That’s when Dakota chuffed out a laugh. “While I don’t kiss and tell, I might have pissed someone off, and she opted to tell me what shereallythought of me. I’m an Alpha male. But I’ve gotta say…I’m surprised she didn’t paint the word ‘jerk’ or ‘a-hole’ on my truck.” Leaning back and crossing his ankle over his thigh, he offered another relaxed smile. “Alpha is kinda flattering, don’t you think?”
Alexandra pressed on. “The letter our news station received said—and I quote—‘Dakota Luck is doing a helluva lot more than running a real estate company. It’s time the public knew the real story’. What is that story?”
“I’m the CEO and broker of a well-known real estate company with offices in Northern Virginia, suburban Maryland, and D.C. That’s not newsworthy. What the public doesn’t know is that I’m also involved with Maverick and Carly Hott’s foundation. Helping Others To Thrive. The organization helps veterans get back on their feet, and Goode-Luck Real Estate has purchased and donated several homes for area veterans. I’m just a regular guy trying to make a positive difference.” He paused to smile. Out of the corner of his eye, his brother nodded in approval. “I appreciate the free publicity the letter and photos have afforded me, but I’m not sure what all the fuss is about.”
She held up the picture of the four men in tactical gear. “When was this taken and who are you with?”
Dakota shrugged a shoulder. “No idea who’s in that photo, but it ain’t me. That looks like stock photography. There are hundreds online just like it.”
Alexandra asked a few more open-ended questions and Dakota answered them as planned.
“I’ll give you the last word,” she said.
“I’m confident the person or persons responsible for Matt Hastings’s death will be found.”
Alexandra closed out the interview and turned to her cameraman, who gave her the thumbs-up.
“So, Dakota, off the record, what’s really going on?” Alexandra asked.
He looked her in the eyes and said, “Damned if I know.”
After Evangeline walked Alexandra and her cameraman out, Dakota dragged his hands through his hair. “What a fucking shit storm.”
“You were relaxed and believable,” Sin said.
“If the guy blackmailing me shows his face, I’ll rip his heart out.”
“I pity him. He has no idea what you’re capable of.”
“No,” Dakota replied. “He sure as hell doesn’t.”
17
The Partnership
As they headed toward reception, Sin asked Dakota, “How are things with Providence?”
“I keep telling myself to slow down, but I can’t. That this is just work, but I can’t stop myself from wanting her. And it’s not just about the sex. She met Sammy.”
Sin glanced over. “That’s big. How’d that go?”
“It went well,” Dakota replied.
They entered reception and heat infused his chest. Providence stood there talking to Evangeline, looking ultra-hot in a form-fitting jacket and skin-tight jeans.
She slid her gaze to his and a sly smile curved the corners of her mouth. His body hummed with energy, the desire to kiss her took hold. They were locked in a smoldering gaze, neither could break.
Dakota stopped inches away. “Miss Rhode Island.”
Sin and Evangeline laughed.
That elicited a bigger smile from Providence. “Dakota.”
“Good to meet you in person,” Sin said to Providence.
“Same,” Providence replied.
“I see you’ve met my better half,” Sin said.
