All He Needs (All or Nothing) (19 page)

“I’ve noticed. And don’t worry, he doesn’t frighten me. But I have no expectations,” Kate said. “I’m just enjoying his company.”

Melanie picked up her drink and took a sip, as though giving herself time to find the right words. “You may or may not know this,” she finally said, “but you’re the only woman who seems to have gotten through to him. Just the fact that you’re staying at Nick’s house—
that
house, and he brought you to my birthday tonight is really… unprecedented. So I worry that you may be able to hurt him,” she said, her gaze that same clear blue as Dominic’s. “He has vulnerabilities.”

“I doubt I
can
hurt Dominic. If anyone’s going to be hurt, it’ll be me. His track record with women”—Kate shrugged—“isn’t reassuring. But honestly, I don’t know
what he wants. We’ve known each other for only such a short time.” It was easier to be objective with Dominic out of sight; his physical presence stripped her of her clarity.

“But you like him.”

“Who wouldn’t like him? He’s an amazing man.”

Melanie smiled. “I think so too.”

Then curiosity overcame practicalities, perhaps even politesse. “May I ask
you
a question, and if you feel I’m out of line, just tell me.” Kate ran her finger down the condensation on her glass. “Dominic’s house… that is—in the house… there’s no evidence of his wife anywhere.”

“That’s because Julia preferred their apartment on Russian Hill. She called that house Dominic’s surfing museum. Nothing much has changed there since he bought it. He likes it that way. Don’t get me wrong, Julia was very good for him. The best friend he ever had. Maybe the only real friend he ever had. They went everywhere together, to the most dangerous and amazing places. I think she offered him constant distraction beyond the machinations of the business world. Nick isn’t good alone. He surrounds himself with people and constant activity. He always has. With the exception of his reading. You probably saw his books. Did he show you the room over the garage that he calls his library?”

“No, I’d like to see it. I saw the books in his room.”

“I don’t think Julia shared that interest. She was a complete extrovert; she belonged to any number of charities, sat on the boards of several. But, most important, Julia was completely loyal and in Dominic’s cutthroat world, that kind of loyalty is rare.” Melanie paused for a moment. “Julia’s death left a huge black hole in Dominic’s life.”

“I’ve heard.” And now she knew why. Julia was a paragon of womanhood.

“Although you seem to have changed the recent course of Dominic’s life.” Melanie smiled. “I don’t wish to offend you, so I’m trying to delicately skirt the subject of your and Dominic’s relationship.”

Kate lifted her brows faintly. “I’m not sure we have a relationship.”

“I disagree,” Melanie softly countered. “And that’s why I’m pressing you when I’ve barely met you. But you see, Nicky has never brought anyone other than Julia over to our house. A woman, I mean. And he gave us all orders to be especially nice to you.” Melanie smiled. “He just doesn’t do things like that.” She laughed. “So I’m really wondering if you cast some spell over him.”

“If anyone’s cast a spell over anyone, it’s the other way around. I’m trying to keep my feet on the ground in a world I’ve never known. Dominic’s wealth is overwhelming. He deals with it casually, tells me to do the same, but I can’t. It’s intimidating, he’s intimidating at times. He doesn’t take no for an answer.” Another shrug. “But I’m deeply unhappy without him. He tells me he feels the same way, although honestly, I can’t imagine someone like Dominic sustaining a ‘relationship’ for long.” Kate made a sweeping gesture with her free hand. “There. All my cards are on the table.”

“I like your honesty.” Melanie leaned over and patted Kate’s knee. “And I’m relieved. Most women are attracted to Dominic’s wealth.”

“He’s aware of that, actually cynical about it. I’m not
sure he understands that money or not, he’d have women chasing him.”

“Apparently his cynicism outweighs logic.” Well aware of her brother’s history with women, Melanie deliberately changed the subject. “Will you be traveling with Dominic?” she asked. “He never stays anywhere for long.”

“No. We’re on this vacation of his and then I have to go back to work.”

“He said you won’t work for him.”

Kate took a small breath, debated how much to say, and chose discretion. “I wouldn’t be comfortable working for him.”

“Because?”

I’m jealous of every women he talks to—a real deterrent to harmony in the workplace.
“It’s just a personal preference.”

“I’m sorry,” Melanie quickly said, taking note of the embarrassment pinking Kate’s cheeks. “I’ve really pried haven’t I? But he’s my baby brother.”

