“How do you know she’s not?” We stared at each other a few beats. “Why don’t you do this? Instead of having her next reading at the house—that’s so boring—why don’t you take her to a place by the beach? You know, one of those pretty bluffs around here. You can pack a nice dinner, I’ll help you with the menu, and you can do the card reading by the ocean. The energy there is better than our house. You’ll get a better reading there. We’ll get some nice food and drinks, and maybe some flowers. Girls like flowers.” She stared at me. “And maybe you can even kiss her. Girls like that.”
“How do you know what girls like?”
“Haven’t you noticed?” She pointed to her chest. “I’m not a baby anymore. I read magazines and look at boys and everything.”
My neck felt hot. “Lola, you’re not interested in boys yet are you?”
She crossed her arms. “This isn’t about me. And maybe I do like somebody.”
I swiftly paddled my board next to Lola’s. I grasped her arm. “You’re not kissing them are you?” Jesus Cristo, the responsibilities of being a parent hit me harder every day.
She gently extricated herself from my grip. “No, Daddy, I’m not.”
I gazed into her eyes to see if she was lying. “You make sure to tell me if you need boy advice, okay?”
She splashed me with water. “What do you know about boys?”
I laughed. “I used to be one.”
“So here’s what I’m thinking. You go to Coco’s work, and you tell her that her next session will be special. That you need to have her embrace the energy of the ocean. At sunset.” Lola didn’t know anything about adult emotions and how wrong things could go. But I wanted to make her happy, so I played along. “Why don’t you go into her shop today and ask her?”
I scrunched my face up like I was thinking hard. “Okay. I’ll go in there and ask her.”
The next set of waves came through and Lola let out a whoop. “My wave!”
I would go into the shop, see if Coco wanted her next session at the ocean, and that would be that.
Who was I kidding? I knew I was playing with fire because the chemistry between us was red-hot. My vow of celibacy was in danger.
But I honestly couldn’t remember the last time I felt so excited about something. Not since my decision to ride Cortes Bank.
Chapter Twenty
Dominick
Call it my childhood training, the influence of my mother or maybe a healthy dose of guilt.
If I was considering breaking my vow of celibacy, I wanted to talk it over with Father Timothy.
I entered the cool confines of Our Lady of Perpetual Tears and blessed myself with holy water. My eyes were still adjusting to the dark when I heard Father Timothy say, “Hey there!” He placed a hand on my shoulder, and I jumped. He barked out a laugh. “Didn’t mean to scare you.” He peered into my eyes. “Need another dose of holy water?”
I cleared my throat and rubbed my hands on my jeans. “I … I was just hoping you had time for another chat.”
“Always time for you, my surfing friend.” He clapped me on the back. “Now what can I get you? Sacrificial wine or water?” He grinned. “Wish I could say we make water into wine around here, but that only happens in the Bible.”
“Umm, water’s fine.”
I followed Father Timothy past the altar, past the flickering ceremonial candles and into his office where I slumped into one of the chairs. He peered at me. “You look like you just lost your best friend.” He held up a finger. “Hold that thought, and I’ll be right back with your drink.”
While Father Timothy was gone, I took deep breaths and tried to calm my emotions. Was I really planning on talking face to face with him about sex? Was I making a mistake by taking Lola’s advice? I dragged a hand through my hair. What did a twelve-year-old girl know about affairs of the heart?
Father Timothy strode into the room with two bottled waters, handing one to me. He sank into the chair opposite mine and took a deep swig from his. He licked his lips and crossed one leg over his knee. His voice became soft. “How are you, my friend?”
I took an extra-long swallow of water to soothe my dry throat. “I … I’m okay.” I tapped my foot and glanced around the room. “It’s just that I’ve got this daughter, and she thinks she knows what’s best for me and like I told you we’ve been living on our own for the past year here in town, and you might not get this because you don’t have kids and like I was telling you last time …” I stopped babbling and let out a huge exhale. “Don’t we have to start with the ‘Bless me, Father, for I have sinned’ part?”
