Her Backup Boyfriend (Entangled Bliss) (Sorensen Family) (5 page)

But that was only half of it.

As Dominic bent down on his haunches to stare at an array of something or other, her gaze wandered helplessly down. She carefully checked the side of her mouth for drool.

It had been fourteen months. No wonder she was acting like a hormone-driven lunatic.

Kate hoped her own attire looked similarly casual and thrown together—even if she had spent most of the morning agonizing over this “effortless” look of faded curvy-fit Levi’s and a simple white T-shirt. She’d topped it off with her new brown leather jacket that accentuated her narrow waist. Probably the only thing about her that was narrow.

Kate might have decided that things had to remain professional between them—but that didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy the thrill of having an attractive man look at her with appreciation.

Dominic turned his head to her, and she barely had time to pull her gaze away from his derriere. She pretended to be staring at the cart instead. “Why do I need all this stuff again? I thought you’ve done this before. Shouldn’t you already own it?”

“Do you want to rely on a contractor to come and help you whenever you need to hang up a few measly pictures? Or fix a leaky faucet? You’d be broke within the year.” He straightened and tossed another packet onto the pile. “Of course I have the necessary equipment to do the renovations, but with the proper tools and common sense, you could be prepared to handle some basic home maintenance on your own. That’s what all this stuff is for. You. You’re a home owner now. It’s time you started to
own
it.”

She shrugged and took the last swallow of her venti latte that they’d picked up from Starbucks first thing. They moved to the next aisle.

Half an hour later they were looking at several paint samples. A fun project initially—until Dominic began explaining the difference between matte, flat, eggshell, satin, gloss, and semigloss finishes as her own eyes glossed over. Until she heard a familiar voice.

“Kate?”

Instinctively, she turned her head before she could process
why
it was familiar.

Oh, Lord.

Michael. And he wasn’t alone. Her nemesis was glued to his side, looking chic and slight in dark, skinny jeans that Kate doubted she could get an arm through, let alone a leg. For an early Saturday morning, Nicole’s hair still looked exceptionally silky and luxurious. How could Kate not hate her for that reason alone?

“Hi, guys!” Kate asked a little too brightly, “What brings you two here?”

Stupid question now that she was collected enough to see the paint samples in Michael’s hand. Michael actually looked a little uncomfortable before he responded, “Nicole and I were thinking of doing some…um, repainting.”

This still begged the question of what Michael was doing here, since as far as she knew from their three years together, he’d never done any house maintenance on his own, leaving it to his very expensive decorator.

Nicole continued, “The master bedroom is this hideous shade of blue that begs me to slash my wrists every time I wake up.”

Ah. Now she could see why he was uneasy. Kate and Michael had chosen that particular shade of blue together. Michael had the courtesy of avoiding her eyes.

The silence drew out and Kate finally noticed the couple’s attention had turned toward the tall, strangely quiet figure behind her. From the strange look that entered Michael’s eyes as he looked back and forth between her and Dominic, she had a pretty good idea where his thoughts were leaning.

That this was the guy.
Her
guy.

Her pulse seemed to double as she tried to figure out how to handle this without everything blowing up in her face.
Let’s go for simple first.

“Michael, Nicole,” she said, inclining her head to them, “this is Dominic.”

Both men shook hands, each studying the other, Michael with a look of suspicion, Dominic with only mild interest. Nicole already had her cell phone in her hands and was busy scrolling through, dismissing all of them.

Kind of like the first time Kate tried to interact with her. In Nicole’s first weeks at Strauss, Kate had reached out to find some common interests. Frankly, there hadn’t been too many female attorneys in the ranks at the law firm, and she’d thought they could both use an extra friend. But Nicole had dismissed her requests and barely drawn her gaze from her phone screen to say hello. Not much later Kate heard the rumors linking Nicole and Michael together as a couple, and she’d given up the effort all together.

“Dominic. Good to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you,” Michael said.

Dominic gave her a sidelong glance. “Really? I’m afraid I’m at a disadvantage, then.”

