Chapter Two

 

A whole week and not a word from Brian. Even for him that was unusual. Dakota parked the car in front of the store and surveyed the exterior. The windows needed cleaning. Dust clung to the large plate glass like a film. How could customers see all the wonderful books inside? Today, she’d have to call the window washers to get them gleaming or do the work herself.

Dakota unlocked the heavy wooden door and stepped inside, then locked it behind her. The store wouldn’t open for another hour. Even though the October sun was bright, she flicked the light switch to illuminate the space.

Instead of checking for messages from Brian, she made her way to the small coffee station in the corner. Maybe everything else in the store was antiquated, but the splurge on the latest in brewers had been an excellent purchase. Dakota dropped a decaf hazelnut k-cup into the pocket and pressed the buttons.

When the coffee maker finished brewing, she sweetened the coffee and plopped behind her desk. While the old computer booted up, she sipped from her cup.

Her private line rang, piercing her few moments of serenity before opening the store.

“Dakota, this is Simeon. How are you?” Her brother-in-law’s voice sounded businesslike and serious. He seldom called, so he must need something for Asa or Mia.

“I’m surprised you called. What can I do for you?”

“Do you have some free time this afternoon? I have something I want to talk with you about.”

“Sure. Do you want to stop by the shop?” She glanced around, noting the pile of books she needed to stack before inviting someone into her tiny office.

“I was hoping you could come here to Harper Enterprise. How about this afternoon at three?

She turned her back on the waiting chores. “Simeon, is everything okay? Is something wrong with Asa or the baby?”

“Dakota, they’re fine. I hope I’m not alarming you,” he replied.

“Should I come now? I can. Is this about Brian? Is he okay? Did something happen to your brother?” Her voice rose with every question.

“No, nothing happened to Brian. Calm down.”

“Can’t you just tell me what this is about? I’ll be a jumble of nerves all day trying to guess.”

“This afternoon would be better. I have some meetings this morning and I’ve got to drive out to a site. See you at three?”

“Okay. Yes, of course. I’ll be there.” She stared at the receiver.

§§§

Dakota stepped on the elevator to Simeon’s building and punched the button for the twelfth floor. As the elevator doors closed, a hand slipped into the opening, pushing them apart. A tall man with skin the color of pine straw on the forest floor surveyed the space before getting on. He glanced her way, offering her a quick hello, then pressed the already lit twelfth floor button.

Dakota recognized him from a few Harper Enterprise affairs that Asa had invited her to. The only thing missing from him now was the tall, thin beauty usually hanging on his arm. He brought a different one to each occasion. Today, he wore the standard custom-cut business suit with a white starched shirt, looking like a candidate straight from central casting for the role of Leading Man.

She glanced down at her rainbow colored rubber boots and faded black jeans. The outfit looked out of place next to him, but going home to change before her meeting with Simeon wasn’t an option. She backed into the corner, hoping to go unnoticed by him like she had before.

“So, are you new here?” He turned to face her. His eyes locked on the smidge of midriff showing under her T-shirt. She tugged her top down and pulled her jacket closed. His hand clutched a well-worn leather briefcase. Dakota couldn’t help but wonder if his big hands were an indication of other large things. His gorgeous brown skin looked as smooth as fine porcelain and the sexy sound of his voice made her stare at him, hoping he’d say more.

“No, I’m not an employee. I’m meeting with Simeon.” She pushed off the wall and tried to stand taller. “I’ve actually seen you around before.”

“Is that right? Where?” The timbre of his voice was made for late-night radio. If she closed her eyes and pretended to be home he could talk her out of her panties.

She continued to look at his mouth. “At the company Christmas party last year and then again at the Independence Day celebration at Asa and Simeon’s. Oh, and at the Community Center meeting. But you were very busy with the tall blonde glued to your side.”

“Ah, Bridget.” His eyes twinkled. “I don’t remember seeing you there.”

“Yeah, well.” She looked down at her comfy jeans. “Let’s say you were preoccupied.”

The elevator came to a smooth stop and she hopped off. Securing her knapsack on her back, she headed to the large glass doors at the end of the hall. She’d only been to Simeon’s office a couple of times with Asa. In the reception area, she half expected to see her sister, but something in Simeon’s voice let her know this wasn’t a casual visit. This summons didn’t have anything to do with Asa. Mr. Handsome from the elevator came up behind her.

“Let me get that door for you.” He grabbed the handle before she could reach it.

In place of a thank you, she gave him a nod.

Dakota faced the familiar-looking woman seated behind the receptionist desk. “Hi, I’m Dakota Conroy. I have a meeting with Simeon at three.”

“I remember you. You’re Simeon’s sister-in-law. I’m Catherine. He should be back in a few minutes. Can I get you something to drink while you’re waiting?”

