himself out of his distraction and back into awareness.
“I said Clayton’s here. He just walked in. I’ll be back to take your order.”
Dex glanced around and watched with amusement as Clayton stopped at a number of tables to greet the ladies. Dex shook his head as he reflected on just how different the three Madaris brothers were. Justin, his older brother by eighteen months, was considered the warm, loving, sensitive one. After suffering the pain of losing his first wife nearly twelve years ago, he was a happily married physician living near Dallas.
Dex knew that he himself was often viewed as a true-blue Scorpio man—deep, complex, intense and as serious as a heart attack. He was the Madaris not to cross.
Baby brother Clayton, two years younger, was a prominent attorney here in Houston and a womanizer of the third degree. Outgoing and friendly, the only time he was completely serious was in the courtroom. Unfortunately he was also a notorious busybody. He acted as if it was his God-given right to stick his nose into his brothers’ affairs whenever he felt it was necessary.
“Sorry I’m late,” Clayton said, sitting down. A mischievous grin played at the corners of his mouth. “So what do you think of this place? Have you ever seen so many gorgeous sisters under one roof before?”
The glint in Clayton’s eyes confirmed Dex’s suspicion that his brother was up to something. “No, can’t say that I have.”
Clayton leaned back in his chair. “Did you get the chance to check out any of the ladies?”
Dex decided to sidetrack Clayton’s question. “And how was your day?”
“It was just another day. And don’t change the subject. Did you get the chance to check out any of the ladies?”
“No.”
“But you will.”
Dex gave an exasperated sigh as he picked up his menu. “Maybe.”
Clayton rolled his eyes. “Can’t you get excited about anything other than rock formations and soil samples?”
Dexter Madaris stared long and hard at his brother. “Like I said, maybe.”
Clayton snorted in frustration. “You’re a hopeless case, Dex.”
“Does that mean you’re finally giving up on me?”
Clayton chuckled. “It would serve you right if I did. But I won’t let you off that easily. When was the last time you were with a woman?”
Dex raised a brow. “That is none of your business.”
A burst of laughter exploded from Clayton’s throat. “Hey, man. Come on. You can level with me. I’m blood, remember,” he said when his laughter had subsided to a chuckle. “It’s been that long, huh?”
Dex grinned and shook his head. “The last time for me, I’m sure, was probably not as recent as for you.”
“Probably not,” Clayton responded, scanning the menu. “So what’s the problem?”
“There isn’t one. You may find this hard to believe, but there’re more important things in life than sex.”
“Really?” Clayton exclaimed in a tone of total disbelief. “Name one.”
Hearty laughter escaped from Dex’s lips. It was a rare occurrence. “Now I happen to think you’re the one who’s a hopeless case.”
Clayton smiled. “If I am, you better believe I’m definitely a very satisfied one. How about letting me fix you up with Cocoa over there? She’s just what you need.”
Dex’s gaze followed Clayton’s to the lone diner sitting across the room. The attractive woman was smiling at him. The meaning behind her smile, and the look she was giving him, were obvious. But he refused to acknowledge or to accept her open invitation. “Thanks, but I’ll pass.”
Clayton looked intently at Dex. “When will you bury the past?”
“I have.”
“I don’t think so. You’re still carrying a torch for Caitlin.”
Dex gave Clayton a scathing look. “I hate to disappoint you, bro, but you’re wrong.”
“Am I?”
“Yes, you are. Caitlin’s history.”
“Then prove it. Let me introduce you to Cocoa.”
“Clayton…” he began.
“You need a woman, Dex, and Cocoa is just the person for you. She’ll make you think about something else besides work. Don’t you know that all work and no play makes Dex a dull boy?”
Dex frowned. “Dull, huh? Then it’s a good thing I won’t be wasting Hot Chocolate’s time.”
“Her name’s Cocoa, and she has a knack for undulling people.”
“Yeah, I bet she does. Maybe some other—”
Dex suddenly stopped talking when his ears picked up the sound of the music being played. It was the song that had been playing the last time he and Caitlin had danced together. Even after four years, he could still remember the warm, soft feel of her in his arms; her body so close to his as he held her tight, not ever wanting to let go.
“Dex? Is something wrong?”
Dex took a deep, calming breath before answering, forcing the memory to pass. “No, there’s nothing wrong. Let’s go ahead and order. I need to make a stop by the office tonight. There’s some work I need to finish up.”
Long hours and hard work helped him to forget the things he didn’t want to remember.
200 miles away
Caitlin Madaris stood near the window gazing at the beauty of the skyscrapers that spanned the moonlit sky. In the distance below, specks of light could be seen reflecting from the blue waters of the San Antonio River.
A tremor shuddered through her as she desperately tried to appreciate the night’s allure. It was useless. Her thoughts were miles and miles away. Drawing in a deep breath, she inhaled the disinfectant smell of the visitors’ waiting room and swallowed the lump in her throat.
Fear and grief surged through her. Biting her lower lip, she clenched her hands together. She wanted to scream out her pain, yell out her anguish and tear the inner turmoil from within her. Unfortunately she couldn’t. She could not lose control. Not now, not ever. She had to be strong. There were no family members she could turn to. Both of her parents had been the only child of their parents. There weren’t any grandparents, aunts, uncles or cousins. There was no one to share her anguish.
The sound of footsteps echoed softly on the tiled floor. “Caitlin?”
Bracing herself, she turned around. Fighting back tears, she faced Dr. Flores. “How is he?” she asked, her voice remarkably steady. She searched the face of the gray-haired man wearing a white lab coat.
