Bellinger Sisters, #1
It Happened One Summer
by Tessa Bailey
Contents
Chapter Nine
Overview
Rosie finds Dominic’s heartfelt letter, which restores her confidence and deepens her longing. She learns he has been quietly protecting her and visits a dream restaurant space, feeling newly empowered. A charged phone call blends honest sharing with near phone sex, but Dominic withholds release, vowing to bring her home, while Rosie commits to continuing therapy.
Summary
After a draining shift at the mall, Rosie heads to her car and finds an envelope on the windshield. Dominic’s letter recalls their high school homecoming and praises who she was and is, leaving Rosie feeling seen, proud, and powerfully desired. Aroused and buoyed by his words, she’s interrupted by Joe, the mall security guard, who casually reveals Dominic has long paid him to watch over her.
Shaken and moved, Rosie detours to admire an empty storefront she’s been eyeing for her future restaurant, imagining décor, staff, and ambiance. The letter’s affirmation strengthens her self-belief and brings back a sense of possibility, though she resists going home to Dominic, determined not to replace needed conversations with sex.
At Bethany’s, Rosie changes and, still charged by the letter, calls Dominic. She confronts him about the secret security payments, explaining that knowing would have made her feel special. They discuss the letter’s intent—Dominic admits he hoped it would bring her home—then agree they must address core issues first. At Rosie’s urging, Dominic shares real details about work, including new hire Wes from Texas and the stress he’s caused.
Their honesty escalates into sexual tension. Rosie begins touching herself; Dominic, aroused, talks explicitly but grows frustrated at their separation. He refuses to climax, declaring he won’t normalize living apart or phone sex, promising to “fight dirty” to bring her back yet not touch her until she’s ready.
After he hangs up, Rosie is exasperated but energized, recognizing progress: his words matter, and their connection feels alive. She looks forward to their next therapy session—and to seeing Dominic.
Who Appears
- RosieReads Dominic’s loving letter, feels validated and aroused, visits a potential restaurant space, confronts him about secret protection, shares needs, and nearly engages in phone sex.
- DominicWrites a vulnerable letter, revealed to have paid a guard to protect Rosie, shares work details, initiates explicit talk, withholds climax, and vows to win her back.
- Joe (mall security guard)Reveals Dominic has long paid him to ensure Rosie’s safe walk to her car.
- BethanyHosts Rosie; briefly appears resting with an eye mask as Rosie slips upstairs to call Dominic.
- Wes DanielsNew hire at Stephen’s company; mentioned by Dominic as a disruptive, cowboy-hat-wearing coworker.