Page 25 of Full Throttle

Might as well get used to it now.

CHERRY

Late Wednesday afternoon, I sipped a cup of tea, resting my head in one hand as I relaxed back into the chair. I had cleaned my little apartment, done my errands and laundry. I was ready for the week ahead. Since I was working on Saturday, I had today off. I always liked doing my errands on the weekdays since the stores weren’t as busy as the weekend. My phone buzzed, and I looked at the text from Hannah asking if I wanted to come out on the weekend after work and help her with her garden. She was so excited in her new home. With Chase. It was obvious to me my daughter had fallen hard and fast for the young man. I had to admit, I liked him a lot. He was caring, hardworking, and as serious about her as she was about him. I could see the way he watched her. It reminded me of the way my husband used to watch me. There was an underlying intensity to the glances. A way of making sure I was okay if I wasn’t beside him. A longing to have me back and close.

The same way Dom looked at me now.

Dominic Salvatore.

I couldn’t get the man off my mind. No matter how hard I tried. After my husband died, I never thought I would feel such an intense attraction for another man. After the one huge mistake, years had passed, some casual dates occurred, attempted relationships—nothing. But with Dom, it was powerful. Hot. Yearning. I scoffed out loud as I realized I was missing him even now.

Our night together had been passionate. Incredible. He awoke the woman in me, bringing back the lust and desire I had thought were gone for good. Simply seeing him in the bar had caused a reaction I didn’t expect. Longing. Heat. Even jealousy at the looks other women were bestowing on him. And as hard as I tried to fight it, I wanted him. He seemed to enjoy our sparring, egging me on until I broke, kissing him with a fiery passion I didn’t know I possessed.

I passed a hand over my head. I was still torn. Unsure. I wasn’t interested in booty calls and the occasional weekend fling. He insisted that wasn’t what he wanted either, but how would a long-distance relationship work?

He had walked into the guest room on Sunday, pulling me into his arms and kissing me until I was a shaking mess. He cupped my face, staring down at me with those incredible eyes.

“You obviously need some space, so I won’t follow you home. But I’ll see you this week, Cherry G. And the one after. I’m not going anywhere, so get used to it.”

“Do I have a choice in this?” I asked.

He smiled. “Tell me to leave, and I’ll go. But mean it.”

The thought of not seeing him again kept me quiet. He laughed low in his chest, the sound pleased. “I know you didn’t expect me,” he said, suddenly serious. “I didn’t expect you either, but I’m damn glad it happened. We’ll figure it all out. Stop overthinking, worrying, and reacting to every other negative thought in your head. Stay in the moment with me.”

Then he kissed me again and left.

Hannah came in to see me as I zipped up my little overnight bag.

“You okay, Mom?”

“I’m fine.”

She sat on the bed. “You’re attracted to him, aren’t you?”

I sighed and nodded. “I shouldn’t be.”

“Why?” she asked. “Because of Dad?”

“No,” I replied, sitting beside her. “Your father would have wanted me to move on, and it has been years. But Dom isn’t the sort of person I would have expected to have a relationship with.”

“You mean because he is sort of a bad boy?” Hannah teased. “You think an accountant would be a better fit?”

I laughed. “He is so incredibly hot,” I admitted. “Not what I expected.”

“Did you sleep with him?” she asked.

I looked her straight in the eye. “Not a lot of sleep happened, Hannah.”

She laughed. “You like him.”

“He’s not my type,” I insisted. “He’s a reformed bad boy who hasn’t completely given up that edge,” I mused. “He’s bossy and determined. Dom is the right name for him. He gets what he wants.” I paused. “Everywhere.”

“I see,” she murmured.

“But he is so sweet,” I mused. “Thoughtful. Giving. I haven’t felt like a sexy woman in years. Since your dad. Last night, I was reminded of the fact that I was.” I swallowed. “Several times.”

“Um…”