Michael’s eyes narrowed.

Crap.

“Michael and Nicole are attorneys at my firm,” Kate rushed in. But she gazed nervously over at Dominic, her eyes pleading with him not to blow her cover. “I’m sure I’ve mentioned them, sweetie.”

Other than raising an eyebrow, Dominic didn’t give anything away.

So far, so good.

“We were picking up a few things for the house,” Kate said and stepped closer to Dominic. She thought about placing her hand on his arm but figured that might be pushing her luck. “Looking at paint samples, getting a few odds and ends. I don’t want to keep you two…”

“That’s right,” Michael said, not taking the hint. “I heard you took the plunge into home ownership. You know, if you’re looking for professional help, I have some contacts of my parents I could send you.”

Kate couldn’t help but notice Nicole’s ramrod posture stiffen measurably, even if her gaze didn’t leave the phone screen.

“Actually, Dominic is helping me out.” She’d have to skate carefully here. “It just so happens his expertise is in restoration. It’s how we met.” Her face had to be three shades past radish red, and she kept her eyes on the row of paintbrushes behind Michael, wondering if Dominic had figured out her little story yet. Not that what she’d just said wasn’t perfectly true.

It was what was said between the lines that was giving her a small anxiety attack.

“And you’re a contractor? Have I heard of you?” Michael asked. Lord, he was relentless. “Are you licensed professionally?”

“My family runs Sorensen Construction,” Dominic said. “We recently completed the new office building on the Draper Parkway for that pharmaceutical company.”

Michael nodded but didn’t seem to want to let it go. “And how are you qualified for residential construction?”

Kate laughed uneasily. “Michael, I’ve already vetted Dominic. I’m satisfied.” Her tone took on a warning note.

“Michael, honey, we should be getting on our way,” Nicole intervened, not looking particularly happy. “Remember we have brunch with your parents in an hour? They get worried when we’re running behind, and we still need to stop and pick up dessert.” She delivered a megawatt smile to Kate.

It was as if the woman knew where to hit her where it hurt most.

Despite dating Michael for three years, Kate had never scored an invitation to the Langfords’ weekend brunches. After a disastrous first dinner where Mrs. Langford peppered Kate with not-so-subtle questions about her family and social connections—none of which Kate had—Michael’s mother had deemed her unworthy. Kate was too blue-collar for them and, more particularly, their son. Something that wasn’t exactly new to Kate, having attended a private school on scholarship for six years with people very much like the Langfords. All the same, it had stung.

“You’re right,” Michael said, still not meeting Kate’s gaze. “We should go.”

“Besides, I’m sure you’ll be able to catch up with them next weekend,” Nicole said and tucked her cell phone back in her pocket. “I’m assuming Dominic will be your guest at the firm’s retreat?”

Kate clenched the cart. And there it went. She’d been so close…

“I—well, we haven’t—” Lord. She was a terrible liar.

“She’s working on me,” Dominic cut in smoothly, saving her from further stuttering. He was a godsend.

Michael took a last look at her and smiled. But it didn’t seem like the smile quite met his eyes. “We’ll look forward to seeing you both.”

Kate watched them walk away, hand in hand, with a heavy lump in her throat until they were well out of sight.

“How long did you date him?”

“Three years.” She turned to face him. Color returned to her cheeks as she remembered the lie she’d been caught in. “Thanks for covering for me.”

Dominic nodded and looked at her carefully. She braced herself for the next round of questions he would inevitably ask.

But instead, he turned back to the paint samples. “I’m thinking for the kitchen, something light and warm. Maybe this one?”

He was holding up a bright canary yellow.

She laughed, forgetting for a moment the pain of the previous moment. “Not a chance.”

And at that moment, when Dominic chose to let Kate off the hook, she realized she liked him a little more than she probably should.

Chapter Five

“Okay, you’re doing fine, just hold it steady and it will go in easily. I promise.”

“I’m not sure, I feel like it’s going out of control. Look. I’m shaking.”

