Dance for the Billionaire(36)

Meeting the woman had made her feel better. For the first time she considered that Dominic’s interest in her was honorable as he’d always claimed it was.

All that was left now was for Chantelle to examine her interest in him.

Before she gave herself time to think about it, she composed and sent the message she knew would cause an immediate reaction: Please give me a week to make a decision. x.

As predicted Dominic’s response was instant: A week? Hell no! A day and no more!

Please, I need to examine my motives and analyze my feelings. xx

Her feet beat an incessant tattoo against the footrest of her chair as she awaited his reply. He won’t have liked that message, but if she had tried to soften the words he would have once again insisted on giving her little or no time to decide whether or not she wanted to make their relationship public knowledge.

Okay. X

His short answer was worrying.

She must have hurt his feelings. It was the last thing she’d wanted to do, but it was a huge decision…and she had to also consider her siblings.

Her mobile beeped again and she smiled as she read his message: Mum likes you.

I like her, too. She’s very proud of you. Showed me naked photos of you as a baby. J

WHAT!!!

Even at that age you were well hung! xx

Right, operation ‘seek and destroy all baby photos’ starts this evening!

Just kidding! And don’t you dare destroy them before I see them. xx

Perhaps. X

***





Chapter Eleven



“The girls want to stay in Jamaica with my mother,” Chantelle blurted out the week later as soon as Rogers had shown her into the living room, bowed to his employer and left in his customary silent fashion.

“And how do you feel about that?” Dominic asked softly, taking her hand and leading her to the magnificent staircase, which caught the eye as soon as one entered the front door, and up to his bedroom.

It was scary the way he sometimes read her like a book. She should have been nothing but happy at the news. This was her chance to be young and carefree like the average young adult her age. She could let her hair down, party hard and splurge on overpriced designer clothing with her new, generous salary. She should be happy, but instead it felt like there was a death in the family. On their return she had planned to take both girls to the West End to get them new underwear, comfy sleepwear, several formal and informal outfits, and some pretty, well-made shoes. They would have loved it. She could still buy the things and ship them to Jamaica, but she wouldn’t be there to see the delight on their faces as they tried each item. The thought made her unbearably sad.

“I shouldn’t feel like my children are abandoning me…but I can’t help it.” She had cried enough tears the previous evening when Cerise had dropped the bombshell, but saying the words now still made her feel bereft.

“It’s only natural after eleven years of taking care of Cerise and being a mother to Charmine almost since she was born.” Dominic wrapped his arms around her and stroked her hair soothingly. “But do you think your mother’s ready for the responsibility?”

“If my grandparents weren’t there, I wouldn’t let them stay just yet. She’s only been having one drink a day now and reducing the amount of vodka daily—with her training she knows better than to go cold turkey. She sounds and looks like her old self. They go swimming every day and she’s already taught them to swim. When we were younger she was so much fun, it was more like having a big sister than a mother. Cerise wouldn’t have remembered her from those days, so like Charmine she’s seeing Mum like this for the first time. I can’t blame them for wanting to stay with her.”

“Selfishly I’ll be happy to have more of you for myself,” Dominic admitted. “But if your mother starts drinking or the girls miss home and want to come back, we’ll send for them immediately.”

At any other time she would have objected to his assuming he had the right to make decisions on her behalf, but after the emotional night she’d had it was almost a relief to have him take control. Two days into her week’s deliberations she’d decided that if he could offer a few guarantees with regard to her siblings, she was ready for him to reveal their relationship to the public and all that entailed. Her sisters staying in Jamaica would simplify things considerably, but it was a curve ball she hadn’t seen coming.

“They have each other and Cerise will look out for Charmine.” Chantelle smiled as she remembered their last Skype linkup. “Last night Mum was showing them some of her old moves and they were cracking up with laughter. She’s a bit rusty, but she’s still got the moves. You should see her dance!”