Shrugging his shoulders with his palms up in the typical Italian ‘whatever you say’ gesture, Dominic said, “Son, I know that wouldn’t be your intentions, but—”
“But what, Pop?”
“Wasn’t it you who was just ranting a few months ago that you weren’t ready to be tied down to one woman?”
When Dom didn’t say anything, his father pressed on. “And in case you haven’t noticed, those kids are crazy about you. And I believe their mother is headed in that direction if she already isn’t there. All I’m saying son, is that you are playing with fire if you’re not seriously considering committing to Karen and her children.”
Dom let out a frustrated sigh as he started to walk again. His father followed suit. Did his dad really think he would hurt Karen or her kids? He was just as crazy about them and their mother as his father so eloquently pointed out. Just being around Karen and her children made him feel like a whole man. For once he felt a strong sense of possession when it came to Karen and the children.
“Pop, you’re worrying for nothing. My intentions toward Karen, Ashley, and Kyle are for the best.”
Dominic gave his son a sideways glance as they rounded a corner. “You sure about that, son?”
Mimicking his father’s glance, Dom assured him, “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”
Digging in even more, Dominic flashed a grin. “I know you’re ready to be Karen’s man. What man wouldn’t be? The woman is drop dead gorgeous with curves in all the right places.”
“You noticed?”
“I noticed.”
A smirk curved Dom’s lips. His dad was too much. Dude still thinks he has his player’s card from way back in the day. “Pop, don’t be trying to push up on my woman.” Pointing a finger at his father, he threatened, “Don’t make me tell Mom on you.”
Laughter twinkled in his dark eyes. “You wouldn’t do that to your old man. You know your momma has a mean streak.”
“I know. So watch your step old man.” Dom teased, sharing a laugh with his dad.
After their laughter had waned Dominic turned serious again. “Are you ready to be a father to Ashley and Kyle?”
Putting his hands in his jacket pockets, Dom stared straight ahead as he answered his father. “I’m way past ready.”
Slapping his son firmly on the back, Dominic couldn’t keep the pride out of his voice. “Good answer, son. Good answer.”
Chapter 10
Janet stood in the archway of her bedroom door. Her presence remained unknown as she watched her husband lounging on the bed, glasses halfway down the bridge of his nose as he read the Sports section of the Sunday paper. Tilting her head to the side, she wondered how long she would have to stand there before he noticed her.
Before the thought could take hold long enough in her mind, Dominic looked up at his wife. After all these years, she was just as beautiful as the day he met her at his family owned construction company, Peretti Construction. That particular day he had been irritated to no end. His father, Luka Peretti, had decided that out of his three sons, Dominic would be the one getting groomed to take over as president. His brothers, Pauli and Carmine, would remain in their perspective positions as electrician and foreman. He was not ready to give up his job as a structural engineer. Sitting behind a desk was not Dominic’s idea of working in construction.
Dominic’s first task at upper management was to interview the new candidate for the administrative assistant position. Glancing at the resume, Dominic was sure he wouldn’t hire the candidate, Janet Covington. She was a new graduate from Pierce Junior College with no experience. And to boot, she wasn’t even of legal drinking age. A girl that young would definitely be harassed by the sometimes out of control, rowdy construction workers. Dominic wasn’t in the mood to play babysitter and protector.
Having made up his mind, he entered his office, ready to dismiss the young lady. But a funny thing happened the second his eyes locked with hers. He fell in love and remained that way until this very moment.
Taking off his glasses and folding the paper, Dominic set them on the nightstand table. Patting the bed beside him, he gave his wife a sly grin. “Come on to bed. I promise not to bite…tonight.”
Janet’s laugh was throaty, sending musical notes into the air. Dominic became hypnotized by the sway of her hips as she made her way to him. The silky, ivory nightgown she wore made her cinnamon skin glow. “Promises, promises,” she sassed, ready for whatever loving he had in store for the night.