The Sweet Road to Love

by Jacki Kelly

  “Oh, yeah.”

  “I was only joking. I don’t want you to think I’m some stalker chick.” She kissed him.

  “I think you’ve got me all wrong,” he said.

  “Shhh. We don’t need to dissect this.” She swung her legs off the edge of the bed.

  He glanced at the clock on the table beside the bed. “It’s not too late to go to the Guggenheim. We can still catch part of the exhibit.”

  “Maybe some other time.” She climbed out of the bed.

  The curtains were still open. It wasn’t too dark outside, but the neon lights from Time Square brightened the room. With her round rump exposed, she picked up her clothes from the floor.

  “Are you leaving?”

  “I think I’d better. I need to get back to the room to meet Asa.”

  He jumped out of bed and pulled on his pants. “Let me ride with you upstairs.”

  She held up her hand to stop him. “No. You stay here. Please.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Dakota darted into the suite and shed her clothes as she ran to the shower. Her jeans, her top, her shoes, but she held onto Bishop’s essence. It clung to her like a mist of cologne. The giddy feeling she’d felt on the way to New York intensified. How can something she wanted so much be bad for her?

  As she lathered, the play-by-play details of the afternoon popped in her head. The way he touched her body confirmed that she was desirable to someone. She could have made love to him all day long. But pacing was important, otherwise she could fly away like a runaway kite. She hummed as she rinsed he suds from her body and stepped out.

  By the time Asa walked in the suite, Dakota was stretched across one of the chairs with a book in her hand. She hadn’t read one word on the page. Instead, she relished the happiness that kept shocking her heart and making her smile.

  “Sorry about that. I hope I wasn’t gone too long.” Asa dropped her purse on the floor and plopped in the chair beside her. She swung her legs over the arm of the chair.

  “Not at all. I found something to keep me busy.” The words sounded more coy than she intended.

  “Something or someone?” Her sister grinned.

  “I won’t kiss and tell.” Dakota closed the book and sat up straight.

  “So, there was kissing going on, huh? It appears you’re no longer pining over—”

  Dakota held up her hand. “Don’t even say his name. If I never hear his name again that’s fine with me. I’ve moved on.” Lying to Asa wasn’t something she liked to do, but there was no way to explain what was going on in her head to her sister.

  “Okay. Don’t get your britches in a knot.” She swung her foot. A wrinkle appeared between her brows. “Do you think you should get involved with Bishop?”

  “Why are you asking me that? Do you know something?”

  “You and Brian just broke up. I think you’re rebounding, which isn’t fair to you or to Bishop.”

  “I’m a big girl, Asa.” Dakota crossed her arms around her waist.

  “I worry about you. No matter how you felt about Brian, that breakup impacted you.”

  “I’m not thinking about a long-term relationship. Not right now. After a yearlong lull, I deserve to have some fun?”

  “You’re not a have-fun kind of person. Either you’ll get hurt or you’ll end up fighting with Bishop. Nobody wins if you go into a relationship using him to fill your heartbreak.”

  Dakota stood up and placed her hands on her hips. “I’m not in a relationship with Bishop and I’m not using him. I’m having some fun and that’s all he wants, too. I’m lonely, Asa. I’ve spent the last year talking to myself, eating alone, and going to bed alone and having sex alone. I want someone to talk to late at night when you’re cuddled up with your husband. Bishop is a grown man. I haven’t made any promises to him and I don’t plan to.”

  Asa stood too. “I’m not judging you, Dakota. I just want you to slow down and think about what you’re doing.” The sideways glance she gave Dakota was loaded with warning.

  “I’m always thinking about what I’m doing. I’ve spent the last year with nothing but time to think. Look what thinking got me, Asa. Nothing.” The high pitch of her voice strained her throat.

  Asa placed her hand on Dakota’s shoulders. “I’m just worried about you. No matter what, I’ll be here for you.” Asa gave her arm a squeeze.

  “Thanks, but let me just do this my way. If I need you, I promise I’ll let you know.

  Asa shook her head. “Look, this is supposed to be a fun weekend. So, are you ready to hit the streets? Should we shop first or sightsee first?”

  Dakota curled a lock of hair around her finger. “Let’s shop. I hear a pair of shoes calling my name.”

  Asa looked at her watch. “I’m not meeting Bishop until six. We can do a lot of damage before then.”

  “Let’s go.” Dakota made her way to the door.

  §§§

  Four hours later, they pushed their bags into the back seat of the cab and climbed in.

  “That was so much fun. I haven’t been shopping for anything nice and sexy since the baby was born.” Asa opened the Saks’ bag and pulled out the box. “Don’t you love these Manolos?”

  Dakota nodded. “They’re nice, if you want to spend all day in five-inch heels.”

  Asa dropped them back in the bag and sighed. “I’m exhausted. I’m not used to all this running around.” She put the bag at her feet. “Do you want to stop at the hotel or do you want to go with me to the center for my meeting?”

  Dakota pretended to think about her options. “I’ll tag along.”

  “We won’t be long.” Asa yawned.

