“Then while I was asking questions, he was answering them all. Not what I want to be seeing when I’m scared for my friend.”
“I get it now, and I respect it.” She smiled. “He approached me on Friday night a week ago.”
“What did he want?”
“A date. A chance to explore without everyone from the club watching, whispering, and doing their best to interrupt.”
“The club also offers protection. Don’t forget about that.”
“I’m not. I just, I guess I wanted that privacy. I didn’t have to worry about anyone watching, or waiting for something to go wrong or to screw up. I got the chance to just be myself, and so I took it.”
“I can see that.” Ella looked back at Dominic. He sat enjoying a cup of coffee, and reading his paper. “You’re happy?”
“I’m happy. I’m safe. The only reason I didn’t tell you is because I didn’t know what to tell you. We’ve been going through the contract, and you’re right. I don’t want to live my life based on some contract, and worrying about breaking a rule. What I wanted was a guy I enjoyed being around, and even though Dominic is not what I expected. I enjoy spending time with him. He’s a good guy.”
“Not what you expected?”
“He’s rich, like really rich.”
“Scary rich?”
“Yeah, you can’t tell anyone, though. He loves his privacy.”
“I won’t. I’ll only hurt him if he hurts you. Friends for life, Avery. Women have to stick together in this day and age. It’s a nightmare out there.”
“Agreed. So, do you forgive me?”
“Depends. What is he like in the sack?”
“Seriously?”
“Come on, Avery. Give me something.”
“He’s amazing,” she said, laughing. “Now, can we bring him back so I don’t have to go crazy, and start gouging out women’s eyes? They’re eating him up.”
“I suppose.”
Avery climbed out of her chair, and walked toward Dominic. She was aware of all of the stares, and she wanted them to look. She wanted to stake her claim on the man that they had all been drooling over, and that belonged to her.
“It’s okay for me to come and sit?”
“We’re okay for now.”
She leaned down, and claimed his lips, letting them all know that this man was taken, and that he belonged to her.
Breaking from the kiss, she felt rather smug.
“Just so you know I can do that every single time a guy looks over at you.”
“Certainly, Sir. I just wanted everyone in this damn café to know that you’re mine.” She said the last word with a little growl to her voice.
“Now, that is what I’m talking about. It’s about time you staked your claim.” He sank his fingers into her hair, and pulled her down for another kiss. Licking along her lips, he plunged his tongue inside.
“Come on, kids. You’re giving the whole café a porn show, and I don’t think we can take it much more,” Ella said.
Avery chuckled. Her cheeks were on fire, but she didn’t regret it. That kiss was really something.
* * * *