Father Timothy smiled, set his water on the table, leaned forward and gently touched my knee. “What’s troubling you son? Anything you say doesn’t leave this room. I’ve taken vows you know.”
I stood up abruptly and wandered to the window. My voice was small. “Speaking of vows …”
“What’s that? Come on and sit down. I can’t hear you over there.”
I slunk back and fell into my chair, a heaviness filling my body. I glanced up at Father Timothy. “Remember last time when I told you I’d taken a vow of celibacy?” He nodded. “I’m thinking of breaking that vow.”
I watched Father Timothy’s face. His features remained just as smooth and expressionless as a carving on Mount Rushmore. He steepled his fingers. “This conversation might call for something stronger than water.” He traveled to his desk, opened the bottom drawer and extracted a bottle of Two Buck Chuck red wine and two paper cups. He held the bottle aloft. “Only the best.” He poured a generous amount into each cup, and we toasted. “To confession. It’s good for the soul.”
I took a sip, and the cheap wine hit me with a jolt. I cleared my throat and began. “Well, you see it’s like this. My daughter seems to think I need a wife. With her real mother out of the picture, she’s gotten this crazy idea that I need to, you know, be with someone.” I gazed into Father Timothy’s unwavering eyes and glanced away. “She thinks it’s not right for her father to be alone. Says she’s got a life of her own.” A nervous laugh erupted. “That daughter of mine thinks she’s the head of the household sometimes.”
Father Timothy smiled and relaxed back into his chair. “Children never understand the ways of adults until it’s too late.” He leaned forward and fixed me with his gaze. “Is this person you’re considering the woman you mentioned last time?”
“Yes.”
A thick silence hung between us until I became aware of the ticking of Father Timothy’s grandfather clock. It grew louder in my brain. Finally, he spoke. “A carnal union between an unmarried man and woman is against the doctrines of the church. Are you planning on marrying this woman?”
No way was I planning marriage. “Maybe.”
“As your spiritual advisor, I can’t recommend that you break your vow.” He took a sip of wine. “If you’re planning marriage I could meet with both of you to discuss the sexual aspect of a holy union.” He clapped his hands together. “I could even perform your wedding ceremony.” He became serious. “I do understand what it’s like in today’s world. Barely clad women flaunting their bodies at the beach day and night.”
I fiddled with the top button of my flannel shirt. “I wasn’t exactly sure about the marriage part just yet. We’ve only known each other a short time.”
“And you’re planning … how do I put this delicately … sex. Already?”
I looked at my hands. “I’m considering it.”
“Sex is much more than a physical act. Two souls are joined forever once a relationship is consummated.”
I knew this was a mistake. Who was I kidding? Catholics would never understand what life was like for me. I was trying hard. I’d made it one entire year without sex. “But my daughter thinks I need a mate.”
“Then you should date this woman, get to know her, take your time and pray about this.”
“And if I decide to go ahead with it?”
He grinned and held his paper cup hig
h. “Then I’ll be here to take confession.” He drained his cup and plunked it down on the table. “Father Timothy’s here twenty-four seven.”
What did Father Timothy know? I left the church and made the five-block walk to Coco’s shop.
Chapter Twenty-One
Dominick
“Welcome to Beauty For Life.” Rhys stood at the entrance to the shop as though he was expecting me. He bowed and made a sweeping motion with his arms. “Entré. Have you changed your mind about that facial?”
I swallowed nervously. “Nope. I was just hoping …” I glanced over his shoulder. “Is Coco around?”
His eyes glinted with amusement. “Let me page the queen.” He cupped his hands around his mouth. “Hey, Coco!” When there was no reply, he placed both fingers in his mouth and let loose with an impressive wolf whistle. He smiled sheepishly. “Lucky the place is empty right now.”
Coco emerged from her office. “Hold your horses. What the—” When she saw me, she ran her fingers through her long black hair and then smoothed her skirt. “Oh! Hi, Dominick.”
I gave her my most engaging smile. “Have you had lunch yet? Maybe time for a coffee break?”
