Twenty-Two Dominic
Twenty-Two
Dominic
A s I sit here going over my finances with my accountant, Peter Jordan, my mind drifts back to when Teagan sneaked out of my house in the wee hours of the morning. I awoke to the chime of the door alarm. In my haste to be with Teagan, I’d forgotten to set the house alarm, but I guess that was a good thing because it gave Teagan the chance to sneak out without bothering to say goodbye or offering a thank-you for the multiple orgasms.
Am I a little bitter? Hell yeah!
I’d hoped after we both let down our guards and acknowledged our attraction to each other, she would spend the entire night and morning in my bed.
I was wrong.
She couldn’t get away fast enough and that infuriates me. She’s always saying I took off when the going got tough, but she did the exact same thing. I’m not perfect, but I can admit the truth when it’s staring me in the face. We’re not over yet—not by a long shot. She can run away all she likes, but this thing pulsing between us isn’t going to die out after one fuck.
One incredible fuck.
“Dominic?”
I blink Peter into focus. “Pardon, what did you say?”
Peter chuckles. “I know numbers aren’t very exciting, but you did call this meeting. You wanted to know how much capital you could invest in your brother’s venture.”
“That’s correct.”
“I would suggest setting up a corporation or limited liability company to protect you personally from any liability,” Peter says, “but otherwise, you’re liquid enough to supply a sizable investment. But it’s still risky with a start-up company.”
“True, but Justice is family.”
“Which is why I never recommend loaning to family.” When I start to speak, Peter holds up his hand. “But be that as it may, a fifty-fifty split would be in your best interests. Give you more say in what’s happening.”
“Noted. How soon before we can cut a check?”
“As soon as the ink is dry on the agreement,” Peter responds.
“Excellent.” I rise to my feet. I’m excited to have the means to help Justice achieve his dreams. My entire family has shown their personal support for me all these years, coming to my matches. It’s the least I can do to help my little brother fulfill his destiny.
I leave Peter’s office feeling hyped. It’s the first time in a long time I’ve been excited about something other than being with Teagan. I do get a certain amount of satisfaction from supporting and participating in several charities, but lately I’ve been needing more to make me want to get out of bed each morning. I need a new fire in my belly, and helping Justice get his business off the ground is a great start.
I call my brother and give him the good news.
“You’re really in?” Justice asks.
“Yes,” I respond. “I’m ready to see this idea come to fruition.”
“Thanks, Dom. Your trust and faith in me is everything,” Justice replies. “And I have my first client. Remember the runner I talked with at Bliss’s meet?”
“Yeah, what about her?”
“She and her family are interested in signing up with my agency. Her coach thinks she has Olympic potential, and who knows? With the right representation, I might help get her there by getting them money for coaching, travel and entry fees into various competitions.”
“Sounds great. I look forward to hearing more. My lawyer will be drafting up an agreement outlining the investment. But you should have your own lawyer review it as well.”
“Already on it. A friend of mine from college is a contracts attorney and will review it for free. I look forward to receiving it,” Justice replies.
“Let’s celebrate with drinks once it’s signed.”
“Deal.”
I end the call, feeling good, but there’s one thing still hanging over my head.
Teagan.
After she left, I thought about not reaching out; she left and obviously didn’t want to revisit our night together. However, the next day I worried about her knee and wanted to make sure she was all right, so I texted her. I needn’t have bothered.
Me: How are you? How’s your knee doing?
Teagan: Good. The knee is fine. Dr. Maverick called to check on me.
Me: Glad to hear it.
I hoped for something more after my response, but got nothing. It’s not every day you sleep with your ex from twelve years ago and she has nothing to say. Her cavalier attitude irks me. I intend to call her out on it, so I decide to do a little digging of my own. Over the years, I’ve kept my distance, never checking to see what happened to Teagan even though I yearned to do so. But I had to cut her out, exorcise her from my life, in order to keep my head in the game and my eye on the prize of supporting my family.
But now? I’ve achieved what I needed to achieve. I can have some time for myself. Maybe have a committed relationship one day. Perhaps even a family. In another lifetime that family might have been with Teagan.
I want to give her a piece of my mind, but I don’t chase after women. Never have, and I’m not about to start now.
Teagan and I are doubles partners for this tournament, and she won’t be able to avoid me for long. We need to practice this weekend because time is running out. If Teagan knows what’s good for her, she’ll show on Saturday for another session. And when she does, I’ll make sure she pays for walking out on me.