Second Chance at Love(59)

Dominic offered to pay for the private investigator’s services. Before Dom could refuse his father’s offer, Nick waved him off. “I got it.” He grinned at Dom. “Consider it my early wedding gift, too.”



The men slapped hands and gave each other a male embrace. “Thanks, man.”



“No problem. Karen’s a good mother and woman; she doesn’t deserve this.” Nick flashed a devilish grin. “Now if it was that loud mouth sister of yours…”



“Hey! Watch it! That’s my woman you’re talking about!” Langston said, chuckling and taking a boxer’s stance, ready to square off with Nick.



Nick threw his hands up in surrender. “Man, I’m just saying.”



The loud, boisterous male laughter could be heard all the way upstairs.



Pushing up the sleeve of his black leather jacket, he looked at his watch. There was just enough time to finish the final walk-through and have lunch before he had to go check on the brownstone project.





“Karen! Karen!”



Stopping in her tracks, Karen groaned. The office had been jumping all morning. It seemed that everybody in a ten mile radius wanted their teeth cleaned. Her lunch hour was at twelve-thirty. It was now one-fifteen. If she didn’t get something to eat soon, she was going to pass out from low blood sugar.



Turning around, Karen plastered a smile on her face. “Yes, Patty?



The perky young dental hygienist grinned at Karen. “Your last patient is in room 4.”



Irritated, Karen threw her hands up in the air. “Last patient? I’m on my way to lunch. Can’t you take this one?”



Shaking her head in the negative, Patty explained, “Dr. Smith wants me to run an errand for him.”



Letting out a frustrated sigh, she mumbled, “Oh, alright.”



“Cool! The chart’s in the room on the counter.” Patty said, bouncing off down the hallway.



Rolling her eyes, she shuffled down the hall. Giving two quick taps on the door, Karen opened the door, going straight into her introduction so she could hurry up and finish with the patient. “Hello my name is…” Her words died on her lips as she came face to face with her patient.



“Dom!” Running into his arms, she threw her arms around his neck. She hadn’t seen him in three days and missed him something terrible.



“Hey Babe.”



Wrapping his strong arms around her, he held her tight. The smell of her light floral scent was driving him crazy. Nuzzling her neck he whispered, “Girl, you smell so good. I just want to…”



Karen leaned back. Placing a quick peek on his lips she said, “Behave.”



“Come on, girl. You’re gonna have to do better than that.”



Karen giggled. “As you wish.”



The two melted into each other as their lips met. The kiss started off sweet and tender before deepening and burning with passion. Karen groaned into Dom’s mouth as he pulled her on his lap in the dental chair. The bulge in his pants pressed against her lush bottom. She was tempted to lock the door and have her way with him.



Breaking the kiss, Karen leaned her forehead against his. Her eyes closed as she struggled to catch her breath. Why was she torturing herself like this? Hadn’t they made a vow not to make love again until after the wedding? Disengaging herself from his embrace before she got herself in trouble, she stood up.



“What are you doing here?”



Dom stood to tower over her. Cupping her face in his large hands, he kissed the tip of her nose. “I was hoping I could talk you into having lunch with me.”



“You don’t have to twist my arm. I’m starving. Let me get my purse and coat and I’ll be ready.”



Dom followed as Karen left the room. “I’ll wait in the waiting room.”



“Okay,” Karen threw over her shoulder as she headed to the staff locker/lunch room. Pushing open the door, there sat Patty at the table, feeding her face.



Patty stopped mid-air as she was putting her ham and swiss on wheat bread to her lips. Grinning at Karen she said, “Did you enjoy your surprise in room 4?”



Karen walked over to her coworker. Leaning down, she hugged her. “I did. Thanks little buddy.”



Patty blushed. She really liked Karen. When she started working at the office a year ago, of the three hygienists, Karen had been the only one to warmly welcome her and help her to learn how to do her job efficiently.



Donning her coat and slipping the handle of her purse on her arm, she told Patty she’d see her in an hour.



“Don’t rush back. I told Dr. Smith I would cover you until you got back.”