Chapter Fourteen

 

Dakota packed the last things in her overnight bag. She’d ignored Bishop’s calls for the balance of the week, blaming the bookstore renovation and preparing to be away for several days, but she really needed the space. The battle between her head and heart raged on and she still hadn’t chosen the winner. Maybe by now some other woman had crossed his path and he was ready to move on. Her insecurity would send any man running in the opposite direction.

Her stomach knotted with guilt for being such a coward, but she couldn’t see a Dakota that would let him go, no matter how much sense it made.

She let his calls go to the recorder, then she retrieved his messages. Listening to the sound of his deep voice only made her miss him more. She couldn’t pretend she wasn’t falling in love with him.

Every time the door to the bookstore opened, she looked up, hoping he’d found a reason to drop by and see her. The old notion that he should pursue and claim her like a lost item wouldn’t go away.

The cocoon she’d built around her life was her safety net. Right now nothing was going to break through, not even the suave and debonair Bishop Contee. All she had to do was get through the weekend in New York with him hanging on the fringes. Asa would be her excuse if her resolve weakened—she wouldn’t leave her sister stranded.

From the double window in her living room, she watched the limousine pull up in front of the townhouse. This trip was supposed to be fun, but she felt herself slipping backwards, like before, hardly daring to enjoy life.

As the driver loaded her bag into the trunk, she climbed in the back-seat. Asa was in the far corner with the mobile phone pushed to her ear, giving instructions on a design. While waiting for Asa to end her call, Dakota ticked off her checklist in her head. All book orders had been placed and Jennifer was in charge of the store, even though she’d frowned when Dakota gave her the list of responsibilities. But Jennifer frowned a lot lately, most often when Bishop was in the store.

In three short weeks, Bishop had shaken her life loose from its moorings. As much as she wanted to ignore him, he popped into her head at the most unexpected times. While eating breakfast, or stacking books, obscene dreams of him fueled a desire in her that simmered liked hot coals. He touched her skin with the knowledge of a lifelong lover. Her body responded to him on sight, like an out-of-control child.

Brian and Bishop were as different as David and Goliath. Brian wanted to take on the challenges of the world. Bishop seemed content to take her on. His soft, easy manner had lured her into his arms without much protest. As much as she liked Bishop, something said to keep him away from her heart. The man was a womanizer. She saw the way women looked at him, like he was a feast for the eyes.

Asa ended her call and squealed. “Sorry about that. There’s a problem with some of the fabric I ordered.” She leaned over and gave Dakota a squeeze. “I’m so glad you agreed to come with me.”

“I didn’t know we were being chauffeured to New York. This is nice.”

“I figured you needed a treat.”

Dakota pressed her hand into the soft leather seat. “I could get used to this kind of treatment.”

“Well don’t. We might catch the train home. It depends how well the show goes.”

“You’re always so modest.” Dakota grabbed her sister’s arm. “You’ve arrived. I’m surprised you’re still resisting it.”

“I never want to take my happiness for granted. It’s a gift and I’m blessed to have Simeon and Mia.”

“What will Simeon and Mia do without you for two nights?”

“Simeon won’t miss my granny panties and nursing bra for a couple of nights.” Asa laughed.

“Are you kidding me? Simeon misses you when you’re gone for a few minutes.” Dakota was quiet for several moments. “Do you think I’ll ever find the person that’s right for me like you and Melissa have?”

“Sure you will. Mim said there’s a lid for every pot and I believe it. You’ll know when he comes along.” Asa patted her sister’s hand, her gold bangles jingled with each stroke.

“Why did you invite Bishop to work on your set? Of all the architects who work for Harper Enterprise, couldn’t you find someone else?”

Asa made the shape of an O with her mouth. Her brain seemed to be searching for an answer. “I didn’t think about it. Simeon assigned him. He’ll meet us for lunch. As soon as we go over the design, he should be able to leave. Is that going to be a problem for you?”