“Oh! Yes, I mean no. I mean yes it’s time for a break, and no, I haven’t had lunch.”
“Want to go to the coffee shop?”
“Sure. Let me grab my purse.” She hurried to the back room and returned with her tiny bag. “Rhys, you’ll take over? I’ll just be a few—”
“Hours,” I said. Coco and Rhys stared at each other, then at me. “I’m just kidding.” I held my arm out for Coco. “I’ll have her back before you can say beleza.” I winked. “That means beauty.”
We walked into the bright sun until we were in front of the coffee house. Coco said, “Do you like The Grind and Gossip?”
“Never been.”
“It’s only the best organic coffee in town.” We stood in front of the trendy coffee house with its whitewashed brick façade. I pushed open the glass door with a flourish and a bow. “After you.”
A fair skinned blond greeted us at the counter. “Hey Alex,” Coco said.
He picked up a paper coffee container and wrote her name. “What’ll it be? Your usual?” His gaze strayed to me. “Who’s your friend? I thought Rhys never let you out of his sight.”
She blushed and fiddled with the strap of her purse. “Alex, this is Dominick.”
He picked up another cup and wrote my name. “Pleased to meet you. What’s your pleasure?”
I stared at the menu. They had more coffees than I had surfboards. What was so special about a double soy latte with a topping of pure whipped cream made from farm raised cow milk? What was wrong with a good strong coffee with cream? “I’ll have the house coffee with cream.”
Alex raised his eyebrows. “Not going to try our peppermint patty? It leaves your tongue minty fresh.”
“I’ll stick with coffee.”
I inspected the pastry rack. “What would you like to eat?” I asked Coco. “How about the brunch burrito especial?” I rubbed my hands together. “Cage free eggs, bacon, and cheese.”
“I’ll take the vegetarian version.”
Alex took our orders, and Coco immediately dug cash and her driver’s license out of her tiny bag. I placed a hand on her arm. “Your money’s no good when you’re with me.” I glanced at her license. Her gorgeous face smiled back at me from the photo. The name read: Cordelia Bennett. She stuffed the money back into her purse. “Thanks.”
Once we were settled at a corner table, our piping drinks and breakfast in front of us, Coco took a prim sip of her drink. “This certainly is a nice surprise.”
I took a hearty bite of my burrito and wiped my mouth. “Cordelia? Who’s Cordelia?”
She covered her mouth as a giggle erupted. “That’s just the name my mother cursed me with.” She narrowed her eyes. “Were you looking at my license?”
“Couldn’t help it. I love both names. Cordelia is formal, and Coco is playful. Are you playful?”
She blushed. “Maybe.”
I suddenly felt a bit nervous about having allowed Lola to talk me into this. It was unlike me to feel reserved around any female. I was usually the one who either sat back as the hot chicks on the beach made their way to my side after a competition or the one who picked the best looking woman out of the crowd with the express intention of fucking her brains out for a few glorious nights. Coco was different. She had her own business and was confident, but Lola was right. There was a slight sadness about her. I wanted to know everything about Coco. “What made you go into the business?”
She swallowed and wiped her mouth with a napkin. Her blue eyes slowly met mine. “My mom inspired it.”
“Is she a partner?”
Her eyes moved sideways, and she stared out the window. “No.” She gazed at her hands. “She died when I was fifteen.” Her gaze strayed to the ceiling. “My aunt raised me.”
I gave her a faint smile. “Sucks, doesn’t it? I was only a teenager when my dad passed. Not easy. Was she interested in herbs?”
“Not really.” Coco stared at me for long seconds. “We don’t have to talk about her, do we?”
Coco must have had someone she cared about. Even though my mom could be a pain in the neck, I loved her. “What about your dad?”
She shrugged. “Who knows? He walked out on my mom when she was pregnant.”
We were both silent. I placed my hand over hers. “I’m sorry about your mom.”
Her eyes filled and she blinked back tears. “It’s okay.” She waved her hand. “Cycle of life and all that.” She sat up straight and brightened. “Any word on the contest?”
