Dominique was actually a little shocked by how much fun she was having with everyone, including Candy. She didn't let anything between her and Nik hinder her from being all over him and playing touch-football with everyone but Katrina. Candy decided to have the wedding there and Dominique put on a fake smile as she made notes in her planner. What shocked Dominique more was the permanent smile that she had every since she showed up. Nik was actually playing along nicely and she allowed herself to fall into the lie briefly, despite what happened the other night.
As everyone was leaving, Nik followed Dominique to her car in silence, which was killing him. Just a few minutes ago, she looked so free and happy, like she enjoyed herself and now; it was back to the old Dominique. He liked seeing her with that smile on her face, it did something to him. He felt like a heel every time he thought about her finding out his full name. He needed to explain it to her, but he could barely explain it to himself.
"Dominique, I'm glad that you came." He finally said and she nodded, not even glancing his way. He needed to get this out. He grabbed her arm and turned her towards him, "Look, we need to talk about the other night." She stuffed her hands in her pockets, staring back at him, "The reason why I didn't tell you about me being Batista is not the reason you think it is. I mean, I'm not ashamed to admit it; I may have a little problem with commitment. When that old woman said something about I would meet the person I was supposed to be with, I was a little skeptically, but intrigued. Then when I saw it was you, I got a little scared. Hell, your little pack of friends already claimed two of mine." He chuckled lightly and she couldn't help but to return that smile, "I'm sorry that I didn't tell you earlier, but I didn't do in an attempt to make me look like a hero or anything like that. I mean, look at me, I don't have to play any games." He said flashing his killer smile.
Dominique just shook her head, "That almost sounded sincere until that last part, but I believe you. I shouldn't have gotten upset like that especially with everything that I'm making you do for me right now."
"Did what happened inspire your outfit today? Because I have to tell you, you look smoking hot in jeans." He said noticeably checking her out.
"Nik, please. I just thought that I would be a little presentable today."
"Well, I like it and it seems that your boy toy is watching too." Nik said briefly looking off.
"Are you serious? He is like watching us, right now? With Candy watching?"
"I don't think she is paying attention; she is talking to Jade right now."
"Oh, wow." The smile that spread across her face made Nik jealous a little, "So, what should we do about that?"
"Well, I think the way we are standing and looking at each other is making it look like there's a little trouble in paradise, so" he hinted pulling her closer to him as his body heat instantly relaxed her, "we should make a good show, huh?" he whispered before kissing her softly, feeling her body rest against his.
He always knew how to make her melt, she thought bitterly as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He grabbed a hold of her hips, drawing her closer to him as he pushed his tongue into her willing mouth. She didn't want to make this a habit that every time he touched her, she would forget why she was mad at him. She pulled away briefly, but he quickly closed the gap again with a bold urgency that she never felt from him before that made her knees buckle.
"Are you trying to make this look really good?" she whispered against his lips.
"Well, I always have been known for being a good actor. Plus there maybe a possibility that I miss your lips." He said and she shook her head stepping away from him as he laughed.
"Why do you have to play like that?"
"I'm not playing, but I do have a favor to ask and it's slightly big. I need your help."
"Oh, you need my help for a change? What's going on?"
"Remember I told you my father is retiring and they are having a big party for that and my parent's anniversary?" she nodded, "I was wondering if you would come with me."
"Wait. You want me to pretend to be your girlfriend to your family? No, I can't lie to your family."
"You are not lying and you don't have to pretend. Look, my big mouth sister, Ama, told my mother that you were over at my house and I was cooking for you, so she wants to meet you."
"Just because you cooked dinner and I happened to be there? What's the big deal?"
"I told you Dominique, I don't do that for everyone and apparently, my family knows that so she wants to see you. I told her I would ask and see if you want to go."
Dominique frowned, wondering if he even wanted her there, "You don't sound too excited about me being there."
He instantly shook his head, "No, it's not that. It's just I don't want my family to make a big deal out of this and I have a feeling that they are."
"Why do you say that? I'm sure you have brought plenty of girls home to meet your parents." There was a brief silence before he slowly shook his head, "None? At all? I'm the first?" he nodded, "I don't like this no more." She said suddenly loosing her breath.
