Harlequin Kimani Romance September 2014 Bundle: Seduced by the Heir\Secret Silver Nights\Someone Like You\Indulge Me Tonight (35 page)

“You, too, Monique. Goodbye.”

Ending the call on this election eve, she came to a painful truth: she'd gladly give up being mayor to get back her man.

Chapter 29

M
onique sat in the hotel suite with Margo, Lance, his partner and her parents. The results were coming in, and with 70 percent of the votes in, things did not look good.

Mrs. Slater looked over at her daughter's forlorn face. “It's okay, Monique. You ran a clean race and did your best. That's all we can ask for.”

“It's not over yet.” George's eyes remained glued to the TV screen. “He's only ahead by five percent. Thirty percent of the vote has not been counted. Anything can happen.”

“Dad, you're an eternal optimist.”

Lance looked at Monique. “I'm with your dad.”

“We're all very proud of you,” Margo said, muting the television during a commercial break. “You withstood a nasty scandal with strong character and grace. You turned a sour lemon into sweet lemonade. Sharing your story was inspiring. It's not the act of falling, but getting up that counts. You were sincere and honest. That resonated, and not just with women voters.”

Lance reached for the remote. “It's back on!” Monique rose and paced as she watched the anchors pontificate on the election and its possible results.

“She did well,” the male anchor was saying as she stood with toe tapping. “Especially given the scandal that midway through rocked her campaign.”

“But she went up against a Drake,” the female anchor countered. “Given the number of homes they've built, businesses they've helped and charities they've funded, they're like royalty in Paradise Cove.”

Monique slowly shook her head. “I guess that says it all.”

Margo eyed her watch. “How long do you think it will be before they call the race?”

“Probably another hour,” Monique replied. “Really, Margo, I know it's late. You've been so supportive, but I can have Lance drive you home.”

“I wouldn't think of leaving. I want to be one of the first to hug our city's new mayor.”

“In that case,” Monique answered sarcastically, “you may want to go join Niko at the country club.”

* * *

Or not. Contrary to what Monique believed, Niko was not inside watching the election results. He wasn't even near a television. He and his brothers were enjoying an impromptu pickup game, sweating hard and talking trash about who could do what on the basketball court.

“It's been a while, son,” Terrell said to their eldest brother, Ike Jr. “I'll try not to whip that butt too bad.”

Ike Jr. looked at Julian, who'd arrived from the East Coast just hours ago. “Said to the man who taught all of y'all how to play the game.” To make his point, he faked left, moved right and scored an easy layup.

“Come on, man,” Niko admonished Terrell, his two-on-two teammate. “Stop jaw-jacking and play ball.” He caught the ball from Ike Jr. and passed it on.

Terrell took the ball and started bouncing it. “Don't worry, bro. We don't intend to let you lose nothing tonight.”

All heads turned as Terrell's twin, Teresa, came rushing around the back of Niko's house, where the basketball court was located. “Niko! Are you crazy? Why are you standing there in sweaty shorts instead of a suit?”

Niko stopped. “What time is it?”

“Time for you to get a clue! Don't you know you'll need to make your speech? You'd better get changed and get over to the club now! Bryce has been calling you for the last fifteen minutes and is about to blow a gasket.”

Niko threw the ball to Ike Jr. and reached for a towel. “And here I thought y'all had my back. I'm getting ready to have to make a speech on television wearing a sweaty T-shirt.”

Thirty minutes later and no one would have dreamed that Niko had just spent an hour playing with his brothers on the basketball court. He walked into the country club as if he'd just left a magazine-cover photo shoot. His double-breasted navy suit fit his frame to a T and the baby-blue shirt paired well with the red, white and blue polka-dot tie. A small flag pin was clipped to his lapel, with a platinum watch and matching cuff links and tie pin his only other accessories. That and his winning smile.

He entered through the back and walked to the private room where his family, staff and financial donors were seated. “Good evening, everyone. My apologies for being late. I had to quickly kick my brothers' butts on the basketball court.”

