Sea of Seduction: A Single Dad Sports Romance Page 9

  BigWaveMaster: You guys better stick to the mushy waves out there in whatever kiddie pool you surf. Big wave master’s got this one wrapped up.

  The surf community with its testosterone filled competitors brought a smile to my face.

  I read a few more.

  And there, at the very end was Harold’s two-cents.

  SicJudgeHarold: You losers are going down. May as well wad up your entries and throw ’em in the trash. I’m taking this one. –Harold O’Connor, ASP Judge.

  Harold.

  A lump formed in my throat. The conceited man just had to include his title as a judge. Harold and I had been friends at one time. After my fist made contact with his jaw, I think it would be safe to say that our friendship was over. Filha da puta! Why did Harold need to enter this contest? Couldn’t I have just one thing in life that was mine and only mine without having to face the demons from my past?

  Lola’s lips moved silently down the comments until she got to Harold’s name. “Harold O’ Connor,” she whispered. Her eyes grew large, and she gazed at me, neither one of us saying anything.

  “What’s wrong?” Coco said.

  Lola snapped the laptop shut when she saw the stricken look on my face. “Oh, nothing.” She jumped out of her chair. “So, I think maybe my dad needs to get some fresh air now.”

  “But what about the contest rules?” Coco said.

  “Lola, you need to get to your homework.”

  “Good idea, Daddy. I think you need to walk Coco home, okay?” She smiled expectantly.

  I needed fresh air. “We’ll work on the rest of this later. Coco and I need to work on the formula again. Maybe I can come back to your shop?”

  Coco tilted her head. “Okay.”

  Lola ushered us to the door. My daughter knew me too well. If I started talking about what had happened when I punched Harold out, I was liable to put my fist through a wall. “Okay, so I’ll see you later Coco. Daddy, you and Coco have a nice walk.”

  She practically shoved us out the door.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Dominick

  The ocean air hit our faces. “What was that all about?”

  I broke into a long stride. “Nothing. Lola’s like that. She gets all excited about a project, and then she remembers something she needs to do for school and—”

  Coco trotted up to me and placed a hand on my arm. “Slow down.”

  I stopped and looked at her. No way was I going to share what happened on my last day of the tour. Our friendship was strictly business. So what if I was crazily attracted to Coco and my daughter had taken a liking to her?

  I took a deep breath, and we walked slowly, the ocean booming in the background, a few wispy clouds scudding across the blue sky. I took more deep breaths and forced myself to relax.

  Entering this contest had become important. I didn’t realize just how crucial until I recognized the screen names of the participants. They were guys I’d traveled with, surfed with, gotten drunk with, played cards with, watched movies with and chased girls with.

  And then there was Harold O’Connor.

  Harold was so damn arrogant. Second best was never good enough. If he wasn’t top dog, he moved on.

  Harold had been one of the best surfers on the tour. When that didn’t work out, he became team manager for the West Coast surf team. When that didn’t work out, he became an ASP judge.

  The man had something against me, I just knew it. I wasn’t the only one who thought he’d denied me the title. So what if his career as a surfer hadn’t worked out? Did he really have to take it out on me?

  My competitive streak reared its head. Lola, Coco and I were going to win this drink contest. I could feel it in my bones. Between Coco’s knowledge of all that anti-aging stuff and Lola’s creativity, we’d win. We just had to.

  “Lola sure is a talented kid,” Coco said. “I had fun today.”

  I chuckled. “She’s talented all right.”

  I glanced at the gorgeous Coco as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind one ear.

  “Maybe this is none of my business, but where’s her mom?”

  I let out a heavy sigh and shrugged. “Who knows? We were both young when she got pregnant. She’s American, you know.”

  “How’d you two meet?”

  “She was traveling in Brazil. One thing led to another and, well, you know how these things go.”

  “Yeah, I suppose I do.”

  “I was at a contest when she tracked me down to tell me she was pregnant.”

  “Too crazy.”

