Chapter Sixteen

 

Dakota darted into the suite and shed her clothes as she ran to the shower. Her jeans, her top, her shoes, but she held onto Bishop’s essence. It clung to her like a mist of cologne. The giddy feeling she’d felt on the way to New York intensified. How can something she wanted so much be bad for her?

As she lathered, the play-by-play details of the afternoon popped in her head. The way he touched her body confirmed that she was desirable to someone. She could have made love to him all day long. But pacing was important, otherwise she could fly away like a runaway kite. She hummed as she rinsed he suds from her body and stepped out.

By the time Asa walked in the suite, Dakota was stretched across one of the chairs with a book in her hand. She hadn’t read one word on the page. Instead, she relished the happiness that kept shocking her heart and making her smile.

“Sorry about that. I hope I wasn’t gone too long.” Asa dropped her purse on the floor and plopped in the chair beside her. She swung her legs over the arm of the chair.

“Not at all. I found something to keep me busy.” The words sounded more coy than she intended.

“Something or someone?” Her sister grinned.

“I won’t kiss and tell.” Dakota closed the book and sat up straight.

“So, there was kissing going on, huh? It appears you’re no longer pining over—”

Dakota held up her hand. “Don’t even say his name. If I never hear his name again that’s fine with me. I’ve moved on.” Lying to Asa wasn’t something she liked to do, but there was no way to explain what was going on in her head to her sister.

“Okay. Don’t get your britches in a knot.” She swung her foot. A wrinkle appeared between her brows. “Do you think you should get involved with Bishop?”

“Why are you asking me that? Do you know something?”

“You and Brian just broke up. I think you’re rebounding, which isn’t fair to you or to Bishop.”

“I’m a big girl, Asa.” Dakota crossed her arms around her waist.

“I worry about you. No matter how you felt about Brian, that breakup impacted you.”

“I’m not thinking about a long-term relationship. Not right now. After a yearlong lull, I deserve to have some fun?”

“You’re not a have-fun kind of person. Either you’ll get hurt or you’ll end up fighting with Bishop. Nobody wins if you go into a relationship using him to fill your heartbreak.”

Dakota stood up and placed her hands on her hips. “I’m not in a relationship with Bishop and I’m not using him. I’m having some fun and that’s all he wants, too. I’m lonely, Asa. I’ve spent the last year talking to myself, eating alone, and going to bed alone and having sex alone. I want someone to talk to late at night when you’re cuddled up with your husband. Bishop is a grown man. I haven’t made any promises to him and I don’t plan to.”

Asa stood too. “I’m not judging you, Dakota. I just want you to slow down and think about what you’re doing.” The sideways glance she gave Dakota was loaded with warning.

“I’m always thinking about what I’m doing. I’ve spent the last year with nothing but time to think. Look what thinking got me, Asa. Nothing.” The high pitch of her voice strained her throat.

Asa placed her hand on Dakota’s shoulders. “I’m just worried about you. No matter what, I’ll be here for you.” Asa gave her arm a squeeze.

“Thanks, but let me just do this my way. If I need you, I promise I’ll let you know.

Asa shook her head. “Look, this is supposed to be a fun weekend. So, are you ready to hit the streets? Should we shop first or sightsee first?”

Dakota curled a lock of hair around her finger. “Let’s shop. I hear a pair of shoes calling my name.”

Asa looked at her watch. “I’m not meeting Bishop until six. We can do a lot of damage before then.”

“Let’s go.” Dakota made her way to the door.

§§§

Four hours later, they pushed their bags into the back seat of the cab and climbed in.

“That was so much fun. I haven’t been shopping for anything nice and sexy since the baby was born.” Asa opened the Saks’ bag and pulled out the box. “Don’t you love these Manolos?”

Dakota nodded. “They’re nice, if you want to spend all day in five-inch heels.”

Asa dropped them back in the bag and sighed. “I’m exhausted. I’m not used to all this running around.” She put the bag at her feet. “Do you want to stop at the hotel or do you want to go with me to the center for my meeting?”

Dakota pretended to think about her options. “I’ll tag along.”

“We won’t be long.” Asa yawned.

§§§

Bishop stood in front of the hall in his signature trench coat and suit. Dakota scrutinized him. When did she fall in love with such a traditional man? Desk job, business suits, straight nine to-five. His bad-boy appeal was the only thing outside the mold. She figured her man would be the outdoor type, who liked hunting, fishing, or counting stars. Did that mean she’d start wearing gray slacks and white button down blouses?

His handsome silhouette looked amazing. Dakota caught her breath. She hardly recognized herself. She was acting like a high school girl going to the prom. She wanted was a repeat of their afternoon. Even a small slice of their earlier tryst would make her sing happy songs for days.

She didn’t recognize herself and for now that was okay. As long as she didn’t fall back into what she was used to, maybe she’d be okay. Bishop helped them out of the cab and held the bags. He led the way into the hall, gesturing right and left, pointing out things he’d already taken care of, while their packages swung from his arms like appendages. No matter which side of the set Dakota stood on, he managed to sidle next to her. The simple gesture sent her confidence soaring ten points. If she ever got him in bed again, she’d have to give him a special thank you.

He placed their shopping bags on the floor and turned on his tablet. While he discussed the required changes, Dakota moved away from them.

The wrinkle in her sister’s brow returned.

“Maybe I should go back to the room and let you guys talk business,” Dakota said, moving toward the door. This was supposed to be a business trip for Asa, not an opportunity for her to frolic with Bishop.

“I think we’re almost done here.” Bishop closed the lid on his trusty tablet. “Asa, if you’re okay with these changes, the contractor will make them first thing in the morning well before the show.”

“They’re perfect.” She released a big breath. “Dakota, are you ready to call it a night?”

“Dakota, do you mind if I speak to you for a minute? Let me buy you a drink.” His eyes pinned her for an answer. Dakota looked from her sister to Bishop. She felt like the rope in a tug of war. She opened her mouth, and then closed it again.

“You go ahead, Dakota. I want to call home and talk to Simeon before it gets too late.” She picked up her bags.

“Are you sure?”

“I am, sweetie.” She kissed Dakota’s cheek. “Have a good night.”

As Dakota made her way to the exit, Bishop slipped his hand into hers

“You didn’t think we were finished, did you?” he asked when they were alone.

“Not by a long shot.” She stretched on her toes and kissed him. “What have you got in mind?”

“I should probably take you to a nice club or a show. But I’ve got wine chilling in my room. I stopped at the Duane Reade for more condoms, and I’ve got your name tattooed on my brain.”

“Then what are we waiting for?”