Body Chemistry Read Online Free PDF Page B

cans. When she saw Brenda she offered a tentative smile.
    “Is she with you?”
    Dominic glanced back, made a quick motion with his hand, to which the young lady nodded, then walked away. “She’s not my girlfriend.”
    “That wasn’t my question.”
    “No, but I wanted you to know that.”
    “I won’t even ask why because the reason wouldn’t matter.” She took a step back. “I guess I’ll leave now.”
    Dominic took her elbow and forcefully, yet gently, led her to a nearby couch. He sat and pulled her down beside him. “She works for me and she’s seeing Thomas.”
    “Your cousin?”
    “Yes, he’s my manager now.”
    “I’m not surprised. You two were always close.”
    Dominic glanced around. “He’s here somewhere. We’re working on developing a new project.”
    “Which I’m sure will be very successful. I’m surprised you made the time to come here,” Brenda said, unable to stop her sarcasm.
    “I’ve learned to make time for things that are important to me.”
    “Congratulations.”
    “Is that all?” he said with surprise. “I should get a royal pardon at least.”
    She frowned. “What does that mean?”
    “The Queen is without fault. Everything was my doing. I caused our divorce.”
    “I never said that.”
    “You didn’t have to.”
    “Look, I blame myself too, many times, but it’s over, so it doesn’t matter anymore.” She stood. “Goodbye.”
    He stood too. “Brenda.”
    She rested a firm hand on his chest and glanced around, embarrassed. “Lower your voice.”
    “I wasn’t shouting.”
    “You don’t think you’re shouting, but your voice could be heard in the Everglades.”
    He lowered it. “I’m sorry.” He glanced down at her hand and a slow smile spread on his face. She snatched her hand away.
    “Let’s not argue,” Brenda said, determined to keep her composure. “I know it’s something we do well, but let’s not do it here.”
    He leaned forward, a devilish twinkle in his eyes. “There’s something else we do well.”
    Brenda’s gaze fell and heat stole into her cheeks as the memory of their lovemaking rushed back to her as though he’d stripped her bare. But she wouldn’t let him unnerve her. She boldly stared back. “I know, but we’re not going to do it here either.” Brenda quickly turned away and marched to the foyer. She swung open the closet door and frantically searched for her coat.
    She didn’t have much time to look before Dominic spun her around. His eyes, dark like midnight, pierced hers. “Brenda, we need to talk.”
    The scent of his cologne embraced her, the same cologne that used to cling to their sheets at night and his bath towel in the morning. His hands firmly held her shoulders, hands that used to hold her close when they danced and that caressed her body when they made love.
    A sense of the magnitude of her loss hit her as she thought about how Madeline used to visit them for dinner. Those had been fun and happy times. Now they were gone forever. Her eyes filled with tears. “Please don’t say anything,” she begged, anguish making her voice tremble. “My friend just died.”
    “I know.” He surprised her by pulling her into his arms. She didn’t mind. At that moment she wanted to be held. She wanted to be comforted. She wanted to know that she wasn’t alone. And she cried because she knew he was strong enough to take her tears. He didn’t say anything. There were no soothing words of comfort or reassurances, he was just there—a quiet, solid presence and that was all she needed.
    Finally the tears ebbed and she drew away. “Thank you.”
    He nodded.
    Brenda looked up and checked his shoulder. “Not too much water damage.” She stared down at his chest, unable to meet his gaze. She touched his tie. “Remember when Madeline and I used to compete to see who could buy you the ugliest tie for your birthday?”
    “Yes, she usually won.”
    “I know. I don’t know where she got them.”
    “Especially that one