside the bathroom. Any notion of meeting someone else vanished like my willpower around a holiday dessert table.

“Dom, you made it!”

He looked up and gave me a rakish smile that matched his costume. The grin widened as Dom raked his gaze over my slim-fitting black pants, tight V-neck black cashmere sweater, and the pearl choker around my neck. “You look good enough to eat.” Heat bloomed in Dom’s cheeks, and I decided he hadn’t meant to say that.

“Right back at ya.”

“My costume isn’t too on the nose?” Dom asked.

“It’s perfect.”

We stood there, neither of us moving, as if we didn’t know what to say or how to act. We never had this problem during our movie-night chats. Conversation flowed freely as we debated and discussed the chosen entertainment. Someone cranked the music higher downstairs, reminding us we weren’t alone and anyone could stumble across us.

“Hungry?” I asked.

“Always.”

Leading the way downstairs, I felt the intensity of his stare on my ass. I hoped he didn’t miss a step and stumble. I desperately wanted to be under Dom’s weight, just not during a tumble down the stairs. I stopped when I reached the first floor and smiled when I noticed Kerry and Keegan slow dancing. Kerry wore a T-Rex costume, and Keegan had dressed up as Alan Grant from Jurassic Park. Every couple had their thing, and who was I to judge?

Dom came to a stop next to me and let out a snort. “Damn, love will find a way.”

“Pretty sure the quote is about life, not love.” I waggled my brows at him. “Ready to pay up?”

Dom’s gaze dropped to my mouth. “I’m not ready to surrender.”

There was so much I wanted to say, but I wouldn’t risk another setback. I’d wait for a signal from the universe that it was time to make my move. But I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t give him a little razzle-dazzle. I straightened my shoulders and swiped my tongue over my bottom lip. Dom’s nostrils flared, and he took a step toward me until he caught himself.

“Oh, I think you are. You’re just not ready to admit it.” I sauntered away, feeling the intensity of his stare on my ass. I had no doubt which pucker he wanted to kiss just then.