Whispered Promises

“Clayton hasn’t arrived yet, but if you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to your table.”

She led the way to a table overlooking downtown Houston. Sitting down, Dex couldn’t help noticing the number of females that were either dining alone or together in groups.

Sisters.

It suddenly dawned on him the connection between the name of the restaurant and the number of women that were there. Although quite a few men were in attendance, they were outnumbered by the women two to one. Evidently this restaurant was a meeting place where the sisters came to hang out and bond.

“Would you like to order now, or do you want to wait until Clayton gets here?”

“I’ll wait.”

“All right.” A grin curved the woman’s lips. “Clayton has told me a lot about you.”

Dex gave her a dry look. “Really? And just what did he tell you?” Evidently, Clayton hadn’t told her just how much Dex enjoyed his privacy.

“He said you’re a workaholic and somewhat of a loner.”

Dex moved his shoulders in a noncommittal shrug. A workaholic and a loner. He knew in all honesty there was more than a little truth to Clayton’s claim. Since his divorce from Caitlin four years ago, he had drowned himself in his work. He’d volunteered for longer hours and had taken on projects other geologists with Remington Oil hadn’t wanted to be bothered with. Since returning to the States from Australia, he had formed his own company, Madaris Explorations, almost a year ago. He worked day and night to assure its success, and to prevent his mind from idle wandering to the past. The memories were too painful, and work, he’d discovered, was the best antidote for a distracted mind.

The waitress had said something.

“What?” Dex shook himself out of his distraction and back into awareness.

“I said Clayton’s here. He just walked in. I’ll be back to take your order.”

Dex glanced around and watched with amusement as Clayton stopped at a number of tables to greet the ladies. Dex shook his head as he reflected on just how different the three Madaris brothers were. Justin, his older brother by eighteen months, was considered the warm, loving, sensitive one. After suffering the pain of losing his first wife nearly twelve years ago, he was a happily married physician living near Dallas.

Dex knew that he himself was often viewed as a true-blue Scorpio man—deep, complex, intense and as serious as a heart attack. He was the Madaris not to cross.

Baby brother Clayton, two years younger, was a prominent attorney here in Houston and a womanizer of the third degree. Outgoing and friendly, the only time he was completely serious was in the courtroom. Unfortunately he was also a notorious busybody. He acted as if it was his God-given right to stick his nose into his brothers’ affairs whenever he felt it was necessary.

“Sorry I’m late,” Clayton said, sitting down. A mischievous grin played at the corners of his mouth. “So what do you think of this place? Have you ever seen so many gorgeous sisters under one roof before?”

The glint in Clayton’s eyes confirmed Dex’s suspicion that his brother was up to something. “No, can’t say that I have.”

Clayton leaned back in his chair. “Did you get the chance to check out any of the ladies?”

Dex decided to sidetrack Clayton’s question. “And how was your day?”

“It was just another day. And don’t change the subject. Did you get the chance to check out any of the ladies?”

“No.”

“But you will.”

Dex gave an exasperated sigh as he picked up his menu. “Maybe.”

Clayton rolled his eyes. “Can’t you get excited about anything other than rock formations and soil samples?”

Dexter Madaris stared long and hard at his brother. “Like I said, maybe.”

Clayton snorted in frustration. “You’re a hopeless case, Dex.”

“Does that mean you’re finally giving up on me?”

Clayton chuckled. “It would serve you right if I did. But I won’t let you off that easily. When was the last time you were with a woman?”

Dex raised a brow. “That is none of your business.”

A burst of laughter exploded from Clayton’s throat. “Hey, man. Come on. You can level with me. I’m blood, remember,” he said when his laughter had subsided to a chuckle. “It’s been that long, huh?”

Dex grinned and shook his head. “The last time for me, I’m sure, was probably not as recent as for you.”

“Probably not,” Clayton responded, scanning the menu. “So what’s the problem?”

“There isn’t one. You may find this hard to believe, but there’re more important things in life than sex.”

“Really?” Clayton exclaimed in a tone of total disbelief. “Name one.”

Hearty laughter escaped from Dex’s lips. It was a rare occurrence. “Now I happen to think you’re the one who’s a hopeless case.”

Clayton smiled. “If I am, you better believe I’m definitely a very satisfied one. How about letting me fix you up with Cocoa over there? She’s just what you need.”

Dex’s gaze followed Clayton’s to the lone diner sitting across the room. The attractive woman was smiling at him. The meaning behind her smile, and the look she was giving him, were obvious. But he refused to acknowledge or to accept her open invitation. “Thanks, but I’ll pass.”

Clayton looked intently at Dex. “When will you bury the past?”

“I have.”

“I don’t think so. You’re still carrying a torch for Caitlin.”

Dex gave Clayton a scathing look. “I hate to disappoint you, bro, but you’re wrong.”

“Am I?”

“Yes, you are. Caitlin’s history.”

“Then prove it. Let me introduce you to Cocoa.”

“Clayton…” he began.

“You need a woman, Dex, and Cocoa is just the person for you. She’ll make you think about something else besides work. Don’t you know that all work and no play makes Dex a dull boy?”

Dex frowned. “Dull, huh? Then it’s a good thing I won’t be wasting Hot Chocolate’s time.”

“Her name’s Cocoa, and she has a knack for undulling people.”

“Yeah, I bet she does. Maybe some other—”