Page 23 of Miss Treated

A smile tugged on his lips. “Deal.”

Over the next three days, I met with each of the different sections of accounting. Dominic was quiet during the meetings, but I did see him taking notes. This was different from most of the other executives I’d met who never wanted to admit there were things they didn’t know. I appreciated the way he didn’t try to take over but was secure enough to follow my direction. He might overwhelm me with his physical presence, but he was exhibiting a depth and humility indicating there was more to Dominic than met the eye.

Thursday night I organized my notes from the meetings with each of the accounting sections. Billing was the only section missing, but we’d cover it while in New York. As on every evening that week, a knock came at my door at six o’clock sharp.

“Come in.”

Dominic entered, his tie already loosened, and his brown hair looking as if he’d run his hands through it a time or two. My heart rate jumped. Especially when he fixed his dimples on me. “What’s your pleasure tonight?”

A lot of things which had nothing to do with food. We’d worked late every night this week, and I’d come to look forward to the time with him. “I thought we might go for those fish tacos you talked me into last week. Do they deliver?”

He smiled widely. “They don’t, but the restaurant is on my way home. I’ll head out, pick up Lady and the food, then come right back.”

“Are you certain? It probably makes more sense for you to simply go home and work from there.” My reason for being in the office was not having a large monitor or a printer in my hotel room, but surely he had a home office set up.

“I’ve never been successful in working from home. It’s like the two don’t mix.”

I laughed, knowing what he meant. I most likely wouldn’t get much done over the coming weekend which I planned to spend in LA. My brother and his family would be in Spain, so I’d spend time with my friend Daisy. Then I had an in-person therapy session set for Sunday morning.

“I’ll be back with dinner.”

Dominic returned less than an hour later, a large bag in hand.

As with the other nights we’d worked late, I took my laptop and followed him into his office. The round table in there made it easier to work while I ate. Plus Lady liked to be in her bed.

“I forgot to get drinks. Diet Coke for you?” He was already on his way out the office door.

“Yes, please.”

As I unpacked the bag and set out the food, I noticed Lady come out to sniff the air. “I’m not sure what is okay to give you, sweet doggie.”

Her somber gaze regarded me, and I wondered what her history was. Couldn’t have been a good one if she’d come from the tracks. I took a seat cross-legged on the floor and held out my hand. “Come here, sweet girl, I won’t hurt you. I promise.” Damn. I was getting emotional watching her distrust and knowing where it came from. Was I that different? Of course, Lady had no choice in her circumstances. I had. For many years I’d stayed despite being mistreated.

I caught my breath when she touched my hand with her nose. “You’re so sweet and pretty. Come here. You want some love?”

I patted my lap, not expecting she’d come closer and curl up in it, so when she did, I was tempted to shout in triumph. A loud sound would ruin everything, though. Instead I brought my hand down slowly to pet her soft fur. “Such a good girl, aren’t you? Yes, you are.”

“Sorry it took so long. Machine was out, so I went up one floor— What in the hell?”

Dominic’s wide eyes took in the scene of Lady curled up in my lap and me running my fingers over her soft coat.

“I know. I can’t believe it. I take it she’s never done this before?”

“Only with me. Not even my mom has had this pleasure, and she gives her treats and takes her on walks. I hardly wish to disturb her, but I do have her food.”

“It’s okay. We should probably both eat.” I only hoped she’d take a chance on me again. She raised her head at the sound of the kibble hitting her bowl and gently extricated herself, walking over to chow down on her dinner.

“Sorry about the dog hair. She tends to shed a lot,” Dominic apologized.

I glanced down to see my black pants covered in gray hairs. “I don’t mind. I’ll be right back. Need to wash my hands.”

In all honesty, I needed a moment. Watching Lady trust me had been emotional. She might have been mistreated before, but she was moving forward. One step at a time. I returned to Dominic’s office a few minutes later to find he had everything laid out, including the ahi nachos.

“Yum. Did you disappoint all the girls there by getting your order to go?” I realized too late, I’d almost sounded—

“Jealous?”

“No, I—I mean, I was teasing. Obviously, you’re popular there.” Or everywhere, for that matter.