Page 50 of Call Me Anytime
He’s even got a little scruff on his jawline going today, which he manages to pull off just as well as the clean-shaven look of every other day.And he probably didn’t shave because he was too busy sleeping outside your house so that you’d feel safe.The realization hits me in the chest, araw, poignant ache spreading beneath my ribs so quickly that I falter a little in my steps.
Dom’s head jerks up, and when his eyes lock onto my face, his mouth kicks up into this attractive-as-hell half smile that I feel from my stomach to my freaking toes. “You ready?”
“Yep,” I answer, practically having to claw the words out of my own throat as I close the distance between us.
He kicks away from the wall and gestures for me to go first, then falls into step beside me as we walk down the sidewalk toward the parking garage three blocks away. We’re silent at first, awkward even, but after we cross the street at the first curb and step up onto the next block, Dom pulls us right out of it.
“By the way, after I dropped you off this morning, I ran to the auto parts store and got you a new battery.”
My head spins to face him at Mach speed. “You did?”
“Yeah,” he says with a nod, his whole face lighting up with a smile. “I’ll put it in for you when we get back to your house. Then you won’t have to worry about it.”
My heart squeezes at the gesture. It’s not just thoughtful—it’s selfless. And something about that strikes me deep. Besides Lovie, I can’t remember the last time anyone did anything like that for me.
“Wow. Thank you, Dom,” I whisper with my whole chest, wanting him to know how much I mean it. “Just ... thank you.”
“Hannah, it’s no problem.” His easy grin and the playful way he winks at me send an unexpected warmth beneath my skin. “Besides the job, I’m a single guy with lots of free time.”
He’s single?I assumed a guy like him was already snatched up by some beautiful bombshell.
“Seriously.” He reaches out, his fingers grazing my forearm with a touch so light it sends a shiver down my spine. The warmth of his skin against mine ignites a flicker of want.For him.I nearly laugh. It figures I’d finally find the time to feel my vagina when it’s the very least appropriate opportunity I can imagine. I mean, this isDetective Dominic Dunn—the lead police officer on themurderinvestigation I’m participating in by takingsex calls, for Pete’s sake. “I was happy to do it. I know you have plenty on your plate already.”
I force myself to put him back in the safety of his box for my sanity. He’s doing his job—that’s it.
“Oh yeah.” I nod, laughing sardonically. “Quite the little life I have going, huh? Wake up; do phone sex; come home; talk aboutNCISwith my mom, who has no idea who I am; go to sleep; repeat.” I snort. “At least Lovie’s there tonight, so I’ll have a little bit of conversation and get a good night’s sleep.”
“Lovie’s there all night tonight?” Dom asks, his face taking on a new look. His eyebrows are drawn, and his mouth is twisted in consideration.
“Yeah. Why?”
“Well ... why don’t we mix it up a little then? I already planned to go out tonight. Why don’t you come with me?”
My chin jerks back. The whole concept of this conversation is so foreign I’m having actual trouble grasping it. “Go out? Like, as in ... out?”
“Yeah, why not?” Dom chuckles. “A little beer and karaoke. Maybe even some food if you’re feeling peckish.”
I laugh, overwhelmed by the feeling of ... freedom. Of interest. Of ... companionship. “Actually. Yeah. That sounds really good.”
“Great.” Dom smiles, and this time it touches the corners of his eyes. The sight sends my heart skipping a beat.And your vagina, well, she’s feeling awfully perky right now.
Clearly, I need to get it together.
We’re just making it to his car in the garage, and he holds the door open for me to climb inside. I do, but with what feels like a million tiny butterflies inside my stomach. Their wings are moving so fast it feels like I have to work to settle my ass in his passenger seat.
I tuck my purse down by my feet, and when I glance over my shoulder, my eyes catch sight of the brand-new car battery he bought. For me.
The reality of it hits me again. He didn’t have to do this—any of this. And yet, here he is, going out of his way, making me feel like I’m worth the effort.
The secret smile that wants to spread across my lips can’t be stopped.
My gaze lingers for just a moment too long as he climbs into the driver’s seat. Maybe it’s the way he adjusts the seatbelt across his broad chest, or maybe it’s the way his jawline looks even sharper in the soft light of the garage. Whatever it is, there’s no denying it—I’m starting to want Dominic Dunn.
9:00 p.m.
After we left the parking garage, Dom took me to a little diner called Mo’s to grab a bite to eat. We ate cheeseburgers and fries and managed not to talk about my Call Me Anytime calls or the case he and Shane are working on.
It was a breath of fresh air.
