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“I guess we’re staying,” she announced, laughing. “But we better get out there before all the food is gone. Electra used to be an amateur bodybuilder, and I once saw her eat a whole turkey for lunch!”
“Why don’t we sit in the living room? It’s quiet, and we’ll be more comfortable than out on the patio.”
“Shouldn’t we join your friends? After all, you are the one hosting the party.”
“They’ve got food, beer and five very attractive women to keep them company,” he pointed out. “They don’t need me. And besides, I’d much rather spend more time talking with you.”
Her blood pressure spiked. Dominique could feel the energy pulsing between them and wondered if he did, too. He was standing astoundingly close to her, but she didn’t—no, couldn’t—move away. “Well, in that case I just have one question,” she said, slanting her head to the right. “Do you have any crazy ex-wives or baby mamas I need to know about?”
“Not that I know of.”
Dominique wore a sultry smile. “Good, then let’s eat!”
They relaxed comfortably on the sofa and discussed current events while they ate dinner. Conversation came easily, and Marcel loved hearing such a smart, savvy sister talk about business and politics. Overflowing with confidence, Dominique didn’t shy away from sharing her opinion or challenging his views. She loved art and music and shared his passion for literature. Without fear, she spoke like a woman who had all of the answers to life’s problems, and when she closed her eyes and began reciting a Prodigal C. Lewis poem, he was blown away.
“The beauty of your smile consumes my soul; lost, I turn to you for self-control.” She whispered the lines, the words flowing gracefully off her lips. “For love and all the pleasures it can give, are found in you and we’ll eternally live.” Dominique placed a hand on her chest. “Have you ever heard anything so moving?”
“I toured Prodigal C. Lewis’s village when I went to Marco Island a few years ago.” Hoping to impress her, he spoke truthfully about the experience. “Seeing his childhood home had a profound effect on me, and even after all these years, I still remember how inspired I felt reading the notes scribbled on his bedroom walls.”
“Wow, I’m so jealous. I’d love to see where he grew up.” Her voice dripped with awe. “Prodigal C. Lewis is one of the most prolific poets who ever lived, and every time I read Enchanted Souls I always break down and cry.”
“Me, too.”
She arched an eyebrow. “Really?”
“Uh-huh. I’m one of those deep, sensitive brothers who isn’t afraid to show his emotions,” he said, fighting to keep a straight face. When Dominique rolled her eyes, he chuckled. “Isn’t that what every woman wants? A man with a soft, tender side?”
“That’s not what I want! That’s how I like my steak!” She tossed back her head and laughed. “The truth is I want to be wined and dined and romanced.”
“Well, in that case, I better keep the Chablis coming!” Marcel lifted the wine bottle and tipped it toward her goblet. “There’s just enough to fill your glass.”
Dominique stretched out her hand, preventing him from pouring. “I can’t. I’m the designated driver tonight, and I’ve already reached my limit.”
“If you need to, you’re more than welcome to spend the night.”
“Right,” she quipped, “me and the girls will sleep on the couch.”
“This estate has five master bedrooms, so if you’re not up to driving, you can all stay here.”
At first, Dominique thought he was joking, but when she saw the concern in his eyes, she knew he was serious. Lean and dark with clear brown skin, Marcel had governance about him, a gentility that instantly put her at ease. She’d only known him for a few hours, but she wasn’t put off by his shocking offer. “We’ll be okay. It’s a short drive back to the spa and—”
Marcel touched her leg, and her voice failed. Stunned by the tenderness of his caress, she put a hand to her chest, hoping to control her staggering heartbeat. Reminding herself that he was a stranger—albeit a very attractive one—helped her remain focused. Apprehension tempered her desire, but he had lips she wanted to kiss, hands she ached to hold, and eyes so dreamy that she felt light-headed just looking at him.
“I hope you don’t think I’m coming on too strong. I just want you to be safe.”
Kissing a man she’d known for all of three hours was unimaginable, but it was all Dominique could think of. To keep from acting on her feelings, she shifted over ever so slightly. Better. Now their legs weren’t touching.
Needing a distraction, Dominique stared out the living-room window. A recreational haven, the upscale suburban community had it all—a sports complex the size of a football field, wide bike paths that sloped around steep valleys and inspiring mountain views. “This is a lot of house for one person,” she noted, stealing a quick glance at him. “Do you live here alone?”