“No, I have my own. Thanks.” She pulled her reusable water jug from her bag. The deep breathing exercises she’d employed after Simeon’s call weren’t working to calm her down. Neither were the repeated stares from Mr. Good-looking.

When she took the seat on the sofa, he stepped up to the receptionist desk. From where Dakota sat, she couldn’t hear their conversation. She wanted to know his name.

He glanced her way and caught her gawking. Pretending to look at the array of architecture magazines on the table, she picked up one.

After talking with Catherine, he sat across from Dakota and placed his thick leather briefcase between his legs. His shoes gleamed like glass. If his goal was to impress someone, it worked.

Dakota flipped through the pages while stealing glances at him. His sideburns, mustache, and beard grew together in a handsome shade of black that framed his lower face. Mr. Debonair had a smile worth writing about.

“No matter how busy I am, I don’t usually miss a pretty face.” He flashed a megawatt smile.

“I beg your pardon.” Dakota lowered the magazine to peer at him.

“I can’t believe I don’t remember a woman as beautiful as you.”

He had a bag full of compliments at the ready. It must be a requirement for being a playboy. If he got tongue-tied, he couldn’t sweep as many women into his fantasy world.

“Oh.” She nodded while trying to think of something witty or charming to say. Her mind went blank. That was why she didn’t have a pass to that elusive club of players.

“I like those boots. Very colorful.” She crossed her legs and wiggled her foot. “They’re my favorite. How can I have a bad day when I’m wearing my snazzy footwear?”

“Were you expecting a bad day?”

“It’s been a trying week.”

“They should make those boots for men. We have bad days too.”

“Oh, they make them for men and children.” She giggled. “They aren’t quite this bright, though. But I must admit I’ve never seen a man wear a pair. And you certainly don’t look like the type.”

He faked a chuckle. “What type do I look like?”

She studied him from head to toe. “You’re business suits and Italian loafers.” She pointed to his shoes, mocking surprise. “See, I’m right. And you probably spit shined them this morning.”

“Maybe when I’m having a day off, I could get away with a pair.”

She shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

He stuck out his hand. “I’m Bishop Contee.”

“Dakota Conroy. Bishop, that’s an unusual name.”

“It’s a family name. I’m actually Bishop Jamison Contee VII, but since some of those ancestors have passed away, my family doesn’t keep such strict count anymore.”

“How do you like working for Simeon?”

“I like the diversity of projects and, of course, the people are great. Overall, I’d say this is one of my best contracts. I haven’t been with the company too long—just over a year—but if I’d known there were such pretty women like you hanging around the executive offices, I would have started years ago.” He managed that compliment with a straight face, almost making her believe him.

“I hardly think you have trouble finding pretty women. You pull them out of your pockets, don’t you?” She nestled her chin in the palm of her hand and grinned. Brian couldn’t be angry as long as she kept her hands to herself. Besides, Brian hadn’t complimented her in months. Maybe never. He was too serious to see the funny side of life.

“A woman with a sense of humor. I like that.”

“And you’re quite the charmer.”

He leaned closer. “Now, why would you say that?”

“Because we’ve only been sitting here a few minutes and I’m blushing.”

“You’ve got a pretty smile. It would put the Mona Lisa to shame.” He moved to the edge of the couch.

“And you’ve got enough compliments to rival a gigolo.”

His burst of laughter sounded so good, she couldn’t help but join him.

Simeon pushed through the door. “Hey guys, I’m sorry to keep you waiting, but there were a few problems at the site.”

Bishop stood and, side-stepped his briefcase to shake Simeon’s hand.

“Dakota, let me speak with Bishop a few minutes, then we can talk. I promise we won’t be long.”

“No problem. It was nice meeting you, Bishop.” She hoped she didn’t sound as giddy as she felt.

“It was nicer meeting you.” He gave her a warm smile and held her gaze a few seconds before following Simeon into the office.

A quick glance confirmed that his slacks were too loose to give a good view of his butt. She uncrossed her legs. Visions of Bishop would dance in her head tonight. Her stomach tightened with guilt as she tried to conjure up an image of Brian.

Dakota tucked her head down and tried to concentrate on the magazine she held in her lap. Not one of the articles interested her. Fleeting thoughts about a man she just met were ridiculous. She wasn’t some horny teenager passing through puberty. She was a thirty-year-old woman in a committed relationship. Even if she wasn’t acting like one right now.

The last few conversations with Brian had very little to do with them or their relationship and more to do with money and housing shortages. The photo they’d taken of him at the airport before he went through security seemed hardly recognizable now. She couldn’t remember what his lips felt like on hers, or his touch. But even her impetuous side couldn’t push her to cheat on Brian. Until he came home, she was stuck.

Walking on stilts had to be easier than trying to maneuver her life right now—unable to reach Brian, Simeon demanding her presence, and a total stranger pushing her to lustful thoughts— all had to be connected, but she couldn’t figure out how.