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four
SANDRA
Iescape Dominic’s home before he could play off our night together like another one-night stand. Do I want more? Last night was better than the first time, and let’s face it, the first time was pretty magical. I’m not fleeing, though. He has my number, and I have his.
I don’t want to ruin it. For some reason, I go feet first into every relationship and give more of myself than my partner. Maybe I come on too strong and it scares them.
I don’t have time to think about the possible heartbreak I’m already preparing myself for. The elevator to my floor opens and I enter the code for my front door and hurry toward my bedroom. I need to wash off all the sex from last night. The memories of how he owned my body will play out in my mind for some time to come.
Passing the open living room to my bedroom, I pull out clean yoga pants and a large hoodie. My apartment is small, and I take my clothes into the only bathroom, which is around the corner from the living room, and take a quick shower. I pull my wethair into a messy bun and slip on my clothes, then head to the kitchen. I grab two apples and make my way next door to get my little guy.
I knock and hear his excited bark, and when Mrs. Winslow opens the door, my sweet pug runs straight at me, thrilled I’m back. He makes my lonely life less lonely, and with my sister and nieces leaving for a year, this little flat-faced puppy may be what gets me through some long nights.
“You ready, Mr. Otis Reginald McDonald? Wanna go see Bridget and Maggie?”
He knows these names, as much as he recognizes the apple in my hand. “In the car, buddy. Let’s go.” I put his harness and leash on, and since he’s motivated, he doesn’t fight me.
“He was a good boy for me, Sandra,” Mrs. Winslow says and bends over to give him a kiss. “I can’t compete with two little girls full of energy. Have a good visit.”
She shuts the door and Otis doesn’t wait; he leads me to the elevator and prances inside. The Uber pulls up moments after we exit the elevator, and I secure the little guy with a special leash that clips into the latch for the seat belt.
“Ready to go see Aunt Cami and the girls? And get my car?”
His bark is permission to start our quick trip out to the suburbs.
The girls areoutside waiting for me when the Uber pulls into the drive. They come to the back-passenger side door, squealing with excitement, and lead Otis into the house. My sister meets me in the parking lot that will be transformed into a peaceful garden while they’re away.
She passes the girls while Otis leads them inside, and she meets me at the top of the steps. They were supposed to leave this morning, but Dane had some last-minute clients to meet with, and they postponed the move until next week.
“Coffee is inside. Thought we’d chat in there.”
“I bet if you weren’t pregnant, the coffee would be wine,” I say.
“You’re not wrong. So, I was surprised when I walked into your room today and you were gone. Miles mentionedafter the factthat you and Dom couldn’t get out of here fast enough. Cassandra McDonald, you have a lot of explaining to do.”
She links her arm with mine and leads me up the side entrance of the home. All the major changes, like an attractive entranceway, will replace the brick steps that link to a door on the side of the building. The new door will lead to the beautiful outside space that Dominic is responsible for.
Through a long hallway is an open living space with exposed duct work and pipes, giving it an eclectic feel, and my coffee sits on the table between two large light brown leather sofas. “You not drinking coffee?” I ask as she steeps a tea bag in water.
“Can’t stomach coffee right now. Somehow this pregnancy is different.”
“That’s odd,” I add and take my coffee, pouring my cream and sugar then leaning back taking in the space. “You did a great job with this place. I can’t wait to see the finished project. Will it take an entire year?”
She pushes against the back of the couch, drumming her fingers against her leg. “Well, we’re gone a year, so yes. Plus, there are a lot of structural things that need to be done. But, enough about the house. You’re avoiding my questions. I woke up this morning without my sister in our home, which I expected, until Miles told me you left with Dom like the house was on fire, so care to share?”
“Nah, not really.” I attempt to answer in a flat voice, unable to keep my amusement at bay as I erupt into laughter, again. “And anyway, how are you surprised, when you’re the one who pointed him my way?”
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about.” My sister avoids eye contact. It’s always been her number one giveaway when she’s lying.
“Yeah, right.”
“Seriously, though, tell me everything.”
“No,” I say without much finality.
“Okay, bitch,” she bites out, and I nearly cackle. I knew I wouldn’t get through this day without an interrogation. I’m about to be drilled with questions like it’s the Spanish Inquisition.
“Not much to say. We had another night together. Woke up, and this time we shared some coffee and a little bit of breakfast. I left, exchanging numbers, and that was that.”