Dominic could hear the panic in Kate’s voice. But he refused to help her and after another twenty seconds, she drove it home. And looked down at him, a surprised but satisfied look in her eyes.

“I think I did it.”

“That you did. Now get down and give me a hand with these drapes. Which one goes in front again?”

Kate hopped jubilantly down the two steps of the new stool she’d bought earlier that morning, her cheeks flushed and her eyes shining. She’d only drilled the posts for her new drapery rods into the wall above her front room windows, but from the way she looked, you’d think she had invented a cure for cancer.

“The white panels go between the windows and the teal draperies. This way I can pull the heavy drapes back but still have some privacy,” she said holding the gauzy fabric up. “See what I mean?”

“Oh, yeah. I can’t see through it at all,” he said sarcastically, since he could still see that hourglass shape of hers through any kind of fabric. She’d discarded the jacket from earlier, leaving him to try to keep his eyes off her curvy assets.

“Here, hold this,” she said.

She climbed up and slid a panel across the rod, leading him to a few not-so-professional thoughts. Thoughts he was crazy to entertain when this one came with so much baggage, if today’s scene was any indication. Something he was more than a little curious about.

Michael was exactly the type of guy Dominic would have pegged for Kate. Wealthy, well educated, and cultured. Likely from a family of some means and social standing. Probably also drove a late-model Mercedes he leased new every year. Throwing away money hand over fist.

Kate probably fit well in that type of world. She had beauty and class, education and obvious wealth. Hell, look at her car. These all served as reminders that despite the fact he had spent the morning in the company of a beautiful and smart woman—who definitely knew how to fill out a pair of jeans—she was way out of his league. Getting mixed up with her would only inevitably cause them both pain. Was a shame, though. Her pining over such a douche bag. She could do better.

And against his better judgment, he decided to ask. “About earlier. With that guy, Michael. Want to help me understand what was going on there?”

Her shoulders tensed, and she didn’t answer him at first, arranging the curtains back and forth. “It’s…complicated.”

“Try me.” Not that he hadn’t already filled in most of the puzzle, after seeing the rock that snotty chick had been sporting. But he wanted to torture Kate a little bit.

She climbed down from the stool and sat on the top rung. “Well, long story short, in a moment where I apparently totally lost my mind after hearing the news of his impending nuptials, I may have given Michael and…a few others the impression that I was in a serious relationship myself. And thanks to this morning’s fateful meeting, you’ve kind of become that someone.”

“I see. And how long have you been pretending you’ve had a boyfriend? And is this something you usually do?” he teased.

She actually laughed, and her eyes lit up her face. “No, I don’t usually make up phantom boyfriends. I was just taken off guard. And thanks to how quickly the rumor mill works at the firm, it didn’t take long for my boss to hear about it and make his own congratulations.”

“Aw, the intrigue. And what were you planning on at this little firm retreat? Were you hoping no one would notice your boyfriend was imaginary?”

“To be honest, I hadn’t thought about it at all until my boss made a point of telling me how my shot at partnership was tied into convincing the senior partners that wedded bliss was on the horizon.” She studied her fingernails. “The next board meeting is in early December, where they make the final vote. If I can keep up the charade through then, I’ll be in. And then I can make up a sad breakup story and move on. As to the retreat, I’ll just say
you
”—he noted the mischievous gleam in her eyes—“couldn’t get away. Some construction emergency, blah, blah, blah. I think now that there’s been an actual boyfriend sighting, I’ll be okay.”

“I’m glad I could be of service. But to tell you the truth, from the looks of this Michael guy, I don’t see why you felt the need to have to make up any boyfriend at all. He’s kind of a douche.”

Her laugh was deep and full, her head falling back to reveal a smooth pale expanse of skin. She should do that more.

“I think that’s exactly what my friend Payton called him. She’ll be glad to hear someone else is of the same opinion.”

His phone buzzed in his back pocket. He pulled it out and glanced down. His brother.

“I’ve got to take this,” he said with some reluctance before heading to the kitchen.