“Not yet. It’s just a waiting game until March.” I looked at my watch. “Only two months till they announce the winner. It’s strange. I’m used to going out and training, making things happen, winning contests. Waiting isn’t easy.”
She placed her hand over mine, and her smile was radiant. “We’re going to win.”
Coco’s confidence was invigorating. “Are you always this optimistic?”
“Only when I know my stuff.”
We flirted for a few more minutes, and I found myself enjoying Coco’s company immensely. It had been way too long since I had allowed myself a friend other than my surfing buddies. Maybe Lola was right. Maybe it was time that I opened my heart. And the fact that Coco was gorgeously sexy didn’t hurt my decision to get to know her better.
“More coffee?” Alex, the barista stood at our table wiping his hands on his apron. I nodded toward Coco, and we both decided we didn’t need more caffeine. He stood there a bit and finally blurted out, “Where’s Rhys today?”
Coco said, “Minding the shop while I enjoy lunch with this handsome man.” She squeezed my thigh, and the feel of her warm hand seared right through my jeans. It had been way too long since I’d had sex. I wanted Coco. Badly.
“Well, tell him I say hi,” Alex said. He sauntered away.
After he was well out of earshot, Coco leaned forward and whispered, “Rhys has one heck of a crush on Alex.”
I watched Alex busily entertaining new customers. “Looks like the feeling might be mutual.”
“It’s been a while. Rhys needs a companion. Somebody other than me, I mean.”
I knew I was falling into dangerous territory by getting involved with Coco. But I needed a companion too. Somebody just like Coco.
I cleared my throat. “So, what I was wondering …” Coco snapped to attention, her clear blue eyes trained on mine. “Some of the best card readings are performed next to the ocean. Your next session is tomorrow, and I thought it would be healing if we went to the beach and did the reading there. At sunset.”
Her eyes grew wide. “That sounds great.” She gave me a sly smile. “I’ll bet the angels come out in full force under the moon.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “That they do, meu amor.” We grinned at each other. “So I’ll pick you up at five.”
She gave me
her condo unit number and then I walked her back to the shop. We stood on the pavement with the warm California sun hitting my back. I placed my hands on her shoulders and when I stared into her beautiful eyes, the way she beckoned me into her soul, I wanted more than to rip her clothes off and fuck her. I wanted to fall in love with Coco. Her smile was seductive. “See you tomorrow.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Coco
When I got back to the shop, I floated into the back room where Rhys was hunched over, unpacking boxes.
“Get ready to pay up, babe.” I put my finger to my tongue and placed it on my butt. “This sizzling hot woman is going to Canyon Ranch.”
He stood up. “What did he do? Screw your brains out in the coffee shop?” He waved a box cutter my way. “Yeah, right. So what if he took you to coffee?”
The bet had started out as a carefree prank so why not go along with our fun and games? Who cared if my relationship with Dominick started this way? He never needed to know. I was aglow with the anticipation of spending an evening with him.
“Our next reading is at the beach. Alone. Just that sexy Brazilian and little old me.” I told Rhys about our date the following evening. He gripped the box cutter and listened, his eyes blinking slowly.
“Are you trying to tell me I lost?”
“I can feel the sugar scrub body treatment from those talented masseuses now.” I danced a jig and bumped my hip into Rhys.
His eyes narrowed. “It’s not over yet.”
I hugged my body and twirled. “Tomorrow makes five, count ’em five, sessions. A bet’s a bet. I am going to have that sexy man fall for me no later than eight p.m. tomorrow night. He’ll be at my house working his magic all over this body, baby.”
Rhys let out an audible sigh. “Maybe I’ll get lucky too. I’ve been making headway with Alex. I think he likes me.”
I snapped my fingers. “That’s right. He asked about you today.”
Rhys grabbed my arm. “He did?”
“He said to tell you ‘hi.’” I related what little there was to tell. I wanted my friend to be happy and find love.
Sea of Seduction: A Single Dad Sports Romance Page 11