Dakota pushed her curls off her forehead. “That’s fine. He’s here to work with you, not me. Besides, I think after this week, he got my message.”

“What did you do, Dakota?” Asa enunciated each word.

“Nothing, I’m just avoiding him, that’s all.” She rubbed her thumbs together. “Has Simeon heard from Brian?”

“I don’t think so. He’s at some outpost somewhere in Central America. He’s probably living in a tent.”

“Do you think he’s ever coming back to Bristol?”

“Why? Do you want him to?”

“I do. Not because I want a relationship. There are just some things that I never got to say. We have unfinished business. I know this phrase is overused, but I need closure.” The word coated her mouth with distaste.

“You don’t want to strangle him, do you?”

“Maybe a little.” She measured with her thumb and index finger.

“So, about Bishop. What’s going on?” Asa held her gaze.

“Bishop isn’t Mr. Right, he’s Mr. Right Now. Extending the relationship isn’t good for either of us. I’m lonely and he likes to have fun. That’s a recipe for disaster.”

Asa nodded. For the balance of the drive Asa regaled her with stories about baby Mia’s antics.

Asa shook Dakota’s shoulder just as they emerged from the Lincoln Tunnel Dakota peered out the window at the mob of people and the activity on Manhattan streets. She enjoyed watching people, and the limousine with its darkened window provided the perfect cover. Traffic crawled as they neared West 44th Street. The car eased to a stop in front of the Hotel Sofitel. Before she could grab her knapsack, the doorman opened the door.

They were escorted to a two-room suite. A bouquet of flowers graced the coffee table.

“These must be from Simeon,” Asa gushed. “How sweet.” She pulled the card free from the white calla lilies and looked at the envelope.

“They’re for you,” she said.

“Me? Who would…?”

Asa handed her the note with a smile and disappeared into one of the bedrooms. “Maybe you have a secret admirer,” she called over her shoulder.

Dakota slid the card from the envelope. “Have a good weekend. I’ll give you as much time as you need.” The writing on the card was scripted in a flowery pattern that couldn’t be Bishop’s. She held the card close to her chest. He promised one thing, but he was hard to tune out. The last time she’d received flowers had to be as a corsage for her high school prom.

She tucked the card into the pocket of her jeans and carried the flowers into the opposite bedroom. From her bag, she removed the sage-filled satchel and lit the end with a match. She waved it around her room before moving into the living area.

“Do you want me to cleanse the aura of your room?” she asked her sister before entering her bedroom.

Asa rolled her eyes toward the ceiling, but nodded.

“I know you think this is a waste of time, but it makes me feel better.” She walked around the king-sized bed, waving the satchel in the air.

“That’s why I’m not going to complain. When you’re done, let’s grab some lunch. I’m hungry.”

Dakota knew her sister thought she was a scatterbrain, but she had to honor the old soul that dwelled inside of her. While Asa unpacked, Dakota continued to cleanse the suite.

“Are you changing for lunch?” Asa stuck her head in the bedroom.

Dakota looked down at her tight jeans and knee-high suede boots, then at her sister’s off-white wool slacks and matching cashmere crew neck sweater. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing? You’re here on business, this is pleasure for me.”

“Just checking is all. Bishop is meeting us to go over the design.”

Dakota ran her hand through her hair. “Uh,” she sighed. “Maybe I shouldn’t go. I can meet you here after you’re done.”

“Don’t even think about ditching.” Asa pulled her arm. “You’re going.”

Bishop was already seated at the table when they arrived in the dining room. Asa took the seat across from him leaving the chair next to him open. He held the chair out for Dakota.

“How are you?” he whispered close to her ear. She hadn’t heard his voice in days and his question sounded like a sonnet.

She wanted to say something that was just as seductive, something that would make him as needy as he made her, something that made his body tingle all over, but her tongue got stuck and wouldn’t cooperate. “I’m good.”

Hunger pains fought with the anxiety in her stomach for center stage as she sat down. By the time the server showed up to take their orders, Dakota was ready to eat the menu.

