Page 32 of Miss Treated

The one I’d seen him attend with the pretty blonde.

“It’s my mom’s favorite place to donate.”

“Why? Does she have a personal connection?”

He sighed as if he was uncomfortable.

“It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me.” I didn’t know how, but I’d apparently pushed a button.

“I was sick as a kid.” His words were low.

“Sick how?”

“Leukemia when I was six. I went through treatment for two years.”

I never would’ve guessed.

“At the time my family was living in New York, so my mother and I came out here and stayed with my grandmother in Sherman Oaks while I was getting my treatment at Children’s Hospital. My grandma taught me to bake and cook, and we spent a lot of time at the beach.”

I swallowed hard at the image of a young Dominic in the kitchen with his grandmother. “When did the rest of your family move out here?”

“After a few months. My mom got tired of traveling coast to coast, and I literally got sick every time I flew, so they bought a house, and my father reluctantly moved his headquarters to the West Coast. Anyhow, my family giving back to Children’s Hospital is personal because the place saved my life.”

I found myself getting emotional.

When he met my eyes again, he cursed softly at the tears gathered there. “Don’t cry for me, Kels. I’m good now, and although that time was scary, I was one of the lucky ones.”

“Thank you for telling me.”

“Yeah, feel sorry enough to go out with me now? Sorry, you know I’m only kidding—unless the answer is yes.”

There he was. The full cocky effect. “Afraid not.”

He chuckled, taking my hand up to his lips and kissing it gently before letting go. “Thank you for distracting me.”

Huh? Only then did I realize we had flattened out in the air. Guess he wasn’t the only one distracted.

We settled down and watched movies, but I kept stealing glances at my seat mate. Dominic came across as the type of guy who didn’t have a care in the world, but there were a number of layers to him. New ones I was discovering each day. When it was time to land, he didn’t ask, but I reached over and took his hand. I had to admit I loved the way he whispered, “Thank you.”

We arrived at the hotel late in the evening, and I expected him to suggest dinner, but after checking in, he made his excuses. “Hope you don’t mind if I pass on dinner. We can meet up in the morning down here before going into the office?”

Damn. Disappointment set in. Had I actually wanted more time with him? “Of course. Let me know if you need anything.”

He flashed me a soft smile, but it was evident he was exhausted. Flying had taken a toll. “Thanks.”

Once in my room, I found myself restless. Crossing to the window, I studied the city I’d once called home. I had no regret over leaving. It wasn’t New York’s fault it held painful memories, but I could never reinvent myself here. Not in a city with my ex. Not when I remembered who I’d been when I’d lived here. But I could visit without being overwhelmed with emotions. It was a test, and so far, I was passing.

The sound of my phone had me rushing to answer in case it was Dominic. I frowned when I realized the call was from my mother. It was tempting to ignore her, but it was better to talk to her now rather than have her try me again during my marathon of meetings tomorrow. As previously demonstrated, she had no qualms about calling me during the workday. “Hello.”

“Finally. I started to think you were ignoring my calls.”

I wouldn’t feel guilty about needing some time away from her, especially when I’d been busy. “I was on a plane earlier.”

“To where?”

“New York City.”

“Will you see Joel? He’s moved on, of course, but I’m sure he’d love to hear from you.”