The server returned with a plate of raw meat, turned on the built-in stove in the middle of the table and plunked long strips of seasoned beef and shrimp on it.
Marcel’s stomach rumbled. The scent of the sautéed onions whet his taste buds, but it was Dominique’s sweet smile that incited his sexual hunger. When the waiter departed, Marcel picked up the tongs and added more peppers to the grill. “You have an advanced degree in finance, and a managerial position at First Centennial Trust, so what made you decide to become a masseuse? The economy’s not that bad, is it?”
Marcel loved the sound of her laugh, and when she spoke, he had to remind himself this was nothing more than an innocent lunch date. He had a habit of moving too fast, and his last relationship had been a painful reminder that he had to take his time instead of diving headfirst into love. Furthermore, he had too much going on in his life to get caught up with another high-maintenance woman. A six-figure income and a lavish home were all prerequisites for dating a sister like Dominique, and even if he drained his trust fund and cashed in all of his business investments he wouldn’t be able to afford a woman like her.
“When I was younger I had dreams of owning a day spa, but my dad wouldn’t hear of it. So I went to college, got my business degree and applied at the bank,” she explained. “For fun, I took a massage therapy training course with a friend last year. I like working at the spa, but it’s just a side gig. Trust me, there’s no way I’m ever quitting my day job!”
Seeing the food was ready, Marcel dished rice, vegetables and meat onto Dominique’s plate. He handed it to her, and when their eyes met his heart stalled. Her smile widened, revealing even white teeth, and he found himself wondering what it would feel like to kiss her. “Bon appétit.”
“Everything smells really good,” Dominique noted, draping a napkin over her lap.
“Allow me.” Using chopsticks, Marcel picked up some shrimp and extended his right hand. “Tell me this isn’t the best thing you’ve ever tasted.”
She opened her mouth and chewed slowly. “This is delicious. I can’t believe this place is around the corner from the bank and I’ve never even tried it before.”
“I told you you’d like the food here. Want some more?”
Dominique reached for her fork. “Yes, but I think I can feed myself!”
They talked about living in Seattle, and the more Dominique learned about Marcel the more impressed she was. He was a modern-day Renaissance man who possessed a charm so subtle she didn’t notice they were touching until he caressed her elbow.
“How long have you been engaged?” The question flew out of her mouth before she could reel it back in.
Dominique studied his facial features with a critical eye. The muscles around his mouth tightened, giving him away. This wouldn’t be the first time a man had lied to her about his relationship status. They all played the game until they got caught, and Marcel was cold busted.
“I’m not engaged anymore.” After pausing to take a sip of his water, he said, “She was the one who broke things off, but we’d both been unhappy for a while.”
“Is there any chance you’ll get back together?”
He shook his head. “She wasn’t ready to commit, and—”
“And you were?”
“Dominique, I’ll be thirty-six in a few months.”
“Is that old?”
“From where I come from it is.” He chuckled when her eyes widened in surprise. “In Mauritius, most men get married after they finish their military service and start having kids soon after. My siblings are all happily married, and every time I call home my mom asks if I’m engaged yet. In her day, there was no such thing as dating, so she doesn’t understand why it’s taking me so long to find a bride.”
“I’ve never heard of a man being pressured to settle down.”
“Well, believe it. Back home, children are seen as a sign of prosperity, and fathers are treated like royalty in their communities. A man with a nice house or an expensive car isn’t nearly as revered as a man with three or four sons.”
“Do you plan on having a large family?”
“Definitely.” He sat with his fingers intertwined under his chin, watching her. “What about you? Is your family on your case to tie the knot?”
“No. I got divorced last year, and I’m not ready to date again.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, what happened between you and your ex?”
She chewed the food in her mouth, then took a long drink of her wine. “We met, fell in love and married shortly after. Everything was great for the first few months, but then things slowly fell apart. Earl was a struggling musician, content to do the occasional gig, but I wanted more—a lot more. I busted my butt to pay the bills while he partied with his friends and blew money we didn’t have. I finally got tired of supporting him and kicked him out. We were only together for three years, but it’s been a nightmare trying to move on with my life.”
“Do you ever regret your decision?”
“No. I enjoy my life just the way it is, thank you very much.”
“But don’t you want to have children someday?”
“I don’t need a husband to have kids. Hey, if Octomom can do it alone, so can I!”
Marcel didn’t laugh. “Dominique, you’re right. Most single moms do an incredible job raising their children, but a two-parent home is the ideal. In Mauritius, elders often say, ‘a woman living alone isn’t truly living.’”
“That’s sexist,” she said, staring coolly at him. “You’re still single. Do you feel your life is incomplete because you don’t have a wife?”
“Yes.” The strength of his gaze seared her flesh, and when he spoke again, his tone was convincing. “I like hanging out with the guys, but I’m happier when I have a steady girlfriend.”
Shocked by his admission, she fell silent. Reaching for conversation, Dominique said the first thing that came to mind. “This is the first time I’ve ever had Korean food, but it definitely won’t be my last.”
“Did you really mean that, or are you just saying that to make me feel good?”
She flashed a smile. “Marcel, I wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t true.”
The waiter returned, and once the dishes were cleared and the bill was paid, Marcel offered to walk her back to work. “I don’t mind,” he said when she protested. “I don’t have classes this afternoon.”
Marcel stepped forward and rested a hand on her lower back. Lust shot through his body like a bolt of fire. Surprise registered on her face, and he knew she felt the electricity that had passed between them, too. For a moment, he didn’t say anything. They stood in the middle of the restaurant, staring intently at each other for several seconds.
“We better get going,” she finally said, breaking eye contact. Between work, her sisters and her position at Destination Wellness, she had no free time. None at all, she told herself stubbornly. And just because she felt a connection to Marcel didn’t mean she had to act on her feelings. “I only have ten minutes left on my lunch break, and I don’t want to be late.”
Dominique’s forearm accidently grazed across his chest, and Marcel felt the flow of blood surge below his belt. Enjoying the feel of her skin against his, he moved closer. Using his free hand to open the door, he led Dominique outside into the humid afternoon.
“So, what do you do when you’re not managing the bank or working