Second Chance at Love(7)

Karen rolled her eyes. “We shouldn’t have kissed.”



Dom leaned into Karen’s personal space. She told herself she wouldn’t let him intimidate her. She would stand her ground. But then he had to go give her that sexy grin that turned her insides into mush. She found herself easing back, putting some space between them.



Reaching up, Dom tucked a piece of wayward hair behind Karen’s ear. “I’ve wanted to kiss you for the longest.”



Karen swallowed hard. She’d wanted the same thing. Imagined him taking her in his arms and kissing her senseless like he’d just done. Imagining it was nothing compared to experiencing it. And what an experience it was. She didn’t know a tongue could make her want to just throw caution to the wind and lose herself in the moment. But after the moment was spent, where would that leave her? Alone.



“Dom, we can never kiss again.”



Inching closer, closing the distance, Dom’s hand snaked around Karen’s neck, invading her personal space once again. Karen’s heart hammered in her chest when he moved in even closer, their lips nearly touching. “I know you don’t mean that.” His voice dropping to a husky whisper, “What if I kissed you again?”



Do it! Do it! Please do it! “You better not.” Karen wanted to kick herself. She’d meant for her voice to come out stern, no nonsense. Instead she sounded like a purring, sex kitten.



Just as Dom’s lips began to descend on hers, Karen’s stomach let out a loud, obnoxious growl.



“Oh my God! How embarrassing!” Karen squealed, leaping as far away from Dom as she could. Covering her face with her hands she pleaded, “Just leave. Leave now and don’t ever come back.”



Throwing his head back, Dom let out a bark of laughter. Standing up, he reached for Karen’s hand. “Why don’t you let me take you to get something to eat?”



Karen placed her hand in Dom’s. She tried not to laugh, but couldn’t help herself. She playfully swatted Dom in his tummy, marveling at how hard his abs were. “Stop laughing at me. It’s not funny.”



Letting her hand go, Dom cupped his hands around his mouth imitating growling stomach noises. Karen elbowed him in the ribs. “You are so not funny.” Heading out of the room, she called over her shoulder, “Wait here while I go get my sneakers.”



After Karen left the room Dom pumped his fist. “Yes!” Things were finally moving in the right direction.





Chapter 4





“Hey big sis. What’s going on?”



Karen smiled at hearing her sister Starr’s voice on the other end of the phone. “Nothing much. Just getting ready to iron the kids’ school uniforms for the week.” Turning on the iron, Karen adjusted the appliance to the cotton setting. “What’s going on with you?”



“Girl, I’m just relaxing. Mom and Poppa Patrick loaded the kids in the stroller and went for a walk. I’m going to cherish every second they’re gone.”



Karen laughed. “I know what you mean. The kids have been with Ava’s folks all this weekend.” Taking a shirt from the laundry basket, Karen gently shook it before laying it on the ironing board. “I can’t tell you how delightful it’s been being all alone.”



“Is that right?” Starr queried. Karen noticed the hint of laughter in her sister’s voice.



“Girl, what are you talking about?”



“Oh don’t even play with me. From what I hear you weren’t all alone this weekend.” Starr teased, knowing she was about to rattle her sister’s cage.



An uneasiness swept over Karen at the lie she was about to tell her sister. “I haven’t the slightest idea what you’re talking about.” Okay, why did her voice have to suddenly croak like she had a frog in her throat? Again she reiterated, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” At least this time her voice came out a little stronger.



“Is that so Karen Marie Avery Johnston?”



Standing the iron up so she wouldn’t burn a hole in her daughter’s uniform shirt, Karen prepared herself for Starr’s probing. Once Starr got on a roll she wouldn’t let up until she unturned every stone. But Karen was determined not to give in so easily to the probing.



Sighing as if she was bored to death, Karen said, “Y-Yes that is so Starr Michelle Avery Dawson.”



“Humph, that’s not what a little birdie told me.” Starr taunted.



Padding into the kitchen for a glass of water, Karen shot back, “I don’t care what a little birdie told you.”