This quip caused a flurry of responses and laughter across the room.

His mother walked over. “You'll likely miss your own funeral,” she softly chided, while accepting a kiss on the cheek. “Spending time with your brothers was obviously beneficial. You look relaxed.”

“I am.” He looked up as Bryce headed his way. “Mom, if you'll excuse me.” And then to Bryce, “I know. I owe you. Lost track of time.”

“Fortunately for you it doesn't matter. Your lead is increasing. They'll probably call the election any minute. Let's head over to the city auditorium, where your public awaits.”

Niko turned to the room. “Before we leave, I just want to thank everyone for all your hard work. I couldn't have done this without you.”

“Make sure you have your badges,” Bryce added. “You'll need them to enter the section that's reserved for Drake VIPs.”

On the way over, Niko's phone rang. “Hello, Monique.” He held up his hand for quiet. “Thank you.” Nodding, he continued. “We both worked hard. In spite of everything that happened, you ran an excellent campaign. I really mean that.”

Bryce looked over. “She conceded?”

Niko nodded.

Terrell's thumbs flew across his iPhone, not slowing down even while talking. “She's a classy lady. If Niko hadn't been running, she would have gotten my vote.”

“I've seen those appreciative looks you've given her. Not so sure she didn't get it anyway.”

“It was a hard decision, but in the end...family first.”

“Has Dick called?”

Niko glanced at his dad to see if he was kidding. “I don't expect to hear from him—not tonight.”

Ike Sr. shook his head. “He'll call. It's part of the tradition, and Dick holds firm to that.”

They reached city hall. A large crowd had gathered and spilled onto the sidewalk. Signs and placards were everywhere. As soon as Niko stepped out of the car, the chants began.

“Mayor Drake! Mayor Drake!”

He entered the fray, shaking the hands of those who lined the sidewalk. Anyone watching would have figured Niko a seasoned politician and not a first-time official. Inside, the noise was explosive: people cheering, whistles blowing, the band playing a lively tune. Later, he'd swear that the nearly four thousand citizens in Paradise Cove had all turned out to hear his victory speech. It took a while, but finally he made it to the stage. Standing there was one of the town's wealthiest businessmen, who, along with being president of the chamber of commerce and a staunch supporter, had turned into a valuable friend. They shook hands and hugged before Bryce approached the microphone on the podium. He raised his hands and after a while the hall quieted. “Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the newly elected mayor of Paradise Cove...Nicodemus ‘Niko' Drake!”

Chapter 30

S
he'd just stepped out of the shower when she heard it. The doorbell. Looking at the clock, she figured she'd imagined it. Who would be coming to see her at 1:00 a.m.? But there it was again, a ring followed by a knock. Seconds later, her phone began to ring. What was going on? She hurried over to the nightstand in her master bedroom to retrieve the phone.

“Niko?”

“Please let me in. I've only been mayor for a few hours, way too soon to make front-page news.” Monique grabbed a robe and hurried downstairs. She opened the door and immediately found herself wrapped in Niko's embrace.

They stepped inside. “I'd thought you'd be celebrating at the club.”

“They're still there. But I wanted to have a different kind of party.”

“You are absolutely insane to be standing in my living room. But I'm so glad you're here.”

She hugged him, relishing the body she'd missed so much. He embraced her just as fervently, and touches became kisses—hot, wet, thorough—before both stopped to catch their breath.

Niko pushed an errant strand of hair away from her face. “I've missed you.”

“I've missed you, too.”

Monique noted how Niko's eyes traveled the length of her body. She became aware that the silk robe she'd snatched from the foot of her bed now clung to her partially wet skin; the thrill from his touch had hardened her nipples.

“I just got out of the shower,” she stuttered.

“Figured as much” was his soft reply as he visibly swallowed.

“Um...would you like to sit down? I could make tea.”

“Actually, I brought this.” Niko pulled out a bottle of pricey bubbly from Drake Wines and Resort, his Southern California cousin's thriving winery.

Niko's unexpected presence had Monique so flustered she'd not even noticed the wine bag hanging from his wrist. “Why, of course. It is a night of celebration.”