“Mom just called,” Cruz said. “Some guys just came and repossessed Daisy’s car. She’s a mess. When she got Leo on the phone, he admitted he stopped making the payments. Told her he wants a divorce. He’s decided Daisy and the kids are no longer his responsibility. I’m going to kill him.”

Dominic would join him. He’d never trusted the guy, but Daisy could be damn headstrong when she wanted. Seeing only the good in people, what little there might be. “What she needs is an attorney. Someone to go after the bastard.”

“Yeah. But you know Daisy. Proud and stubborn, she’s refusing my help. I told her it would only be a loan, until she got back on her feet. She won’t hear it. She went down to Legal Aid, but according to Mom, resources are pretty limited and it might be months before she hears back from them. If she does.”

And Daisy needed someone now. Someone smart and passionate.

And he could think of one person right now who might fit that description.

“We can figure it out tomorrow at family dinner,” Cruz said finally. “I’m thinking about bringing Becca. She’s been hounding me for weeks to meet the family. You know, she has a roommate, a really cute dental assistant that I can line you up with.”

Not a chance. “Not necessary. But thanks.”

“You’ve got to move on sometime, Dom.”

“I’m doing just fine. But look, I’ve got to get going. I’m in the middle of something.”

“Fine. But just be nice to Becca. And please don’t regale her with any stories circa high school or earlier. Payback can be a bitch.”

“Hey, I’m always nice. Besides, women love to hear how the serious, always stoic Cruz once wrote a love note to his sixth-grade teacher. They eat that stuff up.”

“Ha-ha. Just remember. Payback,” Cruz said.

“Yeah, I’m worried. I’ll talk to you later,” he said and hung up before his brother could say anything more. Not just to avoid another lecture about not letting one woman scar him for life, but because an idea had struck him. Was it as ludicrous if he said it out loud as it was running through his head?

Dominic returned to the other room, where Kate was sitting on the couch glancing through one of the home repair books they’d picked up.

He sat on the edge of the step stool. “This retreat thing with your work,” he started. “It’s going to be pretty tough keeping up the charade of being in a happy, dedicated relationship if your boyfriend can’t bother to show for such a pivotal moment in your career, don’t you think?”

Kate grimaced. “I don’t really have a lot of alternatives, do I?”

“Maybe you do.”

She shook her head, her brows furrowed in confusion. “I do?”

“What would you say if I agreed to go with you? Continued the charade to your senior partners, as well as your former boyfriend, that you were in a happy, committed relationship.”

“Why would you want to do that for me? Wait. This isn’t some proposition thing, right? You’re not trying to sleep with me or anything. Because I can tell you now, I’m not willing to whore myself out for—”

“Easy there. I wasn’t implying we were going to sleep together. Well, not in the biblical sense.”
Unless she wanted to.
“I’d just be there to add credence to your lie. That’s all.”

She narrowed her eyes in suspicion and bit her bottom lip. “Uh-huh. What’s the catch? What do you get in return?”

“I need your help. Your legal help,” he added. He briefly explained his sister’s marital situation and the urgent need for reliable legal service right now, not in a few months. “We’ve offered to pay for an attorney, but she won’t accept any financial assistance. But don’t firms like yours do free legal service on occasion?”

“Pro bono. And of course. At Strauss, we’re usually expected to do at least fifty hours of billable work a year pro bono.”

He nodded, the idea sounding more and more plausible by the minute. “The thing about Daisy is she’ll never accept it if she knew I sought you out, asked you for help, or gave you any sort of compensation to help her. Even just pretending to be your boyfriend. But if you’re my new, totally devoted girlfriend, who mentions you do this sort of thing on a regular basis and offer to take her case pro bono—something you would do for your firm anyway—she just might buy it if for no other reason than for the sake of the kids. Of course, this goes without saying, we need to hit that bastard hard. You are good, right?” he added, almost as a dare.

