The Dom Next Door Read Free Page A

live in building two-twenty? Right across from me? I’m Violet Hendrix.”
    I extended my hand and contracted every muscle I possessed in order to keep it steady. Inside I was shaking like leaf, but he didn’t need to know that.
    “Violet, what a beautiful name.”
    His hand clasped around mine and between the jolt of electricity in his grip and the seductive lilt when he’d said my name I didn’t know how I was still standing on solid ground.
    “Jack Riley, by the way.”
    We released our shake and went back to folding. Side by side. Outwardly somehow I was keeping it together, but I was squealing on the inside.
    “How do you like the apartment complex so far?”
    “All the tenants seem friendly and I like the community. I love my unit. It has a much better view than the last apartment I rented.”
    I fumbled the pair of lace panties I’d been trying to conceal. Did his words carry a double meaning? Had he been watching me in the hot tub the other night?
    “My old apartment overlooked the parking lot of a busy shopping plaza. I much prefer the view of the courtyard and pool that I have now.” He dropped the towel he was folding and looked at me. “Is everything okay? You look kind of pale.”
    “Yeah, I’m fine. It’s probably just the lighting in here. The fluorescents overhead don’t really flatter my skin tone.” I tried to give a self-effacing giggle.
    “So, how long have you lived here, Violet?”
    “Three years. Hey, I’ve been to New Orleans, too,” I pointed to his souvenir shirt from a popular restaurant in the Big Easy. “What did you think of the city?”
    “Loved it. I went about six months ago for a work trip and didn’t get to stay nearly long enough. The food was amazing, especially the beignets at Café Du Monde. Plus, the city’s atmosphere was unlike anywhere else I’ve ever visited. Bourbon Street was like a non-stop party.”
    “Oh, Nola is lots of fun. I had an aunt who used to live there, so I’ve been more times than I can count. The summers are hot, sticky and oppressive but I love Louisiana in the winter and spring. Mardi Gras is awesome.”
    I was so glad I’d seen his t-shirt. My nerves were starting to wane and while I could think of about a billion other things I’d rather do with Jack than talk about New Orleans, at least I wasn’t a stammering, jittery mess anymore.
    The fitted sheet I’d tucked under my chin while trying to fold it slid down my torso onto the floor. I went to grab it, but he was faster. With a few quick moves, he had the bedding formed into a neat square. It was both arousing and surreal to see this powerful Dom doing something as domestic and routine as helping fold sheets.
    I looked up into his golden brown eyes and was mesmerized by the hue. I’d never met someone like him before, who could turn an ordinary task into an erotic situation. He handed me the sheet and our fingers brushed together, the air practically crackled with sexual electricity.
    “Thanks, you didn’t have to do that.”
    We stared at each other for immeasurable moments. Finally I broke the trance and grabbed my laundry basket. I didn’t know what to say or do. I knew that the mood had shifted from friendly to something more. There was heat between us, I knew that and I think he did too. But I’d never been good at making the first move and with a man like Jack—a sexual Dominate—the last thing I wanted to do was try to take control, I didn’t think that would appeal to him.
    Unsure of what to do next, I figured it was better to play it low-key. I casually smiled and tossed him a wave.
    “I’ll see you around Jack. It was nice to meet you.”
    “Violet.”
    I spun around when he said my name.
    “Yes?”
    “It was nice to meet you, too. Thanks for the help with my laundry.”
    “Anytime, Jack.”
    *****
    I was putting away my clean clothes when I found a pair of boxer shorts mixed in with the few pairs I wore as pajamas. I knew who they belonged to without even