“I wish,” he said, with a light chuckle. “This is my uncle’s place. I’m just house-sitting while he’s away on business.”
She wore a surprised, slightly puzzled look on her face. “This is not your house?”
Marcel heard the disappointment in her voice and wished he’d said something sooner. Of course she thought the mansion belonged to him. And wasn’t that what he’d wanted her to think? He’d never met such a smart, vibrant woman, and their connection was unlike anything he’d ever known. Dominique King was a standout beauty living the good life, and he had nothing to offer her. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy her company for a few more minutes, did it? Still he decided to remain truthful.
“Do you live nearby?” she asked.
“No, I’m all the way up in Hurst Park.”
Dominique gulped. The working-class neighbourhood was a far cry from Beacon Hill, and according to the evening news it was a hotbed for gang activity. Let down, she tried not to let her disapproval show. “What do you do for a living?”
“I’m a full-time graduate student and part-time research assistant.” Wearing a self-conscious grin, he rubbed a hand over his fine, textured hair. “As you can imagine, the biomedical engineering program at the Seattle University is very demanding. I spend a lot of hours studying, and that doesn’t leave me much time for anything else.”
Her face fell. Marcel was a penniless graduate student living in the east end? The best thing Dominique had ever done for herself was to kick her lazy, philandering ex-husband to the curb, and she wasn’t interested in dating another broke man. Dating a student—even one as fine as Marcel Benoit—wasn’t an option.
Feeling a twinge of guilt, she dodged his intrusive gaze. An awkward silence ensued. During dinner they’d talked to each other, and now she couldn’t think of a single thing to say. Was it true what her sisters said about her? Was she an uptight snob who gave men a hard time?
To assuage her conscience, she asked Marcel about his plans for the future. Finding an engineering position was his goal, and although graduation was still four months away, he’d already been on a dozen interviews.
“I know we don’t know each other that well, but I was hoping—”
“I can’t go out with you,” she blurted. Remembering her father’s own humble beginnings made Dominique readjust her attitude. Her dad had worked a slew of minimum-wage jobs to put himself through law school and had graduated at the top of his class. “You’re a nice guy, but I just don’t have time to date.”
Marcel forced a smile, but inside he was seething. What was it with these career women? They complained about not being able to find a good man but constantly overlooked guys like him. Status-conscious, Dominique would never consider dating a guy outside of her tax bracket, and as he watched her fiddle with her designer watch, he felt his interest wane. “I don’t have time to date either. I’m involved in several committees at school and busy with assignments and research papers.”
Dominique’s cheeks burned when she realized her mistake. This had to be one of the most humiliating moments of her life. He must think I’m a real snob now, she thought, sinking further into her seat. I turned him down, but he wasn’t even asking me out! Skin prickling with embarrassment, she lowered her eyes to her lap. Wishing she could disappear, or be magically transported back to her condo in Montlake, she bit the bullet and apologized. “I’m sorry for interrupting. What was it you were going to ask?”
“One of the students I tutor is looking for an office administrator position, and I was wondering if you needed anyone at Destination Wellness. Helene is very meticulous about her work, and she’d be an asset to any business.”
“Sure, tell her to come by with her résumé, and I’ll see what I can do.”
The wall clock chimed, and Dominique glanced over at it. Laughter flowed in from the patio, and when she heard chairs scrape against the floor, she stood up. “It sounds like you have a very promising future ahead of you, Marcel,” she said, meaning every word. “I hope everything works out for the best.”
“Me, too, and thanks in advance for putting in a good word for Helene.”
They were joined by their friends and remained in the foyer talking for another fifteen minutes. Marcel grabbed some bags and escorted Dominique and her colleagues out to her SUV.
Mindful of him watching her, she slipped behind the wheel and started the engine. While her coworkers counted their tips, she watched Marcel through the rearview mirror. The muscles in his arms flexed when he heaved the portable tables inside. Her eyes slipped over his shoulders and slid down to the hard walls of his chest. Perspiration dotted her forehead. The rapid acceleration of Dominique’s heartbeat made it almost impossible to breathe. Ordering her body into submission, she put the car in Drive and waved as she pulled away. Her feelings for Marcel were lust-driven, but as she stole another peek at him in her mirror, she knew it was going to be impossible to forget the hot graduate student with the killer physique.
