Which was freaking crazy.
She and Dominic were not going to happen. They couldn’t happen. This proved it. Because now that he’d kissed her—really kissed her—she couldn’t think of anything else.
Best to avoid looking directly at him for the rest of the evening if she wanted to retain any semblance of her sanity. Instead she sat back and listened to the chatter around her.
The kids were the loudest and she was glad to see their initial shyness had dropped as they talked animatedly with each other and Dominic and Cruz—who had shown up while she was downstairs. They were clearly trying to impress their uncles.
Dominic’s father, who had been resting when they’d arrived earlier, had also joined them and taken a seat at the head of the table. A tall, broad-shouldered Viking with light blond hair and unsettling blue eyes, he was stoic and reserved while the rest of the family took part in more animated discussion. She couldn’t imagine anyone being more opposite his petite, dark-haired wife, with her easy, warm deposition and proclivity for smiling.
But even though he didn’t say much, she could see the love in the elder Sorensen’s eyes as he glanced around the table at his family. He clearly was enjoying having his family surround them with their energy and love. And she was enjoying it herself. As the meal progressed and Benny and Cruz took to teasing Dominic again, she saw their father’s eyes twinkle in amusement, a slight smile on his lips. When he caught her watching him, she was more than surprised when he gave her a quick wink. Kate blushed a little at his attention. She could definitely see where Dominic got his charm.
She closed her eyes for a brief moment, feeling the warmth and love that surrounded her. Heady, tempting. For a moment, she felt a dark, hollow feeling in her gut. This couldn’t last, this glimpse she was getting into this family. Into Dominic’s life. Eventually his work would be done, the terms of their proposal would be met, and Dominic would move on to the next woman who caught his eye. Especially once Kate earned that promotion to junior partner, and she was consumed with work. She doubted he’d understand or tolerate that.
And she’d be alone again.
Despite her promise not to look directly in his eyes, she sneaked another peek. He smiled at her, so sweet, and that twirling in her belly started up again. Delicious and tantalizing.
She just needed to keep a level head when it came to Dominic, that’s all. But for the time being, she might as well enjoy the euphoria that being with him brought.
And the feeling of knowing that things were on track to getting everything she’d ever wanted.
Chapter Eleven
“This is me in shock,” Payton said while dabbing at the iced tea spilled down the front of her shirt.
They’d been grabbing lunch at the deli by the park like they did every Monday when Kate dropped the news that Dominic had not only talked her into skiing, but that she’d actually enjoyed it. Evidently, that was so shocking it had made Payton miss her mouth. And Kate hadn’t even told her about the kiss yet.
“I spend the past fifteen years trying to get you on skis, and after one game of Scrabble, he has you on the mountain.” Payton almost didn’t look like she believed her.
Kate laughed. “You know I never make a bet I can’t win, and with my track record, I didn’t think I could lose.”
“I’m liking him better already.” Payton stirred her tea with her straw and took a sip. “And have you heard any word about whether your little ruse was successful with the powers that be, or, more importantly, Michael?”
“According to my assistant, the break room was buzzing about who Dom is and how long I’ve been seeing him, which—come on—is either her overactive imagination or everyone seriously needs to get out more. But she did mention that Tim’s assistant had a few questions, too, which makes me wonder if she’s asking on her behalf or someone else’s.” Kate picked up her Reuben and took a bite, careful not to drip sauce on her blouse.
It was hard to miss the longing look that Payton gave the sandwich before stabbing a tomato with her fork. “Then your plan sounds like it’s already a success. But you’re being too vague. I need details here. About Michael’s reaction, about Dominic’s family, everything.”
In the explicit detail that Payton had grown to appreciate, Kate gave her a blow-by-blow of the weekend, taking a moment to decide whether to give her the details of the kiss, but then she realized that her need for her friend’s opinion outweighed any inevitable teasing.
Payton set her fork on the table and rested her hands on the top and leaned forward. “I can’t believe you were just toying with my ass for the past twenty minutes. We’ve been friends for how long, and you wait until now to give me the good stuff?” Payton’s eyes blazed, but more from avid curiosity and excitement than any real anger. “Tell me. Now.”
Kate laughed again. “There’s nothing more to give you. We kissed for a minute, maybe two, and then it was over.”
“And you never interrogated him about his intentions, the ifs, ands, or whys the rest of the night? I don’t know. That doesn’t sound like you. You question everyone and everything.”
“That’s why I’m such a damn good attorney. But really…what was there to say? We just got carried away with the moment.” Kate coyly brought her drink to her mouth. “Not that I’m saying it wasn’t a freaking good kiss, because it was, but it’s unlikely to ever repeat itself.”
“But we can hope?” Payton said and grinned. “So, since the two of you have this pretend relationship going for a few more weeks, does this mean he’s going to be your plus one at my engagement party? Because I’m dying to see Michael’s green complexion myself.”
“I’m not sure. I was so focused on this retreat I didn’t even think that far ahead, but I can ask him. And don’t give me that feigned outraged look, because I know for a fact you’re trying to forget about the damn thing yourself.”
Payton rolled her eyes. “Just don’t let my mother hear you say that. This wedding and the party have taken over her life—and mine. Did I tell you she bought my engagement dress one size too small to force me to drop ten pounds?”
Kate laughed. “I wondered what was up with the whole salad for lunch, since you usually only eat one if they bring it as a side to your order. I just figured weren’t very hungry.”
“I’m practically starving to death.” Which looked nothing farther than the truth with her smooth, glowing skin and healthy strawberry-blond hair that even now glistened in the sunlight that streamed in from their window. Then there were those darn adorable dimples. Kate would hate her if she wasn’t her best friend.
Unaware of Kate’s internal eye roll, Payton continued, “Normally I could care less about the dress my mother has selected for me and would tell her where she could take her advice—” She stopped when Kate raised a brow. “Okay, not so much told her where to take it as just ignore it, but the dress is a Jason Wu. His creations are just so beautiful.”