Jogging helped Caden keep his lean, muscular frame. It came naturally after years of training in the military. It also helped him release tension considering sex wasn’t on the table these days. And he needed an outlet. Tonight’s fundraising event his mother was throwing would have all the movers and shakers in attendance. It was critical that he be on top of his game.
He and Jack had been working the last couple of weeks on crafting a clear message to voters. Originally, Caden had dozens of issues he was concerned with, but Jack helped him narrow his focus. Last night, over and over, Caden reread the message and issue briefs Jack had sent him. He wanted to be sure he understood any topic that might be thrown at him by a possible constituent.
He was hoping for a successful event and if he knew his mother, tonight would be exceptional. The funds would help him finish setting up his campaign office as well as hire a reliable treasurer who was fiscally responsible. Jack had someone in mind, but Caden hadn’t yet decided.
Due to the large size of this campaign versus the mayoral election, Jack suggested an entire team. They needed a legal, polling, and public relations advisor, advertising director, press secretary, and fundraising, event, and volunteer coordinators. Although Camilla offered herself up for the coordinator position, Caden was determined she would not have a larger role in his campaign. If she did, she would try to take over and he’d only hear her voice, not his own.
Caden stopped when he reached the five-mile mark and caught his breath. He checked his heart rate and pulse on his Apple Watch. Then he used the towel in the waistband of his running belt to wipe the sweat off his face and removed his water bottle to take a generous swig of water. He inhaled deeply knowing that his morning runs might be a thing of the past once the campaign was in full force. He remembered how chaotic it could be when he hardly had time to eat as he went from one campaign stop to the next.
Several minutes later, he glanced down at his watch again. He had just enough time to catch a quick shower and eat some breakfast before meeting up with Jack for one final rundown.
Was she really doing this? After all these years, was she really going to Caden Mitchell’s fundraising event at the Four Seasons? Savannah stared at herself under the fluorescent lights of the guest bathroom. She wore an evening gown she’d bought the day before during her lunch break.
She didn’t even think it would have been possible, but once she’d decided to go, Charlotte had been only too happy to babysit Liam and keep an eye on her grandmother.
So here she was, in a one-shoulder gown with a deep side slit that hugged her body through the hips before stretching out to the floor in a mermaid silhouette. Due to the asymmetric neckline, she’d had to forgo a bra, but luckily there was built-in padding. Savannah had splurged and gone to the hair salon. They’d taken her washed-out chestnut-brown hair, given her a haircut, added honey-blond highlights, and lightly curled her tresses until they hung in layered waves down her back.
She hadn’t gone for makeup, but the salon gave her such a sweet makeup/hair combo deal that she couldn’t pass up the makeup too. The transformation stunned her. Her skin glowed. Her eyebrows were arched and suddenly had shape. Eyelash extensions brought out the green in her eyes and on her lips, pale pink lipstick and gloss on top of it were everything. She hardly recognized herself. She looked like a different woman.
She hoped so. She doubted Caden would even remember her, and it wasn’t like she was going to get close enough for him to see. She would stay in the periphery and just lay eyes on him, put her overactive imagination to rest.
“Mom, you look beautiful,” Liam said when she finally made her way downstairs. Charlotte had arrived a half hour ago and was keeping him entertained.
Savannah grinned widely. “Thank you.”
Charlotte rose from the sofa and came over. “I’m so excited you’re going,” she said. “You deserve a night out on the town. And looking like you do, you might even catch the eye of a certain gubernatorial candidate.”
Little did she know, Savannah already had years ago.
“I doubt he’ll even see me, but I’m looking forward to a little break.”
“Have fun.” Charlotte leaned in for a squeeze. “I can’t wait to hear all the details when you get back.”
“Thank you again, Charlotte, for looking after my family.”
“You’re absolutely welcome. Now go!” She shooed Savannah toward the door.
The drive from her home into downtown took half an hour from her side of town. Traffic was mild, and Savannah arrived with plenty of time to pull her sensible Ford Escape into the hotel’s circular driveway. A uniformed valet instantly greeted her, opening her door and handing her a ticket.
She was nervous as she made her way onto the marbled floor through the posh hotel with its sumptuous furnishings. The modern design featured chandeliers that looked more like art pieces than fixtures meant to provide lighting. After speaking with the concierge, she was shown to the elevator that would take her to the grand ballroom where Caden’s event was being held. She boarded the elevator with two couples decked out in expensive tuxedos and designer gowns. Savannah doubted her Nordstrom Rack special made the cut, but it would have to do.
The doors chimed open when they reached the mezzanine, and Savannah followed the couples to a half-moon shaped room for the cocktail hour prior to the opening of the ballroom. Clearly, Caden’s family had money if the spread laid out was anything to go by. After procuring herself a glass of champagne, Savannah couldn’t resist walking toward the terrace and glancing at the views of the marina and harbor.
Inhaling deeply, she reminded herself why she’d come tonight—to excise Caden once and for all from her mind. To prove to herself that he no longer held any power over her and that she was free to move on with her life. And she would do it. Just from the periphery. There was no way Caden could know she was in attendance. If he did, there would be repercussions she wasn’t ready to face.