She narrowed her eyes. “Damn straight. I’ve worked several domestic and custody cases, most pro bono, and my clients have been nothing less than satisfied.” She paused. “So if I understand you correctly, you’re proposing that for the next month, we actually perpetuate this charade that we’re together, publicly? That you’ll do this for me, provided that I represent your sister in her divorce? What if she declines?”

He shrugged. “She declines. But I’ll hold up my part of the deal. See you through until they hold that meeting and that partnership is yours.”

“I don’t know.” She stood. “I’ve got to think about it. I mean, if we do this, pretend to be a couple, I’m putting myself at a lot of risk. One wrong word and everyone will know I lied. And I could definitely kiss that partnership good-bye.”

“You don’t have to make any decisions now. When is the retreat?”

“Next weekend.”

“Okay. Take a few days. Think about it, and then you can let me know. We can both win here, Kate.”

She looked at him, her expression thoughtful. “Okay. I’ll think about it.”

He smiled. “Good. I’ll be here Monday evening to start work on the bathrooms. Let me know then.”

There was another bonus here that he hadn’t thought out loud. Passing Kate off as his girlfriend could have the added perk of getting his brother and everyone else off his back about finding a new relationship.

Help convince them that he wasn’t permanently damaged.

And his family was bound to adore Kate. From the short time he’d spent with her, he could tell that despite her education and obvious wealthy background, she didn’t put on airs. She was down-to-earth and friendly—well, when she didn’t look like she wanted to kick him. And if he played it right, he might even find an opportunity to see if her lips were as soft and sweet as he’d imagined.

He’d just have to be careful. Remember this wasn’t real. Because when the whole thing was over and they each had what they wanted, she was only going to leave him. For someone better. They always did.

…

Kate took a sip from her Shiraz and waited for her friend’s reaction to her current dilemma. The lights in the bar where Payton had dragged her were dim and the music low enough to allow the occupants to hold a conversation—barely. But dim light or not, with her long, shiny strawberry-blond hair, dimples, and a smile that charmed everyone, Payton shone. Especially as her laughter filled the space around them, drawing a few more gazes their way.

“I’ll tell you one thing, I like this Dominic’s style already. I wish I could have been there to see the look on Michael’s face when he met this mystery man. He sure must be something to look at.”

“How on earth could you know that?” Kate paused, middrink. She had specifically refrained from relaying any physical descriptions.

“Because I know you.” She took a sip and watched Kate over the rim. “And then there’s the fact Michael sounded almost jealous when he ran into you. Which would imply this guy’s got to be hot.”

Kate couldn’t argue with her logic. “Okay. I suppose he’s…moderately attractive. But I don’t know about Michael being jealous. Remember, he dumped me. Why would he be jealous?”

“We both know why he broke up with you.”

Yes. She did. Michael hadn’t been willing to stand up to his family for her. He’d made the decision to let her go rather than bear their disappointment and judgment.

He’d let her go.

The bartender interrupted them. “The two guys at the end of the bar would like to buy you ladies a drink. Should I make it two more glasses of Shiraz?”

“No. I think we’re going to try a shot of Patrón Silver and two rum and Cokes.” Payton delivered a look that warned her not to argue.

Kate gave Payton a stern look when the bartender left. “Remember who’s the designated driver tonight.” It was the only way Kate would agree to coming, her car keys secure in her purse.

“I want you to have fun. I’ll order us a cab if it comes to it. But for now, try to relax.” Payton turned around on the bar stool, her hair swinging behind her, and studied the crowd until their drinks arrived. “Now, as to your question, I say go for it. What the hell have you got to lose?”

“Um, my dignity, my promotion, maybe even my job if anyone finds out I made this whole thing up.”

Payton rolled her eyes. “Dramatic much? You’re not planning a bank heist here. You’re just playing the game. Hey, they’re the ones who are making this whole promotion about you having a man. You’re giving them the impression they need. But the reason you really are where you are, being considered for partnership, is because of your hard work and determination. Nothing else. You can’t let them take that away from you because of some archaic beliefs of what makes a better partner.”