Blindsided (Indigo Love Spectrum) Page 16

  “I scared you again?” Reese said.

  “Surprised me. I thought you were studying.”

  Reese shook her head, descending the stairs. “Just wanted to get away from daddy dearest.”

  “What happened at lunch today?”

  “I saw the master at work.”

  “The master?” Dahlia said curiously.

  “Mr. Lover Man. Some blonde bimbo sauntered over to the table and practically threw herself at him.”

  Dahlia managed to maintain what she hoped was an even expression. “What was his response?”

  “He made an attempt at outrage, but I wasn’t buying it.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because just moments before he admitted to being a womanizer.”

  “He told you that?”

  “He said he had a thing for beautiful women, and lots of them. He said he cared a great deal for my mother, but he didn’t love her, and when I asked if he’d loved any woman, he . . .”

  “What?” Dahlia asked. “What did he say?”

  “Nothing. That’s when the bimbo showed up. At that point I’d had enough, and that’s when we left.”

  “The whole time was bad?”

  Reese’s shoulders slumped. “It wasn’t bad. It was actually kinda fun, but that’s the problem. He’s too free, if that’s the right word. He’s not the fatherly type.”

  “But he is your father, Reese, and nothing is going to change that. You really need to take it easy on him.”

  “I am, Dahlia, but I can’t pretend I’m okay with the kind of person he is. He never loved my mother. She was just a warm body for him.”

  “Is that what’s really bothering you? The fact he didn’t love your mother?”

  “I guess. It was just a moment in time, and now he wants to step into the parenthood role. He doesn’t have to do that, and I’m not up for it.”

  “You can’t punish him for not knowing about you. He wants to know you, Reese. It stands to reason he would have stepped up to the plate if he had known about you all along.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure. He was a playboy then, and he’s a playboy now. I honestly don’t know what my mother saw in him.”

  Dahlia grunted to herself. She could list countless reasons why Gail would’ve been into Norris. A purely shallow and very obvious reason, he was drop-dead gorgeous. “You seem to have your mind made up about him,” she said.

  Reese nodded. “Mostly, yes.”

  “I really think you should give him another chance. He was really upset when you ran upstairs.”

  “He’s not used to a woman not falling at his feet.” Reese moved to the couch and sat. “He’ll get over it,” she said, munching on Dahlia’s chips.

  “What are you going to tell your mother?”

  “Mom? What do you mean?”

  “She left town to give you the opportunity to spend time with your father, a decision she didn’t reach easily.

  And now you’re just giving up without giving Norris a chance.”

  “Dahlia, what do you want me to do?”

  “A good start would be not to expect him to be Ward Cleaver.”

  “Who?” Reese asked curiously, digging for more chips.

  Dahlia chuckled to herself. What was she thinking? “You shouldn’t expect him to be the perfect father,” she restated in simpler terms. “He’s feeling his way through this just like you. Just keep that in mind the next time you see him. And you will see him again, right?”

  After some reluctance, Reese nodded. “Yeah, I guess.”

  “Good.”

  “I think I’ll finish studying now,” Reese said, traipsing up the stairs with Dahlia’s bag of chips. “I’ll see you in a couple of hours.”

  Dahlia watched with longing as her chips disappeared behind Reese’s door. She knew she should have bought another bag. Mr. Lover Man? Who was this blonde Norris had encountered at lunch?

  * * *

  Norris smiled as the hostess escorted Dahlia to the private room at Martin’s Lakeside Restaurant. He hadn’t seen her since the day he dropped Reese off after the luncheon gone wrong over a week ago. After much fast-talking, he’d managed to get Dahlia to agree to meet him for a business dinner. Of course, business was the last thing on his mind, but he needed an excuse to see her, and her audit made one readily available. Seeing her in the black dress that displayed her every perfect curve and a sexy twist to her stylish hair confirmed he’d done the right thing. She was too gorgeous for words.

  He stood when Dahlia approached the table. “I’m glad you could make it.” Norris excused the hostess and helped Dahlia into her chair.