  §§§

  Bishop stood in front of the hall in his signature trench coat and suit. Dakota scrutinized him. When did she fall in love with such a traditional man? Desk job, business suits, straight nine to-five. His bad-boy appeal was the only thing outside the mold. She figured her man would be the outdoor type, who liked hunting, fishing, or counting stars. Did that mean she’d start wearing gray slacks and white button down blouses?

  His handsome silhouette looked amazing. Dakota caught her breath. She hardly recognized herself. She was acting like a high school girl going to the prom. She wanted was a repeat of their afternoon. Even a small slice of their earlier tryst would make her sing happy songs for days.

  She didn’t recognize herself and for now that was okay. As long as she didn’t fall back into what she was used to, maybe she’d be okay. Bishop helped them out of the cab and held the bags. He led the way into the hall, gesturing right and left, pointing out things he’d already taken care of, while their packages swung from his arms like appendages. No matter which side of the set Dakota stood on, he managed to sidle next to her. The simple gesture sent her confidence soaring ten points. If she ever got him in bed again, she’d have to give him a special thank you.

  He placed their shopping bags on the floor and turned on his tablet. While he discussed the required changes, Dakota moved away from them.

  The wrinkle in her sister’s brow returned.

  “Maybe I should go back to the room and let you guys talk business,” Dakota said, moving toward the door. This was supposed to be a business trip for Asa, not an opportunity for her to frolic with Bishop.

  “I think we’re almost done here.” Bishop closed the lid on his trusty tablet. “Asa, if you’re okay with these changes, the contractor will make them first thing in the morning well before the show.”

  “They’re perfect.” She released a big breath. “Dakota, are you ready to call it a night?”

  “Dakota, do you mind if I speak to you for a minute? Let me buy you a drink.” His eyes pinned her for an answer. Dakota looked from her sister to Bishop. She felt like the rope in a tug of war. She opened her mouth, and then closed it again.

  “You go ahead, Dakota. I want to call home and talk to Simeon before it gets too late.” She picked up her bags.

  “Are you sure?”

 
“I am, sweetie.” She kissed Dakota’s cheek. “Have a good night.”

  As Dakota made her way to the exit, Bishop slipped his hand into hers

  “You didn’t think we were finished, did you?” he asked when they were alone.

  “Not by a long shot.” She stretched on her toes and kissed him. “What have you got in mind?”

  “I should probably take you to a nice club or a show. But I’ve got wine chilling in my room. I stopped at the Duane Reade for more condoms, and I’ve got your name tattooed on my brain.”

  “Then what are we waiting for?”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Bishop rolled up the drawings and shoved them in the desk drawer. Life just kept getting better. Forget that garbage Dad had spewed about being young and wild. He was where he wanted to be and with the woman he wanted to be with. This time last week he was entangled in the soft cotton sheets of his hotel suite with Dakota. Her curvy, petite body was just as fiery in bed as it was out. Talking to her was just as much fun as bedding her.

  He rubbed his finger across his chin and tried to push away the memories. He didn’t want to spend all his time thinking about her, but she kept coming to mind. Her soft touch, her smell, or just the way she whispered his name. The last thing he needed was to focus so much time on her. This was the kind of thing that had guys buying rings and thinking of cute ways to propose marriage. His brothers and father would call him a chump if they knew of his emotional attachment to Dakota.

  Happily ever after was not his reality. Based on his calculations, he still had eight years before even considering settling down. There was only one thing wrong with his plan. No other woman had even crossed his mind since he met Dakota.

  He dialed her number, anxious to hear her voice.

  “What’s up?” he asked when she answered the phone.

  “Hey babe.” She’d started using the affectionate term the day they returned from New York. He wasn’t sure if it was the blow your-mind sex or if she’d mentally moved him out of the friend zone into that special category. Either way, he liked where they were

  “Do you need me to pick up anything before coming by?” He was careful not to say home, even though he’d slept there every night this week.

  “You’ve eaten vegetarian almost every night this week, how about a nice, big, juicy steak?”

  “Are you serious? You wouldn’t tease a brother, would you?”

  “I would, but not about this,” she laughed.

  “I was thinking we could do something special tonight.”

  “That’s sounds ominous. Special like what?” she purred into the phone.

  “I want you to meet my baby sister and her family. How about dinner at her place?”

  “Mmm. I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

  “Dinner wouldn’t be anything special. It’s not like you’re meeting my mother or anything. I just need a buffer between me and my brother-in-law.”

  “I’m sure you can handle your brother-in-law. You have a way with people. Besides you’ve gotten along with him without me all this time.”

  “I haven’t. I keep a lot of distance between me and him.”

  “So, what am I now?”

  “You seem to be everything I need. You said you wanted to meet my sister. Now’s the time.”

  “Okay,” she responded slowly. “What time?”

  “I’m on my way. I’ll pick you up at your house. I’m leaving the office right now. But one night this week I still want that steak you promised.” He hung up and ran his hands down his face. Every day, he promised himself to back away a little from her and every day he went directly to her house as soon as he was finished in the office.

  The best part of his waking hours was only minutes away. He picked up his briefcase and dashed toward the elevator.