Chapter 2
Sunday morning dawned bright and clear. The sun had a faint halo around it, and a sweet, floral fragrance drifted on the summer breeze, filling Dominique’s Range Rover with its heady scent. Seeing a vacant parking spot in front of Campion Residence Hall, she slowed down and eased her SUV carefully into the narrow space.
Balancing the tray of tea from Starbucks in her right hand, Dominique closed the driver’s-side door with the other. Mindful of the puddles dotting the sidewalk, she strode cautiously toward her sister’s on-campus apartment.
As Dominique passed the engineering building, she was reminded of a sexy hunk with a dreamy smile. Her thoughts were overrun with images of Marcel Benoit. They shared the same interests, and his way of thinking fascinated her. And as Dominique reflected on the hour-long conversation she’d had with him last weekend, she wondered if she should have given him her phone number. Marcel might not be rolling in dough, but he was obviously a great guy—the kind of man who wouldn’t mistreat her or dog her out. Why not get to know him better?
Anxious to see Jenna, Dominique sailed into the Seattle University dormitory and climbed the stairs to the second floor. Jenna’s door was ajar, and when Dominique pushed it open, she found her sister hunched over the desk writing furiously on a yellow notepad.
“I brought breakfast,” she sang, stepping over a mound of dirty clothes. “Now get over here and give your big sister a hug!”
Jenna leaped to her feet. “Dominique, what are you doing here?”
“I came to check up on you. I haven’t seen you in weeks, and I wanted to make sure you were doing okay.”
Within minutes, the sisters were sitting on the unmade bed, sipping ginger tea and munching on apple muffins. A self-proclaimed tomboy with a penchant for hooded sweatshirts, Jenna was the quietest of Dominique’s sisters, and despite being born with a heart defect, the nineteen-year-old sophomore never complained about her health.
“Everything okay?” Dominique asked, studying her sister closely. Aside from the dark rings under her eyes, she looked like her usual bubbly self. “Have you had any more fainting spells?”
Jenna shook her head. “I think the new medication Dr. Petrov prescribed is working. Sometimes after taking it I get queasy, but that’s about it.”
Remembering the conversation she’d had with her mom yesterday, she wondered if now was a good time to discuss her sister moving back home. Dominique didn’t like the idea of her mom living alone, especially since there had been a string of robberies in the area. “Jenna, Mom really misses you, and—”
“I’m not going back home.”
“Would you at least hear me out before you say no?”
Pouting, she crossed her arms. “I’m tired of Mom babying me. That’s why I left. To get away from her constant nagging.” Jenna stuffed her empty cup into the trash. “I’m not a kid anymore, Niq. I don’t need Mom to fix my meals or make my bed. I’m almost twenty.”
“You don’t know what you’re missing,” Dominique told her. “I wish I had someone to do my laundry and cook me dinner.”
“Good, then why don’t you go live with Mom?”
Ignoring the jab, she pointed at Jenna’s disheveled closet and packed clothes hamper. “You’re obviously having a hard time staying on top of things. It might not be a bad idea to go home for a while.”
“I haven’t had time to clean up,” she explained, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hands. “I worked forty hours last week.”
“Why? We agreed that you’d only work at the mall part-time.”
“I need the money, Niq. I have to pay my tuition on Monday.”
“Speaking of which, how did you do on your summer courses?”
Jenna yawned. “All right, I guess. I got two As and a B.”
“Way to go! Your GPA’s going to skyrocket this term.” Wrapping her arms around Jenna, Dominique leaned over and pecked her cheek. “We’re all really proud of you, sis. Keep it up!”
“I’ll try.” Standing, she stretched her hands over her head. “Listen, I better get my butt in gear, or I’m going to be late. The Adult Literacy Program meeting starts in an hour.”
“You joined another committee? Why would you do that when you have so much going on already?”
“Because they’re short of tutors,” she explained. “You should come, Niq. It’s a lot of fun.”
Dominique considered going with Jenna. She could hand out some of her business cards and post some Destination Wellness flyers onto the bulletin board. “How long does it last?”
