Chapter Twenty-Seven

 

Bishop gnawed the inside of his jaw as he sped away from Dakota’s house. He understood why being single had to be ten times more hassle-free than trying to be with just one woman. In the past three months, Dakota had provided one hell of a rollercoaster ride.

But her reaction at seeing Brian pierced him like a poker through the heart. Just when he was ready to take the plunge and commit, she had emitted the smallest signal warning him away. The anger in her voice said she needed to calm down before they could talk. From the time it took to drive from the hotel to her home should have been enough, but at her door, she still wasn’t prepared to discuss anything. Instead, she looked like a wounded animal ready to charge her prey. He wanted to fold her tiny frame in his arms and fight off whatever tore at the sparkle that usually burned in her eyes.

He made a wide U-turn at the intersection and headed back. Whatever was going on needed to be resolved tonight. He wouldn’t let Brian tear her away so easily. At her door, he glanced up at the windows just in time to see the light in the bedroom go out.

The whole house was dark now. He leaned against the car and rubbed his chin. He fought back the urge to ring the doorbell, and got back in the car. Maybe a day or two wouldn’t be too late.

§§§

Dakota hiked up her fuchsia flannel pajamas and jogged down the stairs. She pushed the thermostat up two degrees. If she planned to spend the day cozied in the house, the temperature needed to be warmer. Spending yesterday with Asa, eating chocolate, had been relaxing, but now she wanted some time alone. In the kitchen, she brewed a strong cup of coffee and pulled a pint of Greek yogurt out of the fridge. She hauled everything upstairs on a serving tray and dropped onto the bed.

The phone rang. She pulled it closer to check the caller ID. Bishop’s name appeared on the screen. She propped up the pillows, ignoring him. How could she have fallen for someone like Bishop? He was only supposed to be the fun guy to help her forget about Brian. She wasn’t supposed to fall in love. He kept his feelings tucked away somewhere safe and undetectable. Mim always said actions spoke louder than words. Judging from his actions, he cared about her. But her head needed to hear the words. Even if he only said them while whispering in her ear in the dark of night when his passion had overwhelmed him.

She pulled the blanket over her bare feet and reached for her electronic reader. The letters of Voltaire held her attention until the phone rang again. Screening her calls wasn’t mean, it was a necessity. Nothing would drag her out of the house today. Today was her day and she wanted to be alone, sorting her thoughts without persuasion.

Simeon’s number flashed on the ID. “Good morning,” she hesitated when she picked up.

“It’s me, Brian. I’m staying here with Asa and Simeon. I was hoping I could talk with you.”

“I’m listening.”

“No, I want to talk to you in person. I think we’ve done enough talking on the phone.”

“I’m not leaving the house today. It’s a me day. I’m not even taking off my pajamas. Sorry.”

“When do you think we can get together?” There was urgency to his request. Something she hadn’t heard from him in the last year.

“Dakota, are you still there?” he asked when she didn’t respond.

“Yes. Maybe tomorrow. Can we meet at the little café near Bookends? I’ll be there at ten.”

“Thanks, Dakota. I know this may be difficult for you.”

“See you tomorrow, Brian.” She placed the receiver on the nightstand and took a deep breath. Everybody wanted something from her. What she wanted was to tune out the world and hibernate. She needed was a little time to sort through the emotions without all the buzzing in her ear.

With her coffee cup in hand, she wiggled deeper in the bed and took a sip.