  “You made it sound important, so I’m here.” Dahlia looked around the room. “The private dining room at Martin’s?” She shook her head. “I shouldn’t have come. This isn’t business.”

  Norris grabbed her hand before she could get away. “Dahlia, wait. Look.” He reached under the table and produced his briefcase, a weak attempt at compensating for the roses, candlelight, and elegant dinnerware decorating the room. “See? This is business,” he said, returning the case to the floor.

  “We could have done this over the phone.”

  “I think this calls for a face-to-face meeting.”

  “You have an office.”

  “Yeah, but Martin’s is so much nicer.”

  “Your office is very nice.”

  “Yeah, it is. I have great taste.” Norris smiled as she rolled her eyes. “But this is more . . .”

  “Romantic?”

  “I guess that’s a word, not that my office hasn’t had moments of romance.” He shook his head as his gaze swept over her. “You look sensational, but you always do.”

  “Norris.”

  “Dahlia, how much longer are we going to keep doing this tap dancing? I have been trying so hard to do things your way, but I can’t keep this up. I swear, I put Mario Andretti to shame when I left your house. Cold showers have become for me what ripple chips are for you. I miss the feel of your soft skin against mine. Your sweet smell. The way you moan when I take you there.”

  “Norris . . .”

  “I miss all of that. But what I miss most is you. Being around you. Talking to you. Laughing with you. Cold showers are a comfort, but they’re also a bitch. I’d much rather have you keeping me company than thoughts of you.”

  “What’s wrong, Norris? The nameless blonde isn’t taking care of your needs?”

  “Blonde?” He smiled. “Reese told you about Tawny.”

  “Tawny?” Dahlia drank from the sweating water glass placed before her. “That figures,” she mumbled. “You’re jealous.”

  “Of someone I don’t know?” Dahlia scoffed. “You really think a lot of yourself.”

  “Indeed I do, but you’re still jealous.” Anger flashed in Dahlia’s eyes. Norris laughed. “Okay, I’ll rephrase. You’re unhappy with the idea of her. I think that’s even better than jealousy. It’s very sweet, but unnecessary. Tawny means absolutely nothing to me.”

  “That doesn’t surprise me, Norris. She’s like all your women, including me. That’s what I want you to understand.”

  He shook his head. “I can’t understand that, because it’s a lie. Tawny is one of a string of women I’ve been with. I’ve had more than my share of lovelies, but none lovelier than you. Dahlia, you are the one lady I never believed could exist. The one I fell in love with.”

  “No.”

  “Yes.” Dahlia winced and lowered her gaze. Norris couldn’t ignore her discomfort, but he also couldn’t stop. “I know you don’t want to hear that, but at the same time, I think you like hearing it. I see your conflict, Dahlia, and feel your pain. I don’t like seeing my love hurt you. The love I know you feel.”

  Dahlia lifted her head. Tears streamed down her cheeks. “What do you want me to say, Norris?”

  “You know what.” He brushed away her tears. “But I’m not going to pressure you.” He saw this struggle with winning Dahlia’s love as the price he’d
have to pay for the hedonistic life he’d lived. So he would suck it up. “I want to hear the words from those sweet lips, but I see them in those beautiful eyes every time I look at you, and that’s enough for me. It will continue to be enough until you’re ready to speak them.”

  Norris chuckled. “When I say these words, I can barely believe it’s me. Ryan’s been on me for years about settling down, and telling me one day the love bug would take a bite out of me, but I never believed it.” Norris settled his hand around hers, and to his great happiness, Dahlia didn’t pull away, shout, or bolt. She looked at him, quiet but attentive. “Ryan was right. The love bug has bitten the hell outta me, Dahlia, and I don’t mind saying it to you. I don’t mind saying anything to you. I’m at ease with you. And I think our beginning is the reason why. We kinda just happened, and it’s the best thing to ever happen to me.”

  Dahlia’s tears refreshed. She pulled her hand away. “I need—I need to go,” she stammered.

  “Before you run off, I have a couple of things to say.”

  “Haven’t you said it all?”