Bishop placed his ever-ready tablet on the table. While he and Asa reviewed the designs for the set, she watched the other patrons, trying to pretend Bishop’s proximity had no impact on her. His thigh pressed against her leg. He had to be doing it on purpose. The large rectangular table had plenty of room. The wave of desire that emanated from his touch was exhilarating to her. She sipped her glass of ice water, hoping for some relief.

“Dakota, you’re awfully quiet. I hope this shop talk isn’t boring you,” Asa said.

“You two go right ahead. I’m fine.”

“So what’s on the agenda for this afternoon?” Bishop directed his question to Dakota.

She folded her arms on the table and looked at her sister. “We haven’t decided yet. We’re going to do some shopping, of course.”

Asa’s phone rang. As she reached for it, Bishop turned to her. “Good to see you, Dakota. As always, you look fantastic.”

“As always, you’re just being nice. But thanks.” Dakota patted her hair which she hadn’t combed since leaving room

Asa ended her call. “Dakota, you’re going to kill me. But as soon as we’re done here I need to slip out for a few hours to talk with my design assistant. She couldn’t resolve the fabric dilemma. I shouldn’t be long. I promise.”

“Don’t worry —”

“Maybe Bishop can keep you company until I come back.”

Dakota ignored the pitying look in her sister’s eyes. The little witch in Dakota’s head said her sister had set up the phone call just so she could leave her with Bishop. Alone. But she snapped her mouth shut.

§§§

Bishop studied Dakota’s face while she watched her sister hurry out the door. Tension etched her jaw, but she was still the most attractive woman in the room. Her full pouty lips glistened from her favorite lip gloss. He could hear his father calling him a chump for being so drawn to her, willing to give anything for her acceptance.

“It’s not so bad, me being here, is it?” he asked.

She took a short breath. “I just feel like this was set-up.”

“Well, I didn’t do it. But I like the opportunity to talk to you. You’ve been avoiding me.”

“I explained my position the last time we talked. There are more reasons for us to go our separate ways than there are for us to be together.” She rested her chin in her palm, her dark eyes penetrated his.

“I don’t believe that.”

“Look, we’re in New York. There are hundreds maybe thousands, of beautiful women here who would love to hang out with you. Since you and Asa are done with your business, why don’t you go have a blast? You don’t need to keep me company.”

The tension in her face eased. Maybe getting that off her chest was like putting down a heavy load. Pursuing Dakota began as a challenge. Now being with her was a necessity. In the week since she stopped taking his calls, it only accentuated how much he needed and missed her.

The server cleared the empty dishes. Bishop signed the check and pushed the black pouch to the center of the table.

“I won’t compete with your ex, Dakota, or ghosts of boyfriends past.”

“What ghost? There isn’t anyone else.”

“Sure there is. You say you didn’t love Brian, but you’re acting as if you owe him something. Like you’re in mourning and can’t get on with another relationship until a respectful amount of time has passed. You know that’s all bullshit, don’t you?”

“It would be bullshit if anything you just said was true. My feelings about you and I have nothing to do with Brian. You see that woman over there drooling over you?” She nodded her chin across the room. “I don’t want to compete with that every day. Sooner or later you’re going to miss all that action.”

He reached for her hand, holding on tight. “I never asked you to. You aren’t competing with anyone.”

They sat in silence for several moments, staring at each other.

Without releasing her hand, he stood.

“Where are we going?” she asked as he led her out of the dining room.

In the middle of the hotel lobby, he leaned in so close he could feel the softness of her breast on his arm. Her rosy scent caused an explosion of desire through his body. “I have an idea. Two, actually. We can go to my room, or we can visit the Guggenheim. Which do you choose?” he whispered in her ear, just for an excuse to get closer.

She turned her head so that her lips were almost touching his. “I’ve already seen the exhibit at the Guggenheim.” Her tone was the most seductive he’d ever heard.