Hello, and welcome back to life! So much has happened since I was last here, which would explain why I’ve been away. Another loss — this time, my dad — in early April just sucker-punched me, much like my Mom’s death did. I’m working my way out of the fog.
In the meantime, here’s a teaser from “A Catered Affair“, which I had originally planned to have out by now. It will happen, I promise. I’m just not sure when, exactly.
“Good morning, As You Like It. How may I direct your call?”
The pleasant sound of a young woman who wasn’t Jo brought him up short for a moment. He caught himself. She ran a business, for God’s sake; of course she’d have people working for her. Duh!
“Good morning. This is Dominic Keegan. May I speak with Ms. Butler, please?”
Silence was his only response for a heartbeat, until the young woman said, sounding breathless,
“Certainly, Mr. Keegan. One moment, please.”
More silence while he chuckled at the thought that the woman on the other end of the line had probably recognized his name. You would think he was Prince Harry or somebody like that, the way she went all silent on him. Thank God he was nowhere near as famous as the prince! He could definitely do without all that drama in his life.
“Hey, Dom!”
Jo’s voice sounded equally as breathless and Dom hoped it was for a different reason than mere fangirling. He couldn’t resist teasing her, though.
“You sound like you’ve been running. Are you that eager to hear from me?”
When she laughed in genuine amusement, Dom’s heart swelled. Damn, everything about her turned him on!
“How is the world big enough for your ego?” she wondered, amused sarcasm lacing her voice.
“That’s a little bit hyperbolic, don’t you think?” He laughed with her, so she’d know he wasn’t offended.
“I’m allowed,” she insisted, and he could still hear the smile in her voice before she continued. “What can I do for you?”
Oh, yeah. The woman was at work. Get your head out of your ass, Dom! “I hope I haven’t caught you at a bad time?”
“No, you’re good. What’s up?”
“Will you be leaving the office today at all?”
“No. I have admin stuff to do today. So if you need me for anything, I’m available.”
Dom knew she didn’t mean anything like the thought that immediately flashed into his mind. He absolutely couldn’t go there while he was on the phone with her.
“I see how it is,” he said instead. “You’re just interested in talking because you don’t wanna do your paperwork. That’s all I am to you…an escape from administrivia.”
She laughed again, delighting him. “I would never!”
“So you say.” He took a breath, then added, “I have something for you. May I bring it over?”
“What is it?”
“You’ll see when I get there in about an hour.”
EPIPHANIES by K. T. BOND 