Page 35 of Forbidden Obsession

Technically, I had come for a treat, just not one from her.

I smiled, but there was no amusement behind my face. “Have a good day!”

“You too.”

After she disappeared, the gusto I’d had disappeared with her. I turned back to look at Dominic, and he remained staring at me with those amazingly gorgeous gray eyes and succulent lips. But I couldn’t stand to think I had a chance with him after seeing Ms. Monroe, and much like a fragile pup, I began my retreat, exiting the door.

“Penelope.”

I paused, my back to him as I stood, one step into the hallway. “Yes?”

“Come here.”

Heat spilled down my body, and I turned back and entered the room but remained by the exit.

“Close the door.”

I did what I was told and instinctively turned the lock.

Dominic rose from his seat, and I found myself walking toward him slowly. We met in the middle, and more heat drenched my skin as his gaze ran over my face, mouth, breasts, down my miniskirt and tights.

He reached for my hand and flicked the bags I carried from my grip, causing them to hit the floor. “Is that all it takes?”

My brows arched. “I don’t know what you mean.”

He squinted. “I don’t like a liar, Penelope.”

I huffed, closed my eyes, and dropped my head backward, exposing my neck. His arm circled my waist, and he drew me closer, causing an ignition in my core to spark and charge me through and through.

I built that bravado again and responded truthfully, locking eyes with him.

“I stop by to see you because…” I paused. “Well, because I wanted to.”

“Not because I told you to?”

I smirked. “You telling me to was the icing on the cake, and it’s surprising.”

“Why?”

“Since I’ve tried to get to know you, you’ve pushed me away. I hadn’t expected you to give into my flirtatiousness.”

“So you were flirting with me?”

My smile brightened. “I think you know that.”

A low hum, almost like a growl, emerged from his mouth, and the vibration was felt where his touch pressed against my back. “If you stopped by because you wanted to, then why were you leaving?”

I inhaled a deep breath. “If you’re fucking Ms. Monroe, there’s no reason for me to be here.”

He stared at me without a word and I responded again.

“She’s, well, beautiful, and closer in age to you. I’m sure she’s got it all together and knows what she wants. Pretty irresistible, I think.”

“To who? You? Or me?”

“I…” I pressed my lips together and squinted at him. “Is that a trick question?”

“A question is a question, never a trick.” Without allowing me to reply, he continued. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Penelope. You’re gorgeous—a goddess, to me, intelligent—which I knew but witnessing in real time today aroused me. I’ve been inside your home, seen your neighborhood. It looks like you’ve got it all together. So, what would make Ms. Monroe better?”

---