  “Not quite. Dahlia, I’m in this for keeps. I’ve not been with any other woman since I met you, and I don’t want to be with anyone else . . . ever.”

  “What do you mean ever?”

  Norris thought of the five-carat diamond ring he’d picked up today and locked away in his home safe, and the day he could finally present it to Dahlia. “It’s what you think I mean,” he said. Norris released her hand. “I’m done.”

  After several moments of intense quiet, Dahlia cleared her throat. “What about my audit?” she said. “Audit?” he repeated.

  “Yes. That appointment with the IRS. What brought me here.”

  “Oh, yeah, that. It’s fine. Everything is going great. Don’t worry.” The aromas from Martin’s many tantalizing dishes wafted into the room. Norris’s mouth watered. “Are you hungry?”

  “No.”

  The growl from Dahlia’s stomach brought a smile to his lips. “It’s a good thing your body always tells me the truth your mouth won’t. I had the chef prepare some of your favorite foods. He even prepared some ripple chips for you, loaded with cheese, bacon bits, and a ranch dip. Delicious.”

  “You shouldn’t have done that.”

  “I like doing things for you. I only wish you would let me do them more often. You’re hungry, Dahlia. Stay. It’s just one meal, and we’ve had them before.”

  “This feels different.”

  “It might be. If you stay, I’m liable to consider it our first date.”

  Dahlia frowned. “It’s not a date, Norris, it’s business.” Norris couldn’t help smiling at the insincerity he found in her angry scowl. “Whatever you say,” he said.

  * * *

  Dahlia and Norris conversed over the decadent cherry cheesecake that completed their delicious dinner. She’d have to spend days on her treadmill after the food she ate, but she didn’t have any regrets. She was having a good time with Norris, being a sounding board for him.

  “And you haven’t talked to your mother since?” she said.

  “Not a word.” He pushed his empty dessert plate to the middle of the table and drank some water. “I shouldn’t have been surprised by her reaction, but I was. Surprised and hurt.”

  “I’m sorry, Norris, but I tried to tell you.”

  “I know. I’ve had a hard time making headway with Reese, and to explain her grandmother, and most likely her grandfather, have issues with her race . . . I doubt we’ll ever have the kind of relationship I want for us.”

  “Don’t give up on Reese. You two have spent some time together over the last few days. She hasn’t said much about it, but I didn’t get the impression it went badly.”

  Norris shrugged. “Not bad, but not exactly good. We’re pleasant with each other. Like we’re interviewing each other and afraid to say the wrong thing.”

  Dahlia finished the cheesecake and lowered her fork to the plate. “It’s only been about two weeks since Gail left, Norris. Things will get better between you two.” She laughed. “I think the biggest problem is you’re both so much alike.”

  “I agree with that. Reese is even more beautiful than I am. She’s very aware of that, and so are the boys who can’t keep their eyes off her.”

  “Did you hear yourself?”

  “What?”

  “She’s even more beautiful than you are? I find it amazing I can like two people who are as vain as you and Reese.”

  “You like me?”

  “I’ve never denied that.”

  “No. You just never say you love me. Then, again, you haven’t said you don’t.” Norris brushed his thumb along the corner of her lip. “You missed a bit of topping,” he said, licking the red glaze from his finger.

  Dahlia’s heart pounded furiously in her chest. They’d enjoyed a delicious dinner and stimulating conversation mostly free of the “L” word, and then Norris went and ate food from her face, making things tense again. She sucked down some water. “You could have used a napkin.”

  “Yeah, but what’s the fun in that?”

  A trio of strolling violinists made their way into the room. Dahlia couldn’t believe this evening. Norris had spared no expense.

  He extended his hand across the table. “Dance with me.”

  “I don’t think that would be wise.”

  “Ah, come on, Dahlia. Throw caution to the wind. I won’t tell anyone you danced with me, and I’m sure the entertainment won’t, either.” Norris kept his hand extended. “Come on.”

  Against her better judgment, Dahlia took his hand and took to the floor with him. Their bodies moved in a gentle sway to the music. Norris brought her closer, clasping his fingers around the small of her back.

