Chapter Four

 

The door to Simeon’s office opened and Dakota walked out first. Instead of the big, bright smile she wore going in, her mouth was pinched tight.

Bishop knew enough not to ask questions. With the unhappy look on her face, she obviously didn’t want to talk. If she wanted a ride, he’d take her where she needed to go. Nothing more. This one he had to leave alone. Her beauty was undeniable not sewn on, glued in, or baked on. A lot of good that would do him now since she was off limits. He shoved his hands in his pockets.

Simeon draped his arm over her shoulder and gave her a reassuring hug. “Bishop is going to take you home. I hope you don’t mind, but he’s doing this for me so I can get to a meeting.”

“I can walk back to the bookstore.” All the animation was gone from her voice. What could have happened in those few minutes in Simeon’s office to short circuit the laughter he’d seen in her eyes?

“Let Bishop take you home, Dakota. I don’t want you to be alone right now.”

“Simeon, I’m fine. Really, I am. I don’t like being away from the bookstore.”

“Take some time,” Simeon persisted. “Go home.”

“Okay. If you insist.”

Bishop held the outer door open. Dakota walked in front of him, leaving the scent of roses in her wake.

She gave Simeon a two-fingered wave before proceeding to the elevator. Bishop wanted to support her elbow, but decided against touching her. She appeared fragile and ready to flee. Her boots squeaked against the tile floor.

While they waited for the elevator, she rocked back and forth.

“Can I carry your backpack for you?” He wanted to assist her somehow.

“No. This is really my pocketbook. So I better handle it.” She adjusted the bag on her shoulders and tightened the straps. “I’m sure you don’t want to be seen carrying my purse.”

“I’d carry you if that’s what you needed. I don’t care what people think.”

“I’m okay.” She stepped into the elevator and backed into a corner Bishop pushed the button for the lobby.

“Bad news, huh?”

She glanced at the ceiling of the elevator while tracing her tongue over her lips. He couldn’t look away. Her gesture wasn’t sexual, but it stirred him, as if she’d looked him in the eyes and dared him to watch her.

“Expected news.” She finally looked at him. “Look, I know Simeon was being nice, but I really don’t need a ride home. I’m fine. You can go do something more important.”

“I’m sorry, but a promise is a promise.” He led her out to the parking garage. After she was settled in the car, he closed the door, and walked to the driver side. Usually, troubled women sent him sprinting. But something about her vulnerability made him want to help. Be supportive. She was like magnet, pulling him closer.

“I live on Pocahontas Avenue.

“I know. Simeon gave me the address.”

“How did you get stuck with taxi duty?”

“Not stuck. I volunteered. Simeon was in a pinch. I wanted to help him.” He shrugged, hoping she wouldn’t read anything more into his comment.

“Here I thought you were helping a damsel in distress.” Her voice softened.

“Don’t get it twisted. I’m where I want to be.”

“I see. I could take that several ways.” She managed a smile.

“Let me clarify for you. You look like you could use a friend right now. I’m being your friend.” He glanced at her legs, but quickly returned his attention to the road. Good thing she didn’t live far. The sooner he delivered her home, the better. He wasn’t use to having women as chums, pals, or buddies.

“Oh, what about my car? I left it parked at Harper Enterprise.” She glanced out the rear window as if she expected to see her vehicle following them.

“Don’t worry.” I’ll make sure you get your vehicle back.” He assured her.

She readjusted in the seat. “Do you mind if we stop and get a cup of coffee? I don’t usually drink caffeine this late in the day, but I really need a jolt. There’s a little coffee shop on the next corner.” She pointed.

“Sure. No problem.” He slowed the car, then parallel parked into the open spot.

Bishop escorted her inside the store. The smell of espresso welcomed them. After placing their orders for two large mocha lattes, Bishop reached for his wallet.

“This is my treat. I can’t expect you to drive me home and buy me coffee. I think you’ve endured enough for one day.”

She pulled her purse off her shoulder and opened the zipper. He placed his hand on top of the bag to stop her. “I can’t let you pay. I’ve got this. Why don’t you get us a seat? I’ll bring the drinks over.”

She meandered through the maze of tables to one near the window. Her colorful boots were the only thing cheery about her now. The twinkle in her eyes from earlier had disappeared, along with her ready smile. She unraveled the long yellow scarf around her neck and draped it on the back of the chair.

With their orders in hand, Bishop made his way to the table. Dakota had her chin propped in the palm of her hand and gazed out the window.

He slid the cup in front of her. “Here you go. It looks like you could use a pick-me-up.”

“Thank you. This is very nice of you.” She held the cup between her hands. “Tonight is going to be cold.” She could have been talking to anyone because she wasn’t looking at him.

“You don’t have to make small talk for me. It’s obvious you don’t feel like chatting.”

“That’s not true. I do feel like talking. I feel like screaming.”

“Then go ahead. Let loose.”

She looked around and shook her head. “I don’t think so. Not here.”

“Okay, we’ll do things your way. Yes, the temperature is dropping. But that’s okay, right?”

She faced him. “Cold is good. I will have an excuse to hibernate without having to explain my whereabouts. No one expects too much when the weather gets chilly.”

“You sound like you want to go into hiding.”

“I just want to be alone with my thoughts for a while.” She looked into his eyes. “Have you ever started your day one way and then something happens to turn everything upside down?”

“Yes. That happens to everybody at least once.” He nodded.

“Yeah, but it stinks.”

“After a good night’s sleep, whatever happened is never as bad as you thought.”

Without replying, she smirked.

“Would you like to talk about what happened back there?”

“We are talking about it.” She took a sip of coffee.

The late afternoon sun fell across her golden-colored skin, illuminating her even complexion. He wanted to run his finger along her jawline to see if she was as soft as she looked. The contrast between her smooth skin and her naturally curly hair made her look unique. Her large brown eyes searched his face. He could see pain behind her long dark lashes. Why was he just noticing her today?

“Tell me again how many times we’ve met.”

“We were never formally introduced. But I’ve seen you at every party or public meeting held by Harper Enterprise over the last year. You’re working on the community center aren’t you?”

“I am. But I can’t believe I never noticed you before.”

“You know if you say that too often. it becomes an insult.”

“Huh. I didn’t intend that. I’m mad at myself. I usually notice all attractive women.”

“I’ll make a note of that.” She looked out the window, dismissing him.

Dakota had spunk, and he liked women with spunk.