“It’s not a problem. I understand.”

“Well, I’m pleased you like him,” Melanie said. “And I’m pleased he brought you to visit and I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you both get what you want.”

“May I ask one more question? Dominic said your mother would be here tonight.”

“Ask anything you like. As for Mother”—she paused—“I try to include her in family occasions as a courtesy.”

“I don’t know if you heard, but I met your mother in Hong Kong. At the time I wasn’t aware of the therapists and—er—resentments. Now that I know some of what went on, I’m surprised Dominic was so—”

“Tolerant of her?” Melanie interposed. “That’s because there’s nothing Mother can do or say that touches him anymore. I’m not sure there ever really was. It was always just a struggle for supremacy and Nick won that war.” Melanie grimaced faintly. “Although in the way of a preemptive apology, please don’t take anything Mother says to heart tonight.”

Kate smiled. “I won’t.”

“And if Mother does offend you, I’m sure Dominic will step in.”

“Oh dear.”

“No, no, you’re not to blame. It’s just that Mother takes pleasure in annoying Nick. He has no problem defending himself. He’s really quite surefooted after all these years.”

“He did seem impervious to her remarks that day in Hong Kong.”

“He escaped home at thirteen and came to live with us. Since then, he’s been irrepressibly independent. Mother is no more than an annoying asterisk in his life.”

“Thirteen? Wow. He didn’t mention that. He only said that he’d bought the house down the street when he was sixteen and that you signed for him.”

“He was able to buy the house because our uncle left his business to him in a trust Nick could claim when he turned sixteen. Jordan had always been fond of Nick, often had him down to LA to visit, took him sailing. Uncle Jordan built racing yachts.”

“
That’s
where Dominic learned to love sailing.”

Melanie nodded. “Jordan died at thirty, washed overboard in a storm at sea. Nick was thirteen. It was devastating for him. But thanks to Jordan, Nick was able to gain
independence at a young age. Remind me to show you a photo of our uncle. He and Nick could have been twins. He was my father’s brother,” she added in explanation. “But Jordan didn’t get along with my father any more than Nick did. That might have been part of their bond, although they had much more in common: surfing, sailing, their guitars, a nonconformist mind-set.”

“I think I saw a photo of him in Dominic’s bedroom,” Kate said. “I thought it was Dominic in a masquerade costume: slicked-back hair, a white dinner jacket, a cigarette in one hand, a martini glass in the other, palm trees in the background. The image was pure playboy.”

“No, that’s Jordan. He
was
a playboy.” Melanie smiled. “And apparently genetic imprinting is holding true in Nicky’s case. But we’re seeing a different side of him tonight with you,” Melanie quickly added.

Kate blushed. “Thank you, but I’m remaining pragmatic about our—er—friendship. When I was researching Knight Enterprises before my interview, I read about all the women who have passed through his life. At the time I wondered if he ever slept?”

It was Melanie’s turn to blush. “Not as much as he should. I wasn’t going to mention it, but since you have—there have
always
been women,” she said gently. “With the exception of his marriage, during which he was completely faithful, I’m not sure he’s ever turned a woman down. But Nick seems very different with you. I mean it—genuinely different. Considerate, affectionate, happy.” She grinned. “Roscoe’s afraid Nick’s sick because he’s lost his laser focus on business. Have you met Roscoe?”

Kate shook her head. “I just know who he is.”

“I assured Roscoe that Nick was fine. That maybe you were the sickness, as in love sickness,” Melanie said with a little smile.

Wouldn’t that be heavenly.
“I doubt it,” Kate said with a little shake of her head. “In fact, I’m determined to keep my feet firmly on the ground when it comes to anything even smacking of romance with Dominic. His dealings with women are casual and cursory.” She raised her glass. “So here’s to sanity.” Putting the glass to her mouth, she drained it.

Melanie sighed. “I suppose that’s sensible. Still”—she grinned—“I’ve always been a romantic. So fingers crossed. Ah—there’s the timer on the ovens. Would you mind calling everyone in to dinner?” Coming to her feet, Melanie turned back to Kate. “And if there’s ever anything I can do to help… if you ever have any questions about Dominic, please let me know. I think you’re good for him,” she finished politely. “Take it from me, Nick could use a little grounding.”