“An hour.” Jenna tossed an arm around her shoulder, an innocent smile on her lips. “Niq, is there any way I could get a small loan? All I need is a hundred and fifty dollars.”
“What is it for this time?”
“I have to get the textbooks for my algebra course, and I don’t get paid until next week.”
There goes my facial, she thought, picking up her purse and plunking it on her lap. Unzipping it, she retrieved her wallet. Dominique counted out two hundred dollars in cash and handed it to her sister. “If you don’t get an A in your algebra class, you’re dead!” she joked.
Staring down at the money, Jenna licked her lips as if a sixteen-ounce steak had just been placed in front of her. “Can I get a pair of jeans, too?”
“Don’t push it,” Dominique warned, concealing a smile. Because of her two jobs, she’d missed out on spending quality time with her sisters, and as she watched Jenna rummaging around in her closet for something clean to wear, guilt consumed her. Now that her dad was gone, she was the head of the family. So she had to do a better job of keeping in touch with Jenna, because it was clear her kid sister needed her support. “Jenna, I told Mom you’d phone her tonight. Don’t forget. She’s expecting your call after dinner.”
“All right, all right. I’ll call her.” Jenna grabbed a towel from her drawer and put on a plastic shower cap. “Will you be here when I get back?”
Dominique put a hand on her sister’s shoulder. “Of course, you’re taking me to lunch after this meeting!”
The sultry August heat was unbearable, and as Dominique trailed Jenna into the large state-of-the-art building, she dabbed at the perspiration on her cheeks. The campus library was thronged with students and faculty, but when Dominique stepped through the beveled glass doors, Marcel Benoit was the first person she saw.
Peering around the checkout desk while still remaining concealed, she tried to get a better look at the sexy heartthrob. Dominique couldn’t remember ever being this enamored with a man. Marcel had a confidence about him—a strong, compelling presence that couldn’t be denied or contained. The sleeves on his button-down shirt were rolled up, displaying arms rippling with muscle.
Growing aroused, she removed every sinful thought from her mind. Get a grip, girl. You’re too old to be drooling over a guy! The library was filled with dozens of cute brothers, but Marcel stood out from the pack. He wasn’t tattooed or pierced, and his pants weren’t hanging off his butt like the other guys strutting around. Marcel obviously took pride in his appearance, and she liked a man who knew how to dress.
“You’re going the wrong way,” Jenna said, taking her by the arm and leading her through the main floor. “The Adult Literacy Program group meets at the learning center at the back of the library.”
Dominique’s heart raced. Now they were heading toward Marcel. Excited to see him again, she picked up her pace. He glanced up from his textbook, and Dominique’s legs froze. His lips clamped together; he wore a serious, almost guarded expression—one that said she wasn’t welcome. “Do you know the guy sitting at the round table?” she asked, glancing at Jenna. “The one in the collared shirt and tan pants?”
“Yeah, that’s Marcel Benoit. His fiancée’s in my study group and—”
“Fiancée!” Seething inwardly, she told her sister about the bachelor party she worked at last week and her conversation with the soft-spoken Frenchman. “He told me he was single.”
“No, he’s definitely engaged,” she said, nodding her head. “Girls are always flirting with him, but he only has eyes for Sarita. He’s completely devoted to her.”
Effecting an air of nonchalance, Dominique pretended not to notice Marcel watching her. He actually had the nerve to glare at her. She didn’t need this. It was a warm, sunny day, and she had better things to do than hang out at the campus library with a womanizing cheat. Spending time with Jenna was important to her, but if Marcel started any mess or made any snide comments, she was hitting the road.
To squelch a sudden wave of nausea, she breathed in deeply through her nose.
Marcel slowly got to his feet, and his lips curled into a wide smile as he approached. “Hi, Jenna. It’s been a while since I saw you last. How was your summer?”
“It was great but way too short,” she said and laughed. “Hey, Marcel, this is my sister, Dominique. I told her the literacy program was short of tutors, and she offered to help out.”
His gaze bounced between them. “You’re sisters? I never would have guessed it. You look nothing alike, and your personalities are so different.”
“In other words, Jenna’s cool and I’m a snob.” It amused Dominique to tease him, but when he averted his eyes, her heart sank. Was that what he thought? Just because she liked dating accomplished men didn’t mean she treated people like crap. She didn’t.
