Chapter 26
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
D ominic’s surprise wasn’t far from the taqueria. He parked in the upscale neighborhood above downtown, referred to as The Heights, behind a brand new building with a view of the river and Mt. Adams.
“This,” Dominic opened his hand toward the townhouse building, “is my vacation rental.”
“Really?” My cheeks were hot. He’d actually done it.
“Come inside and see it?”
I nodded, pressing my lips together. My throat was tight. Sure, seems romantic, but all he wants is sex.
It was a serene and quiet street. Dominic put his hand on my back as we went to the front door patio under a modern awning created by the second-story pop-out, lined with honey-colored wood.
“This first floor has a bedroom, and the garage was converted into a rec room with a pool table.”
“It’s so large. How many bedrooms?”
“Four.” Dominic shrugged at my incredulous look. “The top floor has the kitchen and living room. After you.”
The stairs were a steep climb up. We were actually alone—I bit my lip, and the hair on the nape of my neck stood up.
“Very nice,” I squeezed out of my tight throat as I stepped onto the upper floor.
There was a view over downtown to the cerulean blue of the Columbia River with Mt. Adams to the north in the misty background. Everything inside the spacious living area and kitchen was sleek and modern, from the glistening white cabinets to the high vaulted ceiling and stark furniture.
Dominic came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my front. His scratchy chin nuzzled my temple. “Stay with me. Tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?” You sound like a nervous parrot.
His lips brushed my ear, and I shivered. “Tomorrow.”
“Um, I don’t know…”
His arms tightened around me. “Drive over in the morning for breakfast. I’m taking you out. Come prepared to spend the day and night. I’ll do my best to convince you.”
I wanted to arch back into him. “Can we talk a little?”
“Yes. And I’m not kissing you.”
“Oh?” I blinked. Get a hold of yourself.
“No.”
“Okay.” My knees were loose. If he did kiss me, I might fall down—hopefully on a bed.
“Do you want to know why?” His hands slid under my sweater onto the bare skin of my belly.
I gasped, my head falling back on his shoulder. “Yes.”
His hands glided down over my hips. “Because I wouldn’t be able to stop. Come.” He kissed the top of my head and gripped my shoulders. “Let’s go sit on the deck by the firepit table.”
Struggling against a sharp disappointment—that made me want to turn around and force him to kiss me—I swallowed hard and let him guide me across the room with a hand low on my back. Talk, remember?
“Can I get you something? A glass of wine?”
“No, thank you.”
His eyes narrowed at me. “Are you upset?”
I opened my mouth and closed it. Shaking my head, I smiled at him. “It’s me…my reaction to you.” I sat down in a wicker chair. “Sorry, I’m not… It’s hard for me to open up.”
He flipped a switch, and the firepit came on. The chair next to me scraped as he pulled it out and sat down. He took my hand in his. “Keep going.”
Staring at the flames, I took a deep breath. Just force it out. “I’ve been telling myself that I need to be sensible. When I’m around you, I…can’t think.”
His thumb ran over my knuckles as I glanced at the smirk on his face. “Yes.”
“I’m not sure what to expect from you. Do you…have a timeframe in mind?”
The corners of his mouth turned down. He looked at the fire. “Whatever happens, I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”
I blinked, studying the aquiline slope of his nose. Take care of me?
He turned so our knees bumped together. “Come and stay with me. Your ex won’t know you’re here. You’ll be safe.”
I was almost lost in his dark gaze. The pull to go to him was like an ache.
“Think of it as a vacation.” His legs wrapped around mine. “I’m not here for a single night.”
My cheeks were hot. “Well, I’ll be here for breakfast.”
He smiled, and I thought my heart would float out of my chest. “Good. And give me your phone number.”