  Dahlia draped her arms around Norris’s shoulders, and nestled her head in the crook of his neck. A soft sigh passed her lips. She missed being in his arms. This didn’t feel scary. Even on that first night, as wrong as it was, it had felt right. Her fingers combed through the soft curls at the nape of his neck. Norris moaned and held her closer. His pounding heart thudded against her breast, as an altogether different pounding thumped against her thigh.

  Dahlia lifted her head to the reward of Norris’s kiss. His supple lips caressed hers with the softness of a feathery touch. Her lips parted at the insistence of his warm tongue, welcoming his sensual invasion to her mouth. Dahlia clung to him, savoring this moment she had gone without for so long, with the thought of allowing it to continue back at his place. But she knew he would have none of that, and as much as it drove her crazy, it also made her feel incredibly special.

  The kiss came to an end. The sound of heavy breathing joined the sweet melody of soft strings. Passion-laden gray eyes stared down at her.

  “I would love nothing more than to take you home with me,” Norris said, stroking her cheek and reading her thoughts, “but you know why that can’t happen.”

  She nodded. “You’ve made it clear.”

  “This is killing me, Dahlia, but I can’t allow my carnal urges for you to override my hope for our future. It’s too important to me. I think this was a pretty good first date.”

  Dahlia smiled. He was right, but she wouldn’t allow herself to say the words. She had some serious soul-searching to do. “Good night, Norris.”

  “Good night, Dahlia.”

  Chapter 16

  “Hi.” Norris kissed Lara on the cheek and made his way into the house. “Angelica ready?” he asked.

  “Just about. Ryan is helping with her sneakers.”

  Norris brought his hands together. “Great. This should be fun. I know Justin went to the movies with Billy, but I’ll be sure to find him something he’ll like.”

  “Why do you want to take Angelica to the mall again? I’m certain using her as your chick magnet isn’t it this time.”

  “You wound me, Lara. I’m a chick magnet in my own right.” He grinned at Lara’s pursed lips. “She’s my goddaughter and I love spending time wit
h her. And I don’t think you and Ryan will mind having some time alone.”

  Lara pressed her hand to the side of her ever-widening girth. “I think Ryan and I have spent more than enough time alone. Today, we’ll spend our time alone writing thank you notes for last week’s baby shower.” She grimaced.

  “Oh.” Norris touched the top of Lara’s tummy. A thrusting movement bumped against his hand. “Oooh. Is that a foot?”

  “I think they’re playing Twister. You don’t want to know where those other feet are.”

  Norris shuddered. “I think you’re right.”

  Angelica raced into the room with Ryan following closely behind, urging her to stop running.

  “Uncle Norris!” Angelica leapt into his arms, hugging his neck. “Will you buy me a baby doll?”

  He kissed her nose. “Absolutely.”

  “Don’t spoil her, Norris,” Ryan said, draping his arm around Lara’s shoulders.

  “I think you’ve already beat him to it,” Lara remarked.

  “He’s worse than me, babe.”

  “What worse?” said Norris. “Buying this sweet child a doll is not spoiling her.” He pressed his cheek to Angelica’s. “Just look at that face. Who can say no to that face?”

  Lara raised her hand. “I can,” she said. “It’s hard but possible. Don’t go crazy, Norris.”

  “And that’s crazy by our standards, not yours,” Ryan said.

  Norris smiled as the precious little girl. Spoiling this angel came as easily for him as breathing. How he wished he’d known Reese at this age. If he didn’t call Reese, he would probably never hear from her. She didn’t freeze him out, but she definitely didn’t overextend herself, and the school year had ended a couple of weeks ago. Things had to get better for them, but first he had to convince her he’d shed his title of lady-killer.

  “So, is Dahlia joining you and Angelica on the mall excursion?” Ryan asked.

  “No. As far as I know, she’s working,” Norris answered.

  “As far as you know?”

  “That’s right. You ask me the same question all the time, and the answer is the same. There’s no relationship.”

  “You guys had that great date a couple of weeks ago.”