  “I almost thought we’d stay together, but she didn’t want to. She made nice with my mom, but it was only because once the baby was born, she wanted Mom and me to take over.” I gave her a crooked smile. “At least she made sure Lola was safe.”

  She reached out and touched my arm. “Lola’s okay, right?”

  I barked out a laugh and looked into Coco’s blue eyes. “That young lady is tougher than anyone on the block. Nobody messes with Lola.” I thought of those mean girls at her school and hoped Lola wouldn’t be tested and end up using her new-found fighting skills. “She’s fine. Sometimes I wonder who the adult in the family is.”

  “Well, there’s a job out there for her. Smart and creative, that one.”

  We walked for a while longer, and I marveled at how easy it was to be with Coco. She didn’t feel the need to fill every second with nervous conversation the way so many women seemed to.

  “Are you happy here in California?”

  “What’s not to like?” I didn’t want to go into the details of what had brought me here, and she didn’t ask. “Waves are great and Lola loves it.”

  “You really are a great dad. Lola’s lucky.”

  “I’m trying. She makes it easy.”

  We walked another block, and Coco pointed out her business partner’s house. “That’s Rhys’s place.” It was a tidily kept cottage. “Get a load of that white picket fence.” She threw her head back and laughed. “The man’s got to stop watching so many sappy movies.”

  Finally, we reached a condominium complex overlooking the ocean. “Here’s my condo.” We stopped, and the world became still as we stared at each other. Her black hair whipped around her cheeks, and I wanted to touch it, to smooth it away from her face, to feel her creamy skin. Her hand touched mine. “Hey, you want to come up? Maybe have some herbal tea?”

  I slowly placed my hands in my pockets. Yes, I wanted to go in Coco’s house and be alone with her. But no way did I trust myself. I was liable to rip her clothes off the minute we were inside, force her down on her knees, unzip my jeans, pull out my throbbing heat and grab the back of her head while I sunk my huge cock in her warm mouth. “Maybe another time. I need to get home to Lola.”

  “Okay then. Another time.” Her eyes sparkled with an amused glint, and her lips curled into a smile. I was about to ask what was so funny when she cleared her throat. “You know, I really think I need a block of readings.” She twirled her hair and stared out at the ocean. “I’ve only had two, and the angels tell me I need at least five.”

  I laughed. “Since when do angels give you numerical guidance?”

  A playful smile graced her sweet lips. “I like the way you talk. Forget about what Lola said. I love your accent.”

  We stood so close that I felt the heat of her body. “How about we do the next session at your kitchen when we work on the drink? Did you forget? You already have another appointment scheduled for … is it Friday? Does that work?”

  “Like a charm.”

  “How about one?”

  “Fantastic.”

  We looked at each other, and as I gazed into her beautiful eyes, I realized there was nothing stopping me from kissing her. It would be so easy. My breath sped up, and I swallowed over a lump in my throat. My vow of celibacy stemmed from my inability to get close to a woman for anything other than sex. And more importantly, I had to raise Lola. Females were a distraction. I remembered all the times I’d
fucked sexy women and then left them. The tour didn’t leave any room for relationships.

  “Okay, so I’ll see you Friday.” I hugged her briefly and kissed her soft cheek. When I pulled back I saw that her eyes had grown wide and her cheeks were a rosy pink.

  “Oh! Okay. Great. See you then.”

  Before my body took over and did something I’d regret, I turned on my heel and waved. “Tchau!”

  When I was several yards away, I peeked over my shoulder. Coco was rooted to the spot, watching my hasty retreat.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Coco

  “Today will be session number three. Count ’em. Three.” I gave Rhys a gentle shove in the chest, and his arms pinwheeled in an exaggerated manner before he righted himself.

  He glanced at the front door of the boutique. “Lucky nobody’s here, because what I’ve got to say isn’t for virgin ears.” He covered my ears, and in a loud stage whisper said, “Dominick’s not going to have sex with you!”

  I gently extricated his hands. “Stop. He’ll be here any minute.”