“Lovely evening, isn’t it?” a masculine voice said from beside her.
Savannah glanced up and saw an extremely attractive gentleman standing at her side. He had fair skin, low-trimmed hair, a five o’clock shadow, and busy eyebrows. His deep-set eyes, although light brown, reminded her of someone else she knew. He, like everyone else tonight, was sporting a black tuxedo, but his had a satin lapel.
“Yes, it is,” she responded.
“Don’t believe I’ve seen you before at one of my mother’s events.”
Savannah stared at him in confusion. “Excuse me?”
“My mother, Camilla Mitchell, organized this event.”
Her mouth formed an “O”. That meant this man was related to Caden. “You’re Caden’s brother?”
He grinned. “Yeah. You know him?”
Savannah quickly shook her head. “No, a friend of mine had a spare ticket and invited me tonight.”
“And you decided to come?” He chuckled. “A fundraising event for a gubernatorial candidate doesn’t sound like much on a Friday night.”
“Well, when you’re working long shifts at a hospital and taking care of sick relatives, a night out is a godsend.”
“Are you a doctor?”
“No, a nurse.”
“I can see that. You’re very easy to talk to. By the way, my name is Cameron Mitchell, but everyone calls me Cam.”
Savannah offered a smile. “Nice to meet you, Cam.”
“There you are,” a stern female voice said from behind them. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
Cameron spun around to face the woman. “I’m sorry, Mama. I was just about to come in, but I was speaking with this—”
Savannah didn’t catch another word because as soon as Cameron had turned, she’d fled. She’d caught a glimpse of Camilla Mitchell.
Camilla was the reason she wasn’t with Caden, and she was in no mood for a r
eintroduction. Camilla had influenced Savannah to leave Caden behind. He has no future if he stays with you, she’d said. Savannah had believed every word. She didn’t want to stand in the way of Caden’s career. He’d worked four long years at West Point, and she refused to hold him back and laden him with a wife and child so early in his career. She just couldn’t. So she’d run.
But how long could she keep running?
“We’re so proud of you, son,” Caden’s father told him before the doors to the ballroom opened.
“It’s a big night,” his grandfather Carter concurred. “I hope Wyatt’s prepared you.”
“I’m prepared, Grandfather. I know how important tonight is.”
“Your mother did an excellent job,” his father added.
Caden’s gaze landed on his mother, the epitome of class and sophistication in a long white gown with batwing shoulders. Her hair and makeup were expertly done. If he didn’t know any better, he would say she was in her forties because she looked that good.
“There’s no time to dawdle. Let me introduce you around.” Carter grasped his grandson around the shoulder and led him toward a crowd of influential men in his circle who’d driven up from DC for the night’s events.
Caden knew policy and stood toe-to-toe with several of his grandfather’s cronies. After a time, he moved away to mingle, but Jack caught up with him.
“There’s some social media influencers I’d like you to meet as well,” Jack said. “We need to keep your profile up.”
“Of course.” They continued mingling for the better part of the dinner hour. Caden liked that Jack was a people person, a mover and a shaker. He needed that.
An hour later, Caden was taking a break. He’d been shaking hands for half the night and hadn’t even had dinner. Between Jack, Carter, and Camilla, he’d felt smothered. He’d given them the slip and excused himself to use the facilities. Now, he was finally enjoying a much needed bourbon.
From the back of the room at the bar, Caden surveyed the crowd, made up of some of the most influential people in Baltimore. The evening had gone well. He’d met the right people who saw potential in him and were willing to put their money where their mouths were. According to Jack, they’d already raised over half a million. Caden knew it was largely due in part to his grandfather’s friends and that Carter would be sure to tell him so.
Caden took another sip of his drink. In that instant, a flash of hazelnut skin caught his attention from across the room. His eyes followed the movement, and he saw the mass of silky chestnut-brown hair flowing down the back of a very beautiful backside and a long length of leg thanks to a deep side slit. The dress hugged every delicious curve, and immediately the sloth surrounding Caden began to fade. He perked to life.
Who is she?
He had to know.
Just then, she turned her head and Caden’s heart leapt. It can’t be! He blinked rapidly because his eyes had to be deceiving him. He began walking toward the woman. As he got closer, he was almost certain it was her. No other woman could instantly attract him from across the room but her.
Savannah Grace Vasquez.
The woman who’d disappeared like a thief in the night twelve years ago, never to be seen again. Finally, Caden would have the opportunity to ask her one question: Why?
Damn. Damn. Damn.
Her pulse went haywire. How could I have been so careless? Savannah thought as she tried to lose Caden in the crowd. He’d seen her. She was sure. It was as if she was a beacon and he was being led right to her.
For most of the night, she’d stayed in the shadows making sure not to be seen. At one point, she’d been close enough to hear his strong masculine voice but far away enough that he didn’t notice her. But then, she’d wanted more—more of him and his tall, impressive frame. She’d thought that by seeing him again, it would make her realize she was over him. But she wasn’t. She was just as dazzled by his charm as she’d ever been.
