Chapter 20

Dominique stopped pacing and looked at Tim. "You mean to tell me that bitch is coming after me because of you, and she's fucking someone else? That's just rich right there!"

"I told you she was crazy," Tim said as he shrugged.

Now I understand. It wasn't because of me that she was after Dominique. It was because of Tim. She was jealous that Dominique was back in Tim's life. However, if she was also truly sleeping with Jacob, Dominique was in real danger. Jacob wouldn't stand for someone injuring his lover.

"I think it would be best for you not to go home, at least for tonight, Dominique. If Jacob is really going to avenge Roxy, he may come after you tonight. He won't wait. It's only one night. You can stay with me since Tim's residence would not be safe for you at the moment," I said.

"As much as it pains me to say this, I agree with Nathaniel. They don't know where he lives. At least give me until tomorrow night to find out what is going on, and then we can go from there, okay?" Tim said.

"Fine, but one night only. Tomorrow I'm going home no matter what. I'll call someone later to come to fix my door. I still don't feel good about not reporting this whole thing to the police."

"Thank you," Tim said as he stood up and hugged Dominique.

Dominique hugged him back, and I didn't like it one bit. I liked it even less when Tim pulled back and kissed her forehead. I was having a tough time not attacking him right then and there. I could see Dominique was feeling something for him, and it hurt.

"I'm going to go get your things out of my car. I'll be right back," Tim said.

"Okay," Dominique said as she sat back in her chair.

When Tim left the office, I stood up and walked over to Dominique. I squatted down in front of her and took her hands in mine. I just looked at her for a minute before I spoke. I had to get my emotions in check.

"Dominique, I am trying to remain your friend. Unfortunately, I'm finding it harder to do that when I want you for myself. I will not, however, force you to choose between Tim and me. If he is where your heart truly lies, just tell me."

It killed me to say that. Why had I said that? I didn't even remotely want her to choose Tim. I wanted her to choose me, but I had to give her a choice. I felt it would help my cause if I did. I could see her eyes filling with tears.

"I can't tell you that, Nathaniel. I told you I was confused. I appreciate you not making me choose. No matter what happens, I can't see losing you as part of my life. I don't know why but I feel drawn to you, and it scares the hell out of me. I told you I care about you, and I do. I just don't want to be hurt in the end. And I thought I was over Tim because I felt such hatred for him. I guess I still loved him and just never really moved on. Now, those feelings are starting to resurface. I thought he was the love of my life at one point, but if he truly loved me, would he have let us fall apart as he did?"

"I can not say if he would have or not. I can see he regrets his decisions. I told you before he wants you. I could see it on his face when he looked at you. I do not wish to admit that, as I know he is my competition, but I believe he truly loves you and did not know how to handle whatever it was that he was going through when things went bad between you two."

I watched as Dominique's face changed. She looked happy at my words, and that worried me. But then she looked at me, and I saw something I never thought I would with Tim back in her life. She felt more than just friendship or lust for me. I sensed the confusion in her, but I didn't push her. Instead, I stood up and pulled her up out of the chair. I hugged her tight and held her until I heard Tim approaching. I took Dominique's things from Tim and walked out to my car. I heard Dominique and Tim walking behind me.

Tim hugged Dominique, and she hugged him back. Tim brushed his lips over Dominique's, and I was starting to think he was trying to piss me off. It was like he wanted me to go off on him and show Dominique what I truly was. What bothered me even more, was how Dominique was clinging to him and not pushing him away. We got in the car and drove away, leaving Tim standing there.

I pulled up to the house and opened the garage. Dominique watched the garage door open. I noticed her looking around at all of the cars. I came around and opened her door for her. She couldn't take her eyes off of the cars. I felt her excitement as her eyes widened. I followed her direction line and saw my 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am.

"Do you see something you like, Dominique?" I asked, amused at her excitement.

"You, you have the car I've only dreamed of," Dominique said, breathless.

"And which one is that?" I asked, smiling at her childlike giddiness.

Dominique walked up to the car and looked through the window. I had never seen Dominique act like this. She didn't get this excited even when she was talking about her passions. She was practically drooling as she looked at the car. I walked up and opened the door for her. She looked at me like I was crazy, and I waved to the driver's seat.

"Are you serious?" Dominique asked.

"Yes. I've never seen you like this, Dominique. If a car brings you this much happiness, then check it out. I like cars, and I collect them. I rarely ever drive them. Starting them up from time to time is all I have ever done with most of them."

"Oh my God! How could you just let this baby sit here?" Dominique asked incredulously.

"Well, again, I like cars and collect them. I usually drive my Mustang. It's my favorite. Go ahead and check it out. The car is all original. It has barely any miles and was barely driven when I bought it." I told her.

Of course, she didn't know I bought it when it first came out. I just liked the look of it. I loved muscle cars. Dominique sat on the driver's side and touched the wheel. The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am in 1969 was rare to find now, especially in such excellent condition, so she was barely touching it. I wondered what her reaction would be if I let her give it a spin.

"Would you like to take it for a test drive, Dominique?"

I couldn't help but smile when she looked at me. Her eyes were huge as she contemplated what I had just asked her. Who knew she was so into cars? She had never mentioned this particular thing about herself before. I had seen the car she was driving. It wasn't old, but it wasn't anything fancy either. It was just a regular car that was good on gas. So, she liked muscle cars. I had plenty that she would like if that was the case. Any one she wanted to take out would be fine.

"Are you serious? If you are joking with me right now, I think I may kill you," Dominique said.

"I'm serious, Dominique. Would you like to go for a drive?"

Dominique jumped out of the car and threw her arms around me. Her excitement was contagious. Then she started jumping up and down.

"Yes! Let's go!"

"Alright," I said as I walked over to a box and unlocked it.

I grabbed the key to the car and walked back over to Dominique. I handed it to her, and she just stared at it for a moment. I laughed as she gingerly sat in the car and ignited the key. I opened the passenger door and got in. I had only driven this car once, which was when I bought it. There were practically no miles on it as it had been parked for a long time.

Dominique put on the seat belt, and I pushed the button on the garage opener. The garage door opened up, and Dominique slowly drove out of the garage. She looked in the rearview mirror as I closed the garage door. You couldn't tell just by looking at the house that it was a garage. I guess that's what she was checking out. She slowly drove the car up the driveway until she reached the road. She was nervous about driving the car, and I could feel it. She sat for a minute and revved the engine. When she opened her eyes and looked at me, I just smiled.