told me you’d be getting news today.”
Vanessa placed a hand on her chest. “You gave up the best chocolate cake in the world for me? That’s so nice of you.” Then she looked down at the container and pushed it through the open window. “You can have it.” Hopping from foot to foot, she burst out with “I’m in remission.”
Joy beyond anything Lanelle had ever experienced for a stranger overwhelmed her. Shoving the cake back at Vanessa, she opened her door and hugged the girl. “How wonderful. I’m so happy for you.”
Vanessa held her tight, their upper bodies swaying from side to side as they giggled. When they separated, the reality of what Lanelle, oftentimes accused of being conservative to a fault, had just done hit her.
Three pairs of eyes stared at them as she stepped away and attempted to regain her composure.
An older version of Vanessa moved to the young woman’s side. “Who’s this?” The question was made less severe by the crinkles at the corners of her eyes as she grinned.
“Lanelle,” Vanessa answered. “She gave up this cake for me without fighting Uncle D.”
Cynthia held out her hand. “Nice to meet you, Lanelle. I’m Cynthia. I’m not sure what’s going on with the cake, but thank you for not hurting my brother.”
The woman’s grip was firm as they shook. “It’s not like it sounds.”
“Yes, it is,” Dante gloated.
Lanelle hurled Dante a look that should’ve had him quivering. He threw her off-kilter by laughing. “No, it isn’t,” Lanelle protested. “I’m happy Vanessa is cancer free. I guess I got a little overwhelmed.” It took a split second for her to decide to share her own news. “My mother is a breast cancer survivor, so I understand just how good it is to get such wonderful news.”
“I’m happy for you and your mother.” Cynthia held an arm out to the man on her right. “This is my husband, Alan.”
The last set of handshakes took place, and then Lanelle said, “I should be going. Congratulations, Vanessa.” She gripped the handle of her car to open it.
Vanessa touched her arm. “We’re going out to celebrate. Would you like to come with us?”
Lanelle looked at the girl, then glanced at Dante, who seemed just as surprised by his niece’s offer. She would’ve expected that from him. “I think this might be a family celebration.”
She was a reserved person by nature; it didn’t help that Lanelle’s conservative childhood hadn’t allowed her to open up to too many people out of fear of them finding out she was an heiress and attempting to manipulate her for their own benefit. It had only taken a couple negative experiences to know that her life was smoother when she kept to herself.
Cynthia looked at the trio. “Do you all know each other?”
“I met Lanelle in the cafeteria about fifteen minutes ago,” Dante said.
Vanessa looked at her mother. “Uncle D introduced us just now. But she seems so cool.” She turned to Lanelle. “I’d really like it if you joined us,” Vanessa insisted.
Dante licked his lips before adding, “Me, too.”
She had to stay away from such a dangerous man, even though an unexpected urge propelled her to spend time with this family. “I have something to take care of at home.”
Cynthia grabbed her daughter by the arm. “It was nice meeting you, Lanelle.”
Alan waved as they dragged Vanessa away. She broke free of her mother’s grip and came back. “Can I have your number?”
She had no idea what propelled her, but Lanelle found herself rattling off the digits to the bubbly young lady, whose presence alone made her feel lighter.
“I’ll call you,” Vanessa promised as she backed away toward her parents, who stood in front of a sweet red Lamborghini.
Dante’s presence dazed her as she tore her attention from the car to him. No man should be so handsome and have charm oozing from his pores to affect the innocent women of the world. Under the suave exterior lay, she sensed, someone who possessed a depth of character it would take the rest of her life to unearth. Someone worth getting to know? “I’d better go.” Once again she reached for her door. Dante’s hand stilled her. The warmth of his touch radiated up her arm, heating her in the most delicious way.
“Would you like to go out to dinner tomorrow night?”
She opened her mouth to speak and ended up drawing in a sharp breath when he stepped forward and crowded her. His spicy, citrusy scent enticed her. With a hard swallow, she stepped back, only to bump into her car. One way to get out of this. The destiny card.
Tilting her head up, she memorized his features, knowing she’d never see him again. “Let’s do this. If we ever meet each other by accident again, I’ll go out with you.”
“You seem like a reasonable woman. What you just proposed isn’t anywhere near rational. We’ve already met twice by chance. I think kismet has played its role.”
Impressed, she tried to stay strong instead of falling into his invitation. “It’s the way I live. Third time and you get a date.” She pointed a French-tipped manicured finger at him. “By the way, I gave my number to Vanessa, not you. So don’t even think about calling me. If fate wants us to go out, then we will.”
He reached for her hand and held it between them, rubbing his thumb against her palm. The few seconds of sensual circles hardened her nipples. With reluctance, she pulled away.
He looked into her eyes. Not a hint of a smile appeared. “I don’t like this game, but we’ll play it your way. Remember your promise, because we’ll see each other again.” He backed off.
The solidness of the car on her backside grounded her, helping her resist the desire to follow him as her body longed to do.
Tearing her gaze away, she turned her back on the temptation he presented and got into her car. With one last wave at Vanessa and her parents, she took off, refusing to acknowledge Dante with a goodbye.
No man would ever be able to provide her heart’s desire, so why even bother with them at all?
For once Dante was almost pleased to be chauffeured as his thoughts wandered back to the encounter with Lanelle in the parking garage. He relaxed as Vanessa navigated her way through the streets of Cleveland.
At a fresh red light Dante watched as she opened the lid on the dessert and scooped out a piece with a plastic fork. He should reprimand her for eating in his car, but fascination over what had brought him into contact with the most amazing woman he’d met in a long time took precedence.
Vanessa shook her head and slapped her leg. “Mmm, mmm, mmm. This is so good. Even better than I remember.”
“I don’t need to see it all in your mouth to know it’s delicious. Let me try.” Without any