  Rhys placed one hand on his hip. “Listen, sister, don’t go getting all confident just because he’s coming over. The only reason he’s hanging with you is because you’re the herbal expert around here.” He flapped a hand dismissively. “If it wasn’t for that drink contest, your ass would’ve been exiled to Siberia as far as the psychic surfer’s concerned.”

  I busied myself straightening boxes of anti-aging creams. “Don’t say that. He likes me.”

  Rhys let out a hoot. “Likes you? If he’d have wanted more, he would’ve invited you somewhere private by now. How easy would it’ve been for him to ask if you could work on the drink at your house?”

  Rhys was right. When I’d invited Dominick up to my place the other day, he couldn’t get away from me fast enough. Dominick gave mixed signals. On the one hand, he seemed super sexual, on the other, he kept me at arm’s length. Heat rose up my neck remembering the way his lips had felt when he’d given me that peck on the cheek.

  I already felt conflicted over the bet. Dominick had become more than just a sexy fascination. He was a committed father. He had his own business. He pursued his own passions. If I thought too long about the bet, I started to feel ashamed of myself.

  The heat reached my face and I placed my hands on my cheeks, my eyes darting sideways.

  Rhys stared at me, his gaze boring into me. “Well if that don’t beat all. I think you like him.”

  “Do not.” I wouldn’t admit how much I was falling for Dominick. The look on Rhys’s face was disbelief mixed with having heard the best joke of the year. “Quit staring.” My voice took on a taunting quality. “Take a picture. It’ll last longer.”

  “I think Ms. Confident has a soft spot. I thought we had a deal. One roll in the hay, right? Which, by the way, you’re not getting.”

  A lump formed in my throat and I looked away. “It’s just a bet.” I gave Rhys a weak smile. “So what if he’s only the best looking man I’ve ever met? I can act impressed around him, right?” I forced my shoulders back. “You can help me pack for Canyon Ranch.”

  “There’s the spirit. Even though it’s not happening.”

  I tried to join in Rhys’s enthusiasm but my heart wasn’t in it. Rhys and I had placed goofy bets and played practical jokes on each other all our lives. I would just play along. For now.

  I busily straightened our display of creams when Dominick pushed through the glass door.

  “Welcome to Beauty For Life,” Rhys said in a voice way too loud. He nudged me. “Look who’s here.” He made a big show of turning to me, his eyes wide. “You didn’t tell me Dominick would be here today. If I’d have known, I’d have scheduled a facial for him.”

  Dominick smiled and extended his hand to Rhys. “No facial today. Your lovely partner’s helping me with the drink contest.”

  “Oh yes. The drink contest.” Rhys held onto Dominick’s hand so long that I thought the death grip would break poor Dominick’s hand.

  I pulled myself up to my full height and took a deep breath. “We’ll only be an hour or so.” Rhys stared at Dominick like he was memorizing him for a police lineup.

  Dominick extended his arm, and I hooked mine through his. “Let’s go.” His voice was deep, Latin and sexy as all get out.

  When I glanced over my shoulder, Rhys had affected a comical faint, his hand on his forehead.

  We reached the loft and Dominick sat at the farm table, a soft ocean breeze wafting through the open glass door. “How about we start with your reading?”

  “Great.” I lit my collection of aphrodisiac ylang-ylang scented candles, moved to the stereo, queued up the romantic music I’d chosen, pulled the drapes shut and dimmed the lights. I gave Dominick a sexy smile. “The angels work better in low lighting, right?”

  “That they do, meu amor.”

  I pulled my chair close to Dominick’s, expecting him to perform a card reading, but instead, he set the cards aside, held my hand, and his seductive green eyes stared into mine. “Let’s do a palm reading.”

