Page 34 of Beacon

eleven

SANDRA

Ireach over toward Dom, but the side is empty, or at least I think it is until Otis struts toward me and begins with his morning kisses. He must have snuck in this morning when Dom opened the door. Speaking of Dom, where the hell is he? Last night was incredible, and it’s safe to say there’s something between us that I don’t want to lose.

The banging of pots and pans down the hallway lets me know the man is still here. Otis is in the process of his morning greetings, pushing his wet nose into my face. I pull my dog closer, as I’m positive he felt ignored last night. Otis always sleeps with me, but after Dom did what he did to me, I was asleep within two minutes.

“Otis Reginald McDonald. You’ve gotta be nice to Dom. I really like him. And I want him to love you like I do.”

As if he knows what I’m saying, he grumbles, and I move his face to mine. “I’m serious, Otis. You have to be nice. Give the poor guy a chance, will you?”

His face stays in front of me, and I’m positive it’s his way of saying he’ll try. “I’ll take it, baby.” I roll out of bed, but pick him up first. “Come on, let’s go find him so you can tell him you’re gonna try.”

I step out into my open living room filled with morning light. I walk toward the kitchen and stop, staring at his shirtless body and swaying hips. He’s listening to something through his AirPods. Every once in a while, he begins to sing a lyric or two. The confident way he moves from one part of the kitchen to the other is beautiful. This guy can dance. He has my heart falling a little bit more with each moment we’re together. Why didn’t I embrace this fully months ago?

He makes flipping pancakes sexy, all while pouring coffee and cutting a pineapple. Otis stays in my arms and watches the man too. Taking a stool from my peninsula island, I sit and ogle Dominic Torano.

He turns around and startles when his eyes catch mine. “Hey there. You ruined my surprise.”

“And what is that?” I ask, as he sets my coffee in front of me.

“Breakfast in bed,” he answers, a large smile covering his face. His sexy dimples appear out of nowhere.

“I swear your dimples grew even bigger overnight. I’d love to crawl back into bed, but probably should take this guy downstairs to go potty.”

His laugh, and how it radiates from deep in his stomach, makes my heart do somersaults. “Certain smiles bring them out, not sure how it works. Where do you take Grumpy McGrumperson to pee? I’ll do it. We should bond.”

I lean down to whisper to my dog. “Look, buddy, we’ve not told him the good news yet.” I kiss the top of my dog’s wrinkly forehead.

“Oh, yeah, and what is that?” he asks.

“Otis here is going to try, if you try too. He just told me.” Pugs are known as small dogs with large personalities, and I swear he smiles at Dom.

“Did your dog just smile at me, Rosso?”

“I think he did.” I set him down to collect his harness and leash. “Be good for Dom, Otis. And go potty.” Dom reaches for his T-shirt and slips his tennis shoes on. “There’s a small area for pets at the back of the building. There’s a green sign with a dog on it. It’s where Otis will do his morning constitutional. There are plastic bags. Be sure to pick up his poop.”

“You know what to say to get me going, Rosso.” He tugs my body flush with his. “I’ll be back to serve you breakfast. And then maybe a mid-morning snack.” I read between the lines, standing against the nearest wall.

He walks toward me and tugs Otis, and he complies. “Goodbye, Otie Totie, and remember your promise to Mommy. Give the poor guy a break.” And just because my dog is dramatic, he lets out a grumble.

“Oh, yeah, we’re starting off splendid. Fucking splendid.” The door shuts behind them, and oh my heart. It’s falling for Dominic Torano.

twelve

SANDRA

“Sandra, got a minute?” Matthias asks as he enters my office.

“And if I said no, I don’t have time, what would you do?” I tease, because Matthias is fun to mess with.

“I’d say tough shit, I’m the boss, make room for me.”

My phone rings, and it’s Dom. We said goodbye last night after he took my body one last time. We’ve gone from ignoring one another to being inseparable. I flip my cell over to give Matthias my attention, but texts continue to flood my phone. I silence it, but truth be told, I can’t wait to read each one.

I turn my focus back to Matthias. “You’re such a brat sometimes. Why do I work for you again?” I ask.

“It’s most likely the money, and a weird responsibility to my grandfather,” he answers with a grin.

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