Free Dangerous Curves by Dara Girard Page A

Copeland. “What a surprise,” she said, after an introduction.
    â€œI know,” Mariah said, drawing out the last word. “Your mother told me what happened. Your father—”
    â€œIt’s okay. I’d really prefer not to talk about it.”
    She patted Dominique’s hand. “Of course, dear. But you had your mother worried. It’s not like you to run off the way you did.”
    Dominique glanced at Kevin keenly aware of how he watched them. She didn’t want to be rude, but she couldn’t have Mariah rattling off about her family.
    â€œMom knows I need space.”
    Kevin stood. “Would you like to join us?” he said, grabbing another chair.
    â€œYes,” Mariah said.
    â€œNo,” Dominique said.
    They both looked at her. “I mean…you seemed to be in a hurry and I would hate to keep you.”
    â€œOh yes,” Mariah said with a nod. “You’re right. I do have an appointment with the contractor for our beach house. It’s been a nightmare, but I won’t bore you with the details. You already know. Remember that French chateau your father bought for your mother? The headaches you two had to deal with renovating it was heaven compared to what I’m going through, but I’m sure your mother will fill you in on all the details.” She glanced at Dominique’s plate. “I see you’re watching your weight, which is always a good thing, but as I’ve told you a million times, big girls don’t have to hide themselves in black. Wear what suits you not what’s in fashion. The classics never let you down, but current trends…” She waved her hands as if dismissing a foul smell. “I mean, and I’m not being cruel because you know I love you, but my goodness what you’re wearing looks like a uniform.” She turned to Kevin. “Doesn’t it?”
    â€œYes,” Kevin said. “Probably because it is.”
    Dominique briefly closed her eyes. The end was near. He was going to tell her mother’s dearest friend that she was his driver and Mariah would have a coronary.
    Mariah looked confused. “It is?”
    Kevin nodded. “It’s my fault. She knows it turns me on.” He winked at Dominique. “I love a woman in uniform.”
    Dominique looked at Mariah’s shocked expression. “Ignore him.”
    â€œOther men like nurses or maids,” Kevin continued. “But a woman who can handle a machine and make it hum and hug the road…” He let his words fall away.
    Dominique shook her head. “He’s just—”
    Kevin pressed a finger to his lips. “But nobody’s supposed to know about us yet.”
    Mariah’s eyes widened. “It’s because of your father, isn’t it?”
    Dominique jumped to her feet. “We’ll talk later,” she said, ushering her to the door. “You don’t want to miss that appointment.”
    â€œDoes your mother know?”
    â€œThere’s really nothing going on, but I’ll explain it later.”
    â€œMy lips are sealed until then.” She glanced back at Kevin. “Do you really know what you’re doing? He looks like a heartbreaker.”
    â€œI’ll be fine.” To her relief, Mariah agreed with her and left. Dominique returned to the table, determined to ignore Kevin’s smug grin.
    â€œThat was fun. Think we’ll bump into anyone else you know?”
    She focused on her meal.
    â€œAt least I know I was right about you.” Kevin cut into his braised turkey breast. “I can smell money. I thought as much the first day we met. Let me guess. Daddy cut off all your accounts and credit to force you to ‘rough it’ for a while. Why is he punishing you?”
    Dominique had to stop a smile. Of course! This was the perfect story and Mariah had sprinkled it with enough truth so she could use his assumption to her advantage. “I