  I allowed myself to relax in the warmth of his strong, slightly calloused hand as I gazed into his mesmerizing eyes. I became hyperaware of everything about Dominick. His flannel shirt fit so snugly over his broad chest that I noticed every beat of his heart. His dark hair hung slightly over his eyes. The five o’clock shadow covering his chin was so sexy that I wanted to reach up and feel the stubble, run my fingers over his jaw, lean in and kiss his mouth. “Such lovely hands.” He moved close, and I felt the heat of his body. Was he going to kiss me? His hand felt hot, and my fingers trembled. The mood music played in the background, and the male crooner sang about wanting to fall in love. I had never paid much attention to the lyrics of the song, but suddenly they made sense. I wanted to fall in love with Dominick. I imagined us slow dancing to the music as he stroked my back, led me around a dimly lit dance floor, imagined his strong hands trailing down until he cupped my ass, felt his hands reach up and pull down the spaghetti straps on my dress until my bare breasts were exposed, felt his warm mouth on mine, his fingers running through my luxurious mane. I sighed.

  Dominick cocked his head. “Is something wrong?”

  I jerked my head back. “No. I mean no. A palm reading sounds fine.”

  “Let’s see your hands. Palms up.” My hands shook as I followed his instructions. “Right or left handed?”

  “Left.”

  He broke into a slow smile. “Me too. Left-handers are smart.” He winked. “Good looking, too.”

  I gave a nervous laugh. “Well, you are, that’s for sure. Good looking and smart, I mean.” Good god, Coco. Say something intelligent.

  “How it works is this.” He held both my hands in his, inspecting the palms. “Your dominant hand represents your work life; your other hand deals with relationships, dreams, and emotions.” He stroked the inside of my right hand with his thumb. “Close your eyes and take a deep breath.” We closed our eyes. “Thank you, dear angels, for working with us.” Dominick recited his invocation, but I couldn’t concentrate. My whole body felt feverish as he held my hands, his thumb making slow sweeping motions over my palm.

  “Open your eyes.” His index finger traced an arc across a long curved line of my right hand as he inspected my palm with great intensity. “Interesting. This line says that your passions and desires drive you.” He squeezed my hand. “Are you a passionate woman, Coco?”

  “Well, sometimes.” In the name of the bet, I needed to stay in heavy flirtation mode. My eyes held steady contact with his. “Mostly when I’m around you.”

  He chuckled. “Don’t worry; you don’t need to flatter your psychic. How is it you say here? No buttering up needed.”

  His fingers grazed a line that began near my thumb and extended toward my wrist. “This is your life line. But don’t worry. It doesn’t say how long you’ll live like most people think. It has to do with well-being and life changes.” He frowned. “It says here that y
ou may be easily manipulated by others.” The first person I thought of was Rhys and the bet. All my life I’d allowed him to talk me into pranks, practical jokes and illegal acts like shoplifting candy bars when we were kids. “Is that true?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  His green eyes flicked up to mine. “It may be something you want to pay attention to.”

  His fingers grazed the life line. “You need to chill out now and then. Taking time to play could do you good. Do you spend enough time playing?”

  “Who has time? I work too much.”

  His index finger and middle finger worked their way back and forth across my palm. “You need to relax. Spend time with loved ones. Do you have people you love, Coco?”

  No. There wasn’t anyone I loved other than Rhys and my pup, Victor Jose. “I’m working on it.”

  His eyes met mine. “Keep doing that.”

  His thumb caressed a short line. “This is your heart line.” He took a deep breath and let it out. “Have you suffered an emotional trauma?”

  Oh god, no way did I want to talk about my mother. “Of course. Who hasn’t?”

  He shook his head slightly. “This is true, minha flor. Just don’t let the pain overtake your life.” His gaze dropped to my palm, and he stroked my right hand. “This is your head line. You’ve got a strong intellect and thirst for knowledge. Any venture you undertake is sure to be a success.”

  I laughed. “Maybe we’ll win the contest.”

  He smiled broadly and squeezed my hand. “Yes. We will.”

  The reading went on for a few more minutes. Finally, he said, “Close your eyes.” And he recited the closing prayer. “Thank you, dear angels, for the accurate reading and spending time with us. So be it. So it is.”

  I snapped my eyes open. Dominick stared at me, his intense green eyes boring into my soul. “What do I owe you?”

  “Just the pleasure of your company.” He smiled. “And the winning drink formula.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Coco