When she finally stopped, Dallas asked, “Are you done?”
“That’s enough for one night.”
“I have a question.” She moved so they could face each other. “Did you tell me all that because you don’t want to be here anymore?”
“I told you because I wanted to give you an out, if you want one.”
“Truthfully, I’m looking for an in.” Dallas had started to return to the spot at Remi’s side when she sat back up. “You haven’t been accused of selling drugs, have you? You didn’t mention that.”
“No, we’ve never been under scrutiny for that. If you work for my father, it’s actually the quickest way to get fired. That’s also true for the people we deal with, like Cain.”
“I only have one more question,” Dallas said, turning within the circle of Remi’s arms to get comfortable again. “Am I just another notch on the famous bedpost of Remi Jatibon? I might not have known you, but I’ve heard a little gossip in the last few months.”
“No, you aren’t, unless you want to be. I won’t deny my reputation. I do have one that I truly deserve.”
Dallas faced her again and ran her hands up Remi’s arms. Reaching her collar she slipped the fingers of one hand into the curls at the base of Remi’s neck and pulled her down, stopping before their lips met. She ran her index finger lightly over Remi’s bottom lip, waiting to see if she would object. When she didn’t, Dallas let herself do what she’d wanted to since they met. She kissed Remi and slid her fingers through Remi’s hair
The kiss lasted until Remi’s hands landed on her back. Then she pulled back and wiped her lipstick off Remi’s lips. “Don’t get mad, but I want to take this slow. I think it’d be prudent since we just met, and I don’t want you to get the wrong impression.”
“I gave you flowers, doesn’t that count?”
“That was sweet, but it doesn’t mean I’m going to sleep with you.” Dallas moved to the buttons on Remi’s shirt, plucking at them nervously.
“We could just have sex. No sleeping has to be involved,” Remi whispered in her ear.
Dallas tapped the end of Remi’s nose with her finger and laughed. “We could, but we’re not.”
“That restroom break must have been very informative,” Remi teased. “But we’ll go as slow as you want. Kiss me good night then.”
“It’s still early.” Dallas kissed her chin. “And I have a few more questions.”
“I’m sure you do, but I’m trying to impress you with how good I am. How about we get together tomorrow?” Remi stood up, taking Dallas with her. Without her heels their height difference was more noticeable.
Before leaving, Remi pulled Dallas close enough that almost the full lengths of their bodies were touching and she kissed her. “Good night.”
“Sure you won’t stay a little longer?” When Remi shook her head, Dallas sighed and kissed her one more time before letting go. “Good night.”
“I’ll see you in the morning,” Remi said as she opened the door.
Dallas locked it behind her, confident Remi could make her way out, and got ready for bed. She thought about Bob, knowing he wouldn’t be thrilled with this development, and realized he was the reason Remi had asked earlier about cutting in on anyone.
It shocked her that Remi hadn’t asked outright about him, but it was just a matter of time. Lying in bed she tried to relax enough to get to sleep, figuring it would be a waste of time to start worrying now. She didn’t want to piss Bob off, but she didn’t want to miss out on getting to know Remi.
At 4:01 her eyes were still open. “I’m going to look like hell in the morning.” The ringing phone on the nightstand scared her out of her musings. Dallas picked it up, thinking it was a wrong number, and tentatively said “Hello.”
“Hey,” Remi’s voice rumbled from the other end. “I didn’t wake you, did I?”
“It’s four in the morning,” she said, dragging out the word morning.
“I couldn’t sleep and figured you might be in the same boat.”
“Actually I was lying here watching the time tick away.”
“How about that drink you offered me?”
Dallas sat up and laughed. “You want a drink right now?”
“You did offer, but if you’re tired, I’ll understand.”
She put her robe on. In the kitchen she began to brew some espresso. “Where exactly are you?”
“Across the street. The idea of picking your lock crossed my mind, but I didn’t want to freak you out.”
She laughed, then realized Remi probably could do it. “If you want coffee, I suggest you get to it.” As she poured, she heard the lock on the back door give way to whatever Remi had done, and she smiled as she put Remi’s cup down. “You could come in handy if I ever lock myself out.”
“You’re an interesting woman,” Remi said as she picked up her cup.
“I’m actually a woman who gets a little upset if I make coffee and don’t get a kiss in return.” She took her cup and headed for the sofa.
They sat together on Dallas’s sofa until the sun came up, finally finding sleep. Right before Dallas gave way to her dreams, she thought of what Emma had told her earlier.
