followed Dominique up to the front of the line, bypassing the waiting throng held at bay by a red velvet rope.
“Hey, Charles,” Dominique greeted the bouncer.
Charles looked like a bear but was as gentle as a kitten. He was truly a testament to looks being deceiving. He smiled when he saw her. “Good to have you with us tonight. And, Ms. Desiree, it’s been a while.”
“Good to see you, Charles.”
“Come on in, ladies.” His burly body made a path for them and they stepped inside, ignoring the grumbling at their backs.
Bottoms Up might have been billed as a supper club, but it certainly had an upscale nightclub feel. Two circular levels with multi-rows of tables allowed the seated guests to see the stage from any vantage point.
The decor was chic and avant-garde with smoked glass tables and chairs, muted recessed lighting, gleaming silver railings, mirrored walls, three bars and several private booths for larger groups. Between the dining tables were couches and lounge chairs and, of course, the menu was to die for.
The sisters stepped into the dim interior and were immediately met by the hostess, who took them to Dominique’s reserved table.
Michelle was crossing the room and spotted them the moment they were seated. Her body tensed. Not one, but two of them, she thought to herself. Desiree, the other sister, wasn’t really on her radar. She had always seemed nice whenever they had the chance to meet, and she was cordial, if not almost aloof, when she saw Spence. It was Dominique that was the fly in her ointment. She put on her happy face and walked over to their table.
“Good evening, ladies. Nice to see you both.”
“Michelle, how are you?” Desiree offered a big smile.
Dominique glanced up. “Michelle.” Her gaze did a sixty-second inventory. “You put on a little weight. It looks good.”
Michelle’s jaw clenched. “I love the shoes. They add about what? Three inches to your height?” she said, taking her dig at Dominique’s diminutive stature.
“So, great crowd tonight,” Desiree said, jumping in before she became a casualty in the verbal catfight. “Harry can definitely draw the crowd.”
Michelle drew in a breath and forced a smile. She turned to Desiree. “Yes, he can. We’ve reached capacity and it’s still early. Well, you ladies have a great evening. Good seeing you.”
“Oh, could you let Spence know we’re here?” Dominique smiled sweetly.
Michelle turned away before she lost her manners and smacked the lip gloss right off of Dominique Lawson’s mouth.
“What is wrong with you?” Desiree said from between clenched teeth. “You act like you’re twelve every time you’re around that woman.”
Dominique rolled her eyes. “She irks my last nerve.”
“I’m sure the feeling is mutual. But the both of you need to get over it. Whatever it is.”
“She’s jealous because of my relationship with Spence. She always has been and she wishes it was her.”
So do I. Desiree sighed inwardly and turned her attention to the crowd.
Michelle wound her way around the tables and bodies until she reached the kitchen, where she was sure she would find Spence overseeing each and every dish. He had little tolerance for any slipups or shoddy service or improperly prepared meals. His cooks and servers were thoroughly screened and trained and he paid well for their time and talents. But he had no qualms about letting anyone go that could not live up to the standards that he’d set. He was a hard taskmaster, but his staff knew that above all else he was fair. Michelle admired him for that and everything else that made up Spence Hampton.
“Full house.” Michelle eased up alongside him as he tasted the lobster bisque.
Spence took the wooden spoon and dropped it in the sink. He wiped his hands on his apron. “How are we doing outside?”
“Charles has started turning people away. We probably should have had two shows.”
Spence shook his head. “One show, one night. It gives it that much more cachet to have been here.” He winked at her, then crossed the wide, bustling kitchen, peeking over shoulders as he went. Michelle was close behind.
“The Lawson sisters are here.”
Spence’s step stuttered for a moment and Michelle bumped into his back.
“Oh, sorry.”
“Did they get seated?” He continued walking.
“Yes. Dominique got her table.”
He gave a short nod of his head. He checked his apron. “I’ll go out and say hello.”
Before Michelle could say another word, Spence had pushed through the swinging kitchen doors and stepped out into the main lounge. As she stood there, she wondered for the countless time what Dominique Lawson had that she didn’t. In her heart she knew the answer but refused to accept it. One day she would have him back, once and for all, and she’d never have to think about Dominique Lawson with Spence ever again.
Michelle was right, Spence thought as he took in the capacity crowd. Every table was taken, the couches were full, the bar was lined from end to end and the waiters and waitresses were doing double time to keep up.
After a bit of maneuvering, he eased around the mezzanine floor and worked his way toward Dominique’s table.
Desiree had her back to him, but he’d know that slender neck, the curve of her bare shoulders and those wild spiral cotton candy curls anywhere. Dominique, as usual, was busy charming the waiter, encased in a body hugging minidress that looked as if it was painted on. Spence smiled to himself as he approached.
“Ladies, ladies.” He looked from one to the other.
Dominique beamed. Spence slipped his arm around her waist and she did the same as she kissed his rugged cheek.
Desiree watched the exchange, thankful for the muted light that hid the longing in her eyes. Looking at the two of them together, one could easily conclude from their body language that they were lovers. Her stomach tensed. She glanced away and concentrated on her apple martini while her sister teased and cooed with Spence. He towered over her sister. His slender but hard body slid along the lines of her sister’s and she wished it was her. The deep chocolate of his smooth skin always made her hungry for what she knew would be sweetness, if she only got a chance to taste it.
“Desiree.” The deep ripple of his voice vibrated down to her pedicured toes.
She casually glanced up and tumbled into the depths of his onyx eyes. “How are you, Spence?” The lighting played with the deep, dark waves of his closely cut hair.
“I can’t complain. And to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit tonight?”
Desiree felt all fluttery inside. “You have Dominique to thank. She convinced me to come out tonight. And when she said Harry would be here …” She lifted
