Chapter 4

Olivia could not believe what had just happened, especially in a packed club, where anyone could have seen them. She had just had an out-of-body experience and boy was it great! Dominic could see the shock on her face and he hoped she would not turn and run. "Hey Olivia it's OK, what just happened was great and I truly hope you do not regret it!"

"How could I regret the best thing that has happened to me in three years?" He could not help but wonder why a woman this beautiful could have any problems finding a man. What was this world coming to when someone that looked like Olivia could not get a date? She was not only beautiful, but she was filled with passion. He had never expected that kind of response from her. He could tell she was a very passionate woman, but to come apart like she did was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen! "Dominic I have a very hectic life and my job does not allow for much free time. When my dates find out what I do for a living they're either repulsed or way too interested. I have found it easier to just not date and keep to myself. You can avoid so much that way."

"It doesn't have anything to do with your partner?" Olivia was not sure how to answer that question. Dominic studied her face and waited for her response.

"Dominic what do you mean? Elliott is married with five children; I think he has enough on his plate without adding me to it! If you are asking if I have ever been involved with my partner then the answer is definitely NO!"

"I did not mean to upset you, I just saw the protectiveness he had for you this morning in the precinct." I know what it's like to be close to a woman and never have romantic feelings for them, but I also saw something in your partner's face that looked a lot like jealousy. I know it probably happens a lot when you work together so closely and see each other more than your own spouse. It's that way in the military too, so many soldiers are having affairs, but when you are put into those circumstances sometimes you need an outlet."

"Dominic I thought at one time that I had feelings for Elliott, but I could never betray his marriage. He split up with Kathy about three years ago and I even hoped he would ask me out on a date. That never happened and he ended up getting back with Kathy and they have their fifth child now. Some things are just not meant to be. We are friends and I will always trust him as my partner, but there will never be anything between us."

"I'm Sorry Olivia, I did not mean to upset you. I can tell this is a very sensitive subject for you and I will not bring it up again. I just want to make sure you are free and clear because like I said I cannot get you out of my mind and now I won't be able to get you out of my system."

"Dominic it's OK, I do not mind you asking me that. Elliott and I have been part of the rumor mill for years. Everyone assumes because you have a man and woman teamed up that they have to be sleeping together. I have never understood it, but it's been going on for years now. I would never sleep around with a married man; I have more respect for marriage than to do something like that. I used to take it to heart that everyone thought I was just some kind of slut that sleeps with her married partner, but I eventually learned to ignore all the talk. I guess I will be getting talked about again, I will be called a COUGAR, for dating a man younger than me!"

"Olivia does it really bother you that I am younger? I am thirty five years old not some young boy off the street, if you add the extra stuff to my age we are about the same age."

Olivia should have been wounded by his remark, but instead she could not hold back her laugh. "Dominic I am forty four years old and if someone added all the baggage I have to my age I would all ready be in the ground! I want you to know that I am in therapy and I am working hard to get better. It will be a long uphill battle, but I am working on it. I just want to be honest with you from the beginning. I have a lot of baggage that started when I was born and kept piling up over the years, you have the right to know what you are getting involved in."

Dominic stared at her and could not help but thinking this woman was a warrior. She had been through a lot and the things she had probably seen were life changing, most people could not do the job that she has for the last ten years. All that combined made him admire her even more. "I am on leave right now and I want to spend as much of my time with you as I can. I really hope you feel the same way. Olivia I do not care if you are older than me or that you have so much baggage you cannot carry it all. I want to help you in any way that I can. I want to give us a chance for something great, and I really think you do too!"

Olivia had not heard such sincerity from a man in years, and she so wanted to believe it! She wanted to feel like she had someone and could trust him no matter what. She had never been able to say that. She had been alone all her life, and her family was the 1-6. It took a lot for him to stand here in front of her and say what he did. She did want a chance with Dominic. He was so sincere and she could tell he meant what he had told her. "OK Dominic I would love to spend as much time with you as possible!"

Dominic was so happy to hear her response; he hardly even realized he was holding his breath. "Olivia I realize after what just happened it sounds ridiculous to say let's take it slow, but I want you to know that I mean that. We do things the way you want to. We can take it fast or slow; the decision is yours. I just want to be with you!"

Those seven words made her feel so special and that was a feeling she had not felt in a very long time!