“I can’t sleep knowing there are predators out there preying on the innocent.” Dakota sipped the coffee.
“That won’t ever change,” Sin said. “You know that. Find yourself a woman and have a meaningful relationship.”
“Did that. It didn’t end well.”
The girls returned, each holding a doll. “Tell us about your event tonight,” Evangeline said.
“Every year, we hold an awards banquet with our biggest rival. For one night, we’re one big real estate family. This year, it’s at National Harbor.”
“Nice,” Evangeline said. “Are you staying there?”
“No. I’m swinging by The Dungeon on my way home.”
“Come by tomorrow for brunch, unless something comes up and you need more time. Either way, we’re happy to keep Sammy all day tomorrow.” Evangeline smiled at her niece. “We’ve got some other surprises planned.”
Sammy popped up on her knees. “More surprises?”
“Samantha, it sounds like you’re going to have a great time.” Dakota finished his coffee, then pushed off the sofa. “She had a slight fever last night, but she’s been fine all morning. I packed a liquid fever reducer if you need it.”
“We’ve got this,” Evangeline said. “Just enjoy your evening.”
“Thanks for taking care of her.” He hugged them both before lifting his child into his arms. “I love you, honey. Have fun and be a good listener, okay?”
“Okay. I love you, Daddy.”
He left, feeling somewhat free and kinda like he was leaving the best part of himself behind. Being a parent was a blessing. Being a single parent was a full-time job.
After returning home, he packed his tux and took off for the office. Slogging through Saturday traffic, he thought of Providence, the feisty club manager.
If there was anything that turned him on, it was a confident woman. Her rockin’ hot body and those swaying hips had snagged his attention, and her extreme beauty had held it. But it was her pissed-off, take-no-prisoners attitude that had spiked his curiosity and kept her in his thoughts. He had to see her again. Had to find out what the new sheriff did besides bust his balls.
But not before he talked to Stryker.
As he pulled into the parking lot of his flagship office in Tysons, he forced the stunning brunette from his thoughts. Time to let one of his employees go. Gritting his teeth, he walked inside the high-rise that bore his name. The elevators spilled open on the top floor, and he stepped into the highly competitive and fast-paced world of real estate.
Goode-Luck was the largest residential real estate company in the Washington region. With twelve offices in Virginia, DC, and Maryland, he employed over two hundred seasoned agents. As a licensed broker, and the company’s CEO, he managed a ten-person executive team, along with branch directors at each location.
After greeting his receptionist, he headed past the rows of cubicles on his way to his partner’s office. The floor was abuzz with activity, realtors eager to close their active listings while always on the lookout for new ones. At Goode-Luck, dozens of homes were bought and sold on a monthly basis.
He’d first met Juanita Goode when he’d moved to the area after college and started working at a real estate company in Fairfax. She had over twenty years of experience and a stellar track record. They’d struck up a friendship, then decided to join forces and operate as a team. That move proved quite lucrative. At the urging of Juanita’s husband, she and Dakota ventured out on their own. One office grew to multiple locations and, thirteen years later, they were the most successful real estate company in the region.
Dakota stopped in Juanita’s doorway, and she glanced up from her computer. “You ready?”
She collected her laptop and rounded her desk. “I couldn’t sleep last night. My stomach is in knots.”
Dakota offered an encouraging smile. “We’ve let agents go over the years.”
“But never for cause,” Juanita murmured.
Together, they headed toward the smaller of two conference rooms.
“He’ll move on,” Dakota said as they entered the conference room, “and learn his lesson.”
As he gestured for her to take the chair at the head of the table, she chuffed out a laugh. “You sit there. I’m much more comfortable being your wingman for this one.”
As Juanita sat, Matt Hastings strolled in.
At six-four, Dakota towered over most. In this case, Matt was several inches shorter, but all muscle. The twenty-something hotshot never hesitated to boast about his sales, but he had the numbers to back them up.