  She opened the door as soon as he rang the doorbell. Even though she kept a key taped in the bottom of the mailbox, he refused to let himself in. When she placed the key in the palm of his hand, then he’d really feel welcome.

  Tonight her hair fell in soft curls to her shoulders. Her big smile said she was as happy to see him as he was to see her.

  Without saying a word, he kissed her. They had their own language. He only hoped he understood her unspoken words. Her mouth was warm and minty. He cupped her neck to pull her closer while enjoying her tongue. After several moments, she placed her palms flat on his chest as she released him.

  “Bishop, it’s been a week. You practically live here now. When are you going to start using the key?” she asked.

  “Practically is a long way from the real thing.”

  “You have a toothbrush in my bathroom and I’m sure I saw your sexy, silk boxers in the hamper the other day.”

  That’s how it began. First some toiletries, then a few pieces of clothing, then the freedom that was his prize since he was old enough to clench his fist. If this game of tug of war between his wants and what he was taught didn’t resolve itself soon, he knew his heart would step in and set the direction. And it would be right here.

  “We can go see my sister another night.”

  She lifted an eyebrow. “Oh, no. We’re going to see your sister. I’ve hyped myself up for this visit and we need to do it while I still have the courage.”

  He held the door open for her. “My family really isn’t that bad. Well, maybe my mother is, but that’s another story. My father is more of an epic drama. It takes a lifetime to figure him out, so good luck with that. But, I’m not so sure I want to share you tonight.”

  She patted his hand. “I promise I’ll give you my undivided attention when we get home.”

  §§§

  Dakota rubbed her hands together. Traffic should have been as thick as fog to slow them down and give her time to think about this visit. Instead, Bishop zipped through town and on to Limestone Road within minutes. Her mind tried to weave more into the invitation than he’d ever implied. Meeting his parents didn’t mean a walk down the aisle.

  Without wanting to, she couldn’t stop making mental plans for their future. Her thoughts ran headstrong into a blizzard in bare feet. Only this time, her heart was exposed. The feeling was wonderful and scary all at the same time.

  They were ticking along just fine. The store was under construction. He was spending more time at her house than at his place, and life was good. Throwing family and expectations into the mix was sure to throw off their equilibrium.

  “Why are you fidgeting? My sister is great. You’ll like her. You might even be a good influence on her.

  “Do you normally introduce your girlfriends to your family?”

  He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he tapped the steering wheel and tried to shift lanes.

  “Well, do you?”

  “No. But I don’t have many long-term relationships.”

  “We haven’t been together that long. Four weeks doesn’t count as long term, Bishop.”

  “To me, four weeks means more than you can image.”

  “I see. For a playboy, four weeks must sound like an eternity.” She shifted in her seat to stare at him. The conversation made him feel a little uncomfortable now.

  “I wouldn’t call myself a playboy. I like you. It’s as simple as that.”

  “Nothing is ever as simple as it seems. I found that out the hard way.” Her voice was flat, she worked hard to keep her emotions out of the conversation.

  Bishop turned left onto Paper Mill Road without looking at her. The conversation must have made him uncomfortable. Good.

  “Tell me about Adanna and Dennis.”

  “Let’s see. She came to the East Coast to get her degree at Drexel. Instead, Dennis got her pregnant. At least he married her, but he barely supports her or the baby.”

  “You sound as if your sister had no say in any of the things that happened to her. What happened can’t be all Dennis’s fault.”

  He turned into a housing development with a mixture of townhouses and single-family homes and came to a
stop in front of a three-story brick townhouse.

  “She wasn’t ready to get married or have a family. Now she’s trying to make the best of a bad situation. And the fact that my parents don’t approve doesn’t help. They haven’t even seen their newest grandchild yet. My mother refuses to come for a visit.”

  “Life happens to everyone. You can’t always control the turns or twists.” She had proof of that. He hadn’t been part of her life script. She’d thought her future was supposed to be built around Brian. But that was long before he decided what he wanted wasn’t found on American soil.

  “Are you the go-between for your mother and your sister?”

  “My family is important to me. I feed my mother info on my sister and send her pictures. My parents finally agreed to come to the community center opening for me.”

  “That’s next week!” Her heartbeat doubled. He’d dropped that piece of information as if he was reading a store flyer. But the car felt like it was spinning. She grabbed the door handle to steady her out of control world.

  “Yeah, but don’t mention any of this to Adanna. It’s a surprise.”

  “It’s a surprise to me, too. You are full of them. Were you planning to tell me your parents were coming to town? If she’s going to the opening, I’ll see her.”

  “Slow down, Dakota. She just agreed to come today. So what if you meet my mother?” He shrugged.

  “Family involvement is always more complicated than you think. Trust me.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Dakota managed to get through dinner with his family—she was as pleasant as he promised. But thinking about meeting his parents caused her heart to bounce around in a constant rush of hiccups. She adjusted her seatbelt and exhaled a long breath. Every minute she spent with Bishop was like waking up on Christmas morning and finding everything you wanted under the tree. Meeting his sister had turned out better than she’d expected, so meeting his parents had to be the scene when the Grinch arrived and snatched everything back.