Finally noticing the margarita the server set down, I pull the glass closer and am tempted to take out my phone just so I can take a photo of it. The rim is perfectly salted, and floating on top next to the paper-thin slice of lime is a trio of edible flowers. And they’re so pretty.
A tattooed hand holding a short glass filled with some sort of amber liquid lifts into my view. “A toast.”
I pick up my drink and tap it against Dom’s.
“To good women.” His voice is low.
“To leaning in,” I reply.
Those full, tempting lips quirk as he presses his glass against them.
CHAPTER 10
Val
The margarita is perfect.
The spring rolls are perfect.
Conversation with Dominic is perfect.
We talk about his cousin, who drives race cars. We talk about his aunt, who sews wedding dresses.
And I don’t get at all flustered talking to Dom about weddings.
And I press my fingertips to my cheeks to cool down because the drink is making me warm, not the topic.
My next margarita is perfect.
My noodles are perfect.
We talk more. We share more.
I tell him about Hawaii.
I tell him how I missed him.
I tell him that I wished he’d been there with me.
I smile when he looks at me.
I drink the water he hands me.
I take Dom’s hand as he stands.
My vision swirls as I let him walk me to the bathroom.
I sway to the music as I close my stall door. Feeling… good. A little dizzy but good.
I struggle with the double clasp on my pants but get them open.
I struggle a little more putting them back on but manage.
The soap is extra slippery.
The water feels good, and I let the cool liquid flow over my wrists.
The door to the bathroom opens behind me, and it’s him.
My Dominic.
His blue eyes lock on to mine through the mirror, and it feels like a dream. Like a really good dream.
“Come with me, Mama.”
He’s behind me now, holding out a paper towel.
“You shouldn’t be here.” I can’t tell if I whisper it or if I shout it.
Dom wraps his arms around me from behind and dries my hands for me. “For once, we disagree.” I start to close my eyes at his voice. “This is where I need to be.”
Lips press against my temple.
“I really like you.” I make sure I whisper it this time.
Those lips press against my temple once more. “I’m going to remind you that you said that.”
The lights keep changing.
Darker to brighter. Blue to pink. Close to far.
“This way, Shorty.”
My feet shuffle forward. And my hand squeezes around a set of fingers.
Dom’s fingers.
Because we’re together.
“Let’s go in here.” His voice is so far above me.
I follow.
I’m tired, sleepy, but I still feel good.
And I don’t want to leave him.
Until our paths part.
“I don’t want our paths to part.” I think I say it out loud.
The hand in mine squeezes me back.
“I’m not leaving you,” Dominic reassures me.
I glance up, wanting to see where we’re going, but I can’t read the name. I see the letter t.
“Step up for me, Valentine.”
I step up. And the lights are brighter.
I have to squint.
Dominic lets go of my hand, and I let out a little whine, missing the contact.
I hear someone chuckle. But it isn’t Dom, because his hand is now around my shoulder, pulling me into his side, and he feels solid. Still. Not vibrating.
My eyes slide shut all the way as I lean into him.
Lean in.
I think that phrase over and over.
Lean into the warmth.
A shiver runs down my arm.
“Stand still, Shorty,” Dom whispers, then his body moves away.
My mouth opens, wanting him to come back. But then I’m being wrapped in warm silk.
I sigh into the feeling.
Someone is talking.
But I can’t pry my eyes open.
Not yet. Not with Dominic’s scent and warmth surrounding me.
“Say I do, Valentine.”
I smile, sliding my eyes open enough to look up at the man against my side. “Say I do, Big Guy.”
He lifts one hand and brushes the backs of his fingers over my cheek. “To good women.”
His eyes look sad.
I don’t like it.
I don’t want him sad.
I reach up and grab hold of his forearm. “I’ll make you happy.”
Dom lowers his eyelids as the hand against my cheek slides around to the back of my neck. “You are.”