The dinner table was noisy and festive. The children had all made simple birthday gifts for their mother. Dominic said, “You can open mine later. It’s for your collection.” Matt had given his gift before the party. Melanie blew out the thirty-eight candles on her cake with the help of her younger children and Mrs. B’s pizza was fabulous. Dominic teased and joked with all the children, they clearly adored him; all of them sported dinosaur watches that Dominic had brought them, along with electronic, handheld games and Nicole’s special gift of pearl earrings and a necklace.

Seated beside Kate, one arm on the back of her chair,
Dominic kissed her from time to time as if eight pairs of eyes weren’t watching. She blushed each and every time. Melanie would nudge Matt and cast him knowing looks, the children pointed and giggled or, in the case of the young boys—eyes wide in horror—they’d moan,
“Ewww.”

To which Dominic would nonchalantly reply to their moans in variations on a theme. “Just wait. You’ll find a girl you’ll want to kiss someday. And Katherine tastes like pizza. Good pizza. So she’s worth kissing.”

During the course of the dinner, Dominic also coaxed Kate to relate some of her stories about Gramps’s canoe business. He knew Matt and the boys would be interested. In fact, Matt wrote down the number of Hart Canoe Outfitters and promised the boys a trip to the Boundary Waters next summer.

“You should come too, Nick,” he said.

“I might. I’ve never been there.”

Kate shot him a look.

Dominic smiled. “You could be my guide. You must know the area.”

“Blindfolded.”

He lowered his mouth to her ear. “Speaking of blindfolds,” he whispered.

She blushed even brighter red, her heart pumping overtime.

Melanie gave Dominic a reproachful look. “That’s enough, Nick. Stop embarrassing the poor girl. She’s going to get up from the table in a minute and leave you.”

“We can’t have that.” He put up his hands. “I’ll behave.”

“You have my permission to kick him, Kate.”

“Mom!” six-year-old Rafe exclaimed. “You said no kicking!”

“Your mom’s just kidding, Rafe. Kicking’s
wrong
,” Dominic said, grinning at his sister.

“So is embarrassing someone,” she said sharply. “Now, who wants cake?”

After the cake had been demolished, the children went to their rooms and the adults had time for a drink before the party guests arrived.

Dominic took a seat in one of the chairs by the windows, pulled Kate down on his lap, drew her back against his chest, and wrapped his arms around her. Matt and Melanie sat side by side on the sofa, Melanie tucked against Matt, his arm draped over her shoulder.

A small quiet descended in the aftermath of the dinner hubbub, only the sound of waves washing up on shore soft background noise.

Dominic smiled. “Really nice party, sis. Too bad all the others have to show up. Maybe we could turn out the lights?”

“You like some of the guests, Nick.”

“I don’t know about
like
.”

“Inhospitable crank,” she teased.

“Hey, all I do is deal with people twenty-four/seven. It’s nice to take a break. We might not stay long.” He dipped his head toward Kate. “Unless you want to, babe.”

“It’s up to you.” Kate was being polite; her greatest pleasure was having Dominic to herself.

“Fair warning, sis, if you don’t see us around. By the way, my staff from Lucia will make sure the kitchen is clean as an operating room before they leave since Mrs. B got on
their case last time.” Dominic glanced at his watch. “They should be here soon. My security crew will be coming and going once everyone arrives.”
He didn’t mention the added force that had arrived after them to patrol the perimeter.
“Leo’s a fanatic. Sorry.”

“Not a problem,” Matt replied. Dominic had explained the situation to him when the children were busy with their presents. Neither man wanted the women to know the extent of the threat. “Guys with global empires need security,” Matt added with a grin. “Unlike local contractors.”

“Speaking of local contractors.” Dominic pointed west. “Leo saw security at one of the houses they were remodeling up the block. They were checking the workers’ IDs before they let them into the yard. Do we have a Russian oligarch in the neighborhood?”

Melanie lifted her brows. “A talk radio notable.”

“With enemies?”

Matt grinned. “Or paranoia.”

“Hmm, a different kind of enemy,” Dominic murmured. “I hear the food trucks driving up.” He whispered to Kate, lifted her from his lap, slid her to one side, and rose from the chair. “I’ll get the door. I haven’t seen Rudy or Slim for a while.”

Kate discovered that Dominic owned one of the city’s celebrated restaurants and Lucia catered Melanie’s birthday each year. Soon the kitchen was bustling with chefs and servers, delicious aromas were beginning to waft through the house, and Dominic returned, carrying a tray of martini glasses.