“Monique, I know you wanted to win...”

“No.” She held up her hand. “Really, there is no need for apologies. Earlier when I called to congratulate you, Niko, I meant it. Yours was a hard-fought campaign and you deserve the victory.”

“It didn't feel complete until now. We went through it together.”

“That we did. It was quite the experience. But the election is over. It's time for me to reorganize my life.”

“I hope that doesn't include your leaving Paradise Cove.”

“Why wouldn't I?”

“Because after all the drama with Ashley and Rob and elections and scandals...I'm still crazy about you?”

“We've shared some special moments.”

“For me it was that...” Niko took a step toward her, love radiating from his pores. “And so much more.”

Monique took a breath, trying to slow her rapidly beating heart. She'd longed for this moment, never thinking it would come true. But he was here. And he wanted her.

She stepped into his open arms. For several moments there was only silence, save the sound of their hearts beating in perfect synchronicity. When he stepped back to look at her, he saw tears in her eyes. “Baby, what is it? What's wrong?”

“Nothing.” Her dazzling smile showed through the tears. “Everything's right. This feels so right, Niko. And I'm so happy for you.”

“I'm happy for us. Tonight, no one in the world can be happier than me.”

Slowly, their eyes locked on each other, he lowered his head. At first the kiss was soft, tentative. He lightly brushed his lips against hers before lifting his head ever so slightly to kiss the tip of her nose and the eyelids that had just fluttered closed. Taking his time, he moved to kiss her temple, then lowered his head back down to claim her mouth, this time thoroughly and possessively, leaving no part of her luscious lips untouched.

Monique was drowning in desire. She'd never said it aloud, but her heart felt it. She was head over heels in love with this man. Now she could admit it, at least to herself. Because for the first time she felt there was a real chance that he loved her, too. It made her swoon with happiness and wet with the need to consummate this truth.

Niko stepped back, removed his suit coat. His eyes never left her as he undressed right there, in the living room. She looked down and unconsciously licked her lips. His dick was hard and ready. Her body responded, sticky dew on her feminine flower. She untied the robe. It slid to the floor.

He was there almost before it landed. On bended knee, his tongue caressing her heat, outlining her folds as he suckled her love button. She gasped, spreading her legs and gripping his shoulders. He moved them to the couch, laid her down and continued to feast. He kissed, licked, loved every inch of her—no part of her body was left untouched.

And when he was done, she returned the favor.

“I want you inside me.” Her whisper was frantic, urgent.

“That's exactly where I want to be.” He steadied her on the couch, entered from behind. His hands glided possessively over her tush as he plunged in—quickly, deeply—touching her core, searing his name across her heart. He set up a rhythm, slow and methodical. Tweaking her nipples, licking her earlobes, playing her body. It was a beautiful tune. Over and again, he thrust himself into her warmth. And still, it was not enough. He didn't want to stop.

And from the way she flipped the script, pushed him down, sat astride and began riding, Monique wasn't quite ready to end things, either.

After multiple climaxes, the two cuddled beneath Monique's afghan throw.

“Is this the party you were looking for?”

He kissed her temple. “Indeed. This is exactly how I wanted to celebrate.”

“Sounds like the perfect time for champagne.”

Monique got up and strode naked into the kitchen. Niko followed close behind, admiring the shape of her butt and the sway of her body. She reached for two champagne flutes while Niko uncorked the bottle.

She joined him at the island, examining the bottle before she poured. “I don't think I've seen this at the wine store.”

“This isn't sold in Warren's store. It's an exclusive, limited-edition line sold mostly to high-end restaurants and hotels. It's called Diamond...fine, rare, bubbly, valuable...just like you.”

“That's very sweet. Thank you.” She poured an equal amount into both glasses and gave one to Niko.

He kissed her nose. “What are we toasting to?”

“Your victory, of course.”

“I'll drink to that and to what can happen between us now that the race is over.”

“Okay,” she said with raised brow. “To us and whatever comes next.”