When Camilla introduced him earlier in the evening, and he’d gone on stage, Savannah had gobbled him up. Those sculpted good looks and his huge, powerful body encased in a designer tuxedo only seemed to emphasize his inherent strength. He’d spoken with confidence, assuring the crowd that as governor of Maryland he would do everything in his power to make sure they had jobs, healthcare, and a safe place for their children to go to school.
He was not only good-looking, but he was charismatic too. He had a way with people, and they gravitated to him. The way he listened to their problems fascinated her. He talked policy with the baby boomers and Generation Xers and joked with the millennials. He was a sight to behold, and she’d gotten caught up in the hype. Now, she was in his crosshairs.
She moved as quickly as she could even though she heard him call out, “Wait!”
She knew he was speaking to her, but she couldn’t let him catch her. Not now. She dove into the ladies’ room and as luck would have it, as the door closed behind her she caught sight of Caden’s mother stopping him.
Thank God! She’d been given a reprieve.
Now, she just had to wait for the right moment to sneak out.
“Excuse me, Mother.” Caden tried to sidestep her, but she moved into his path. She was not alone. A woman stood by her side.
“Caden, you’re being rude,” his mother stated. “Don’t tell me you don’t have a few minutes to spare for me after I planned this elaborate party.” She motioned her arms across the room.
Caden wanted to roll his eyes, but he knew that would only incur her wrath. He also didn’t appreciate her stopping him from talking to Savannah. He was certain it was her, and now she’d escaped into the ladies’ room. “Of course I have time.” He plastered a smile on his face. “And who do you have with you?”
Camilla pushed the young woman forward. “Caden, you don’t remember me?” the woman asked. “It’s Natalee. Natalee Pierce.”
“Little Natalee.” Caden recalled her now. She was the younger sister of one of his classmates at West Point.
“Not so little anymore,” Natalee said. “I’ve grown up.”
“I can see that.” Natalee was still petite, but she’d filled out. The once lanky girl with short hair and braces had been replaced with a good-looking woman. Natalee had tapioca skin, almond-shaped brown eyes, high cheekbones, and a mighty fine mane of dark, glossy black hair. As for her figure, although her curves were slender, she looked good in a blush, strapless body-hugging gown that fell to her feet. A peek of pink toenails could be seen.
Natalee beamed. “I was hoping we could get together for lunch.”
“Natalee is in marketing,” his mother interjected. “Perhaps she could help volunteer with media relations for the campaign.”
“Perhaps.” Caden knew what his mother was doing—playing matchmaker when he’d told her to butt out of his personal life. He glanced again at the ladies’ room. Savannah hadn’t come out yet. She couldn’t stay in there forever.
“Then allow me to tell you some of my thoughts.” Natalee circled her arm through his and began leading him away from the restroom.
Caden allowed himself to be moved several feet but still within eyesight of the ladies’ room. He listened to Natalee’s ideas. She had some great ones Jack might be able to implement. But right now he couldn’t see the forest for the trees and as soon as he saw the flash of sequins shoot out of the restroom, he politely excused himself and made his move.
She was quick on her feet in the heels she wore, but Caden was faster. He didn’t run for nothing. He caught up with her before she made a dash for the stairs. He pulled her into a nearby smaller ballroom that wasn’t being used, closed the door, and flicked on the lights. She didn’t give him much of a fight.
“It is you.”
Chapter 5
Deep in his gut, Caden had known it was Savannah, but to be faced with the reality was another thing altogether. For
years, he’d always thought when he saw her again he’d have a litany of things to say, but seeing her in a killer dress that showed off all her assets had stunned him. God, she is beautiful! A natural loveliness about her with her smooth hazelnut skin had always captivated him. Now was no different because she had matured into a true beauty. He was speechless, just like the night they’d first met in the bar.
“Let me leave,” Savannah spoke first. “Please.”
“Leave?” He finally found his voice. “Oh hell no. You have a lot of explaining to do. Like why you left me without a word, a phone call, anything. After everything we shared …”
His voice trailed off because she had the good sense to lower her head in shame. She should. “I just want to know one thing, Savannah. Why? Why did you do it? Why did you leave without a trace?”
She said nothing.
Fury raced through his veins, and Caden had to remind himself to rein in his temper. When she still didn’t speak, he reached for her and grasped her by the forearms. “I deserve an answer.”
Instantly, brown eyes rimmed with green glared up at him. “I owe you nothing. And if we’re being honest, Caden, all I was to you was a fling before you got your orders. Nothing more.”
He dropped his hands from her as if he’d been burned. “Is that honestly what you thought of me—that I used you for my own enjoyment?”
She spun away and shrugged. “It’s what most West Point boys do. Why should you be any different?”
Caden stormed forward and faced her. “We talked about marriage. About you meeting my family. Starting our own. Does that sound like I was using you?”
Savannah shrugged. “Does it matter now, Caden? It’s been twelve years. It’s water under the bridge.”
Caden stared back at her. He couldn’t believe the Savannah he thought he knew thought he could be that disingenuous. But perhaps he never knew her at all.
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