“Marcel, can you pair Dominique up with someone?” Jenna asked, looking over her shoulder. “I need to talk to the girls in my study group, but I’ll be right back.”
His eyes darkened, but he said, “Sure, I don’t mind. In fact, I was about to head back there and see how the groups are faring.”
As they passed the information center, Marcel told Dominique more about the Adult Literacy Program. “There aren’t many groups like this around, and even fewer are geared toward adult learners.” Having reached a row of desks, he stopped and handed her a stack of thin paperback books.
Dominique read the titles out loud. “But these are all children’s books.”
“Most of the adults who come to the program are reading at a fifth-grade level. They can’t read To Kill a Mockingbird or War and Peace yet, Dominique.”
“I understand that, but Maria and the Bully isn’t going to hold their interest.”
The muscles in his neck were pulled tight. “Why don’t you just concentrate on tutoring and let me worry about choosing the right reading materials for the participants?”
Not wanting to overstep her bounds, she apologized. “I’m sorry, Marcel. I didn’t mean to imply that you’re not doing a good job.”
His smile returned, so she continued.
“City University of Seattle offers a similar program for French speakers, and my comprehension improved dramatically once I joined. We watched movies, listened to music and even read popular magazines and comics.”
Marcel shook his head. “That would never work here.”
“How do you know unless you try?”
“Touché,” he said, with a nod. “Maybe you can tell me more about it over coffee.”
“I’d love to.” Guilt rained down on her. What was she doing? Marcel had a girlfriend—correction, a fiancée—and if he was her man, she wouldn’t want him having coffee with anyone but her. “It would probably be easier if I just emailed you the information. I don’t want to take up any of your free time. You’re probably busy getting ready for the fall semester.”
“Nope, I have the rest of the afternoon free. I’ll come find you when your tutoring session wraps up.” The matter decided, Marcel beckoned to someone in the back cubicles. “Zabrina, come over here and meet your tutor for this afternoon.”
A curvy woman with fine features approached.
“Hello, I’m Dominique. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Are you ready to get started?” Once seated, she selected one of the chapter books and turned to the first page. “Now take your time reading the passage. If you come across a word you don’t know then just sound it out.”
“I don’t want to read this,” the woman said, wrinkling her nose. Glancing around, she opened her purse and stealthily pulled out the August issue of Cosmopolitan magazine. It was the annual sex issue, and Dominique knew it well. She’d already read it twice and had plans to read it again.
“I want to be—” she paused, her eyes narrowing in concentration “—how do you say it in English…the sex kitten? Yes, that’s it. Can you help me read the article on page eighty-seven?”
“But Marcel selected these books specifically for you and he—”
“I’m too old to read Here Comes Skipper! These books are for kids, and I’m a woman. A very desirable woman, yes?”
Dominique concealed a grin. “Why don’t you wait here while I go check with Marcel?” The Adult Literacy Program was Marcel’s project, and Dominique wasn’t going to do anything to upset him, and something told her Cosmopolitan magazine’s annual sex issue wasn’t on the approved reading list. “I’ll be back in a sec.”
As she stood, she spotted a striking sister in a bohemian-style dress enter through the sliding-glass doors. She swept into the library with more grace than a queen, and Dominique noticed that everyone cranked their heads in her direction—including Marcel. The mystery woman kissed him on both cheeks and then took the seat beside him.
“Ms. Dominique, are you okay?”
Snapping out of it, she dropped back down into her seat and smiled at Zabrina. “How about we read the article and one chapter of the children’s book? Just don’t tell Marcel.”
Zabrina flipped through the magazine and landed on page nineteen. “The quickest way to a man’s heart isn’t through his stomach. It’s actually further south, so forget what your mother told you and race over to your nearest adult s-p-e-c-i-a-l-t-y store?”
“Specialty,” Dominique corrected, reading the confusion on her face. “It’s a store that carries unique items.”
Nodding, she lifted the magazine until it was right under her nose. “Fill your basket with scented perfumes and massage oils because we’re cooking up a sexual…feast that will arouse your lover’s senses. Whip out the…” She stopped, her forehead rumpling with worry lines. She stared over at Dominique. “I can’t read this.”