"Come on Dominique, I know it sounds a little overwhelming but it will be alright. I already told them that you are my friend so nothing is going on between us."
"You are bringing me to meet them? I am the first girl that you are bringing over there; how could they not think that something is not going on between us."
"Dominique, come on now. You can go and have fun with some Italians. That and if you tell boy toy over there that I went to see my parents and you didn't, he could think that something was suspicious." He hoped that he had roped her with that last statement.
She took a long sigh, trying to think of something to say but in reality, he had a point, "If I do this, then this whole I do what you say when you say it thing is over. Deal?" Damn, he thought to himself, "Deal." He reluctantly said, "Do we seal the deal with a kiss."
"You already had your kiss, buddy." She said folding he arms, "So, when do we leave, so I can arrange some things in my schedule."
"You can't just go on a vacation and enjoy it, can you?"
"I do sometimes, but this is going to be different. You said you don't live far from here?"
"Yea, maybe five hour drive from here. It's by the coast and the weather is going to be real nice, so wear more jeans." He said giving her another look.
"Nik, stop being such an ass." She said feeling hot under his glare.
"Well, just my opinion," He nodded, "but really, I do like what you are wearing." He ended by pulling her close to him, wrapping his arm around her lower back.
"Well thank you very much and no I didn't wear it for you." She said trying to put some distance between them by placing her hand on his chest.
She tried not to stare into those sensual eyes that held so many promises. She had to admit that the connection was getting more intense at times but she didn't pull away. There was that girlie side of her that always snuck in and enjoyed the extra attention. She could allow herself to feel desirable for little bit.
"Hey you two, you thought about getting a room." They both turned and saw Jason standing behind her.
"Hey, what's going on?" she said turning in Nik's embrace.
"I was just wondering if something was wrong; you two have been standing around here for a while."
"We are just enjoying the scenery." Nik smiled, laying his chin on her shoulder.
"Actually, we were talking about plans for this weekend."
"Oh, well I was going to see if you wanted to hang out a little this weekend. I have some spare time and Candy is flying out to New York to try on a couple of dresses." He was alone, she thought smiling to herself.
The moment Dominique finally waited for; he was going to be alone for the weekend and she could really win him over, "Um, I could possibly do that. I will let you know." She said and instantly felt the hold around her waist loosen.
"Alright, I will give you a call." He smiled, "Hey man, no hard feelings about earlier. I just worry about her sometimes."
"That's sweet man, it really is, but it's not your job to worry about her. Anyway, I'll catch you later, baby." He said moving away from her and heading over to his car.
Dominique's brow wrinkled in confusion at Nik's sudden outburst. It wasn't till he got to his car that she put it all together and she felt like slapping herself across the face. What could be going through Nik's mind since she just told Jason that there was a possibility that they will see each other this weekend? Well, he should understand, right? That was the whole point of them pretending to be together, but she still felt like a first class heel. She watched him burn rubber down the street, leaving her standing there with her thoughts.
The next day, she was pacing her apartment rationalizing with herself on what she wanted to do. She already promised Nik that she would go, but she couldn't miss this opportunity to be alone with Jason. Little miss perfect is going away for the weekend and she could have him all to herself, but for some reason the thought didn't really appease her now. The worst part was that she has been trying to call Nik and he hasn't picked up his phone. How did it go from her being mad at him to him being mad at her? She was about to go to the kitchen when she heard the door bell. Must be one of her friends, she thought as she went to answer the door.
"Hello ma'am, I'm from the phone company and I'm just here to check your phone since you haven't called your younger brother." She looked up and saw Taro standing there.
"Very funny." She said shaking her head and walking away from him.
"So, what's up? You don't want to call me or is it that you are too busy?" he said showing off his cute boyish smile that made girls swoon.
She always thought her brother was adorable in his own little way. He was a little taller than Dominique, but inherited his father's looks. She remembered that people use to always compare him to Jet Li, but he would just laugh that off. In truth he really does and she couldn't quite understand why he was still single, other than being picky. Taro was more of a skater guy, she tried to make him look more professional but, he wasn't having that. He liked to be comfortable but still be in designer clothes. He has his own house and owns a successful photography business. She remembered the last relationship he had was eight months ago.
"Um, I have been a little preoccupied." She said plopping down on the couch.
