hang out with my friends, cook and work up a sweat at my coed spin class.”
“Is that for couples or something?”
“No, it’s for singles. We work out together and then go out for cocktails and appetizers. You should check it out. It’s an awesome workout and a great opportunity to meet people.”
“Now I understand why you’re the most popular masseuse at Destination Wellness,” Marcel said, shooting her a smile. “You’re vivacious, and you have an infectious personality. I can honestly say I don’t remember the last time I had this much fun with someone.”
“Oh stop. I just love to talk!” Dominique laughed. “I monopolized the conversation at lunch, but you’re too much of a gentleman to admit it.”
“You have a strong opinion about everything, and you don’t hold back. That’s refreshing.” He lowered his mouth but didn’t kiss her. “I like being with you very much, Ms. King.”
Her eyes fell across his lips, and a delicious heat flowed through her. She didn’t know if she believed the story about his broken engagement, but she wasn’t going to sweat it. They were just friends, so it didn’t matter if he was telling the truth or not. But when he bent down and pecked her cheek, friendship was the last thing on her mind. For the past nine months, she’d been happily single, dating this guy and the next, but when Marcel touched her, she yearned for his kiss. Stealing herself against the thought, she vowed in her heart never to make the same mistake again. Falling for a man she was insanely attracted to had almost ruined her once, and she wasn’t going to get hurt by another good-looking man who told lies.
“What are you doing next weekend?” he asked, as they continued up the street. “I’m having a few friends over. You should come by.”
“I’ll think about it. I’m behind on paperwork, so I was planning to work that weekend.”
Undeterred, he made another plug for his party. “There’ll be good music, food and more than enough of everything to go around, so invite a few of your friends. The more the merrier.”
“I thought you said your apartment was small?”
He chuckled. “It is, but whenever the word gets out that I’m cooking Creole food my friends come out in droves! The last time I had a get-together, over fifty people showed up.”
“I love Creole food. Why didn’t you mention that part sooner?” she asked, laughing. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to make it, but put my name down on the guest list just in case. Should I bring anything if I decide to come?”
“Nothing but that pretty smile.”
“Marcel, are you flirting with me?”
“Yes. As a matter of fact, I am.”
Her laughter sounded sweet. “I like you,” she confessed, staring up at him. “A single girl can never have too many friends, and you’re a really cool guy.”
Marcel’s heart plummeted. Friend? What normal heterosexual man could handle being friends with someone like Dominique King? He was looking for a serious relationship and she loved being single, but that didn’t stop him from wanting her. “Oh, no, I’ve been relegated to the dreaded friend category.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Stopping outside of the bank, she stared up at him.
“Dominique, men and women can’t be friends. Where I come from, the whole purpose of dating it is to find a suitable marriage partner. No guy with a working pulse wants to be just friends with a woman as appealing as you.”
“I have tons of male friends,” she argued, “and none of them are carrying a torch for me.”
“They all must be blind!”
Uncontrollable laughter burst from her mouth. “You’re terrible.”
“And you’re beautiful.” He reached out and gently touched her shoulder. “I know a real nice café up the block. If you’re free tomorrow, I’d love to take you out for breakfast.”
“As friends?” she teased, raising her eyebrows.
“Hell, no!” Marcel chuckled. “I’ll meet you here at 8:00 a.m. How does that sound?”
Shaking her head, she gestured with her thumb over her shoulder. “Wednesdays are always crazy around here. Can we make it Friday morning instead?”
“Deal.” Marcel bent down and kissed her cheek. “I’m looking forward to it.”
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