Her Perfect Candidate

by Candace Shaw

  “Speak with Shawn and let him...” His voice trailed off. He knew Megan was behind him. He could smell her tantalizing perfume. He slowly turned and saw her sitting on one of the Victorian-style chairs in the lobby. She gave him an encouraging smile, and he took the phone away from his ear. He was pleased at her lovely appearance and for a quick second had forgotten why he was angry. Just looking at Megan sitting there so elegantly with her legs crossed wearing four-inch heels sent his mind on a journey to speechlessness.

  Bryce was still talking, but Steven hadn’t heard a single word. He had more important business to tend to at the moment. He regained his composure just long enough to get off of the phone.

  “I gotta go, talk to Shawn. I’ll see you fellas in about twenty minutes,” he rather hurriedly told Bryce and pushed the end button on his cell phone screen. He rushed over to Megan as she stood up.

  * * *

  Megan took a deep breath as he approached her. She was suddenly feeling nervous and nauseous about the situation she placed herself in. How can I play make-believe girlfriend for a handsome man that I could find myself falling for? No correction. That I am falling for.

  “You look beautiful,” he said and kissed her on her cheek.

  “Thank you. You look nice as well,” she said, thinking the games had begun. She almost backed away when he kissed her cheek, but remembered that they were in public. She would later remind him however, only kisses on the cheeks and no lips. She could only imagine how his lips would kiss other places on her body.

  “Ready?” he asked, holding out his hand. She put her hand into his, and they walked out to his car. He opened the passenger side of his black Mercedes convertible for her and she slid in, and he closed the door. When Steven got into the car, she noticed the strain on his face. As he started to drive, he stared straight ahead as a Sade CD played.

  “Is everything okay?” she asked him. She was concerned. She wanted tonight to be special for him. There would be possible donors there as well as the media, and he had to put on his game face.

  “Another donor that donates to the summer program backed out today.” He glanced in her direction and then back on the road. “You know what I think?”

  “That your reputation is beginning to catch up with you?”

  “Yep. Bryce said the same statement earlier.”

  “Remember when I told you I may have some clients who may donate to the community center? They are coming tonight with checkbooks. Let me work my magic for you,” she said patting his leg. As she tried to move her hand he grabbed it and held it tight.

  “Thank you for supporting me, Megan.” He held on to her hand until they pulled into the parking lot at the event. Before they got out of the car, Megan told him of her kissing rule. Steven agreed unless it was absolutely necessary. Megan gave him her “I don’t think so look” as Steven drove the car to the front door for valet parking.

  Once inside, Steven introduced Megan to his colleagues including Bryce and Shawn who both nodded approvingly. She gave a beautiful smile and said a lot of nice-to-meet-yous and thank-yous for coming to support Steven and the community center. She was glad when Tiffani, Syd and Jade arrived. They all gathered at Megan’s table while Steven spoke with his guests.

  “Girl, I’m so happy for you. You two look hot together!” Tiffani said with her cute dimples displaying on her smooth, sienna face.

  “Yes, girl,” Jade chimed in. “So glad you finally got a man and a wealthy one at that.”

  “I had a feeling there was something going on between you two,” Sydney said. “You were just too giddy after he changed your tire. And the way you two were looking at each other all night at the gala, I just knew you would end up together. So happy for you, sis.”

  “Thank you. Now, if you ladies would excuse me, I need to go raise some money. Oh, and when I return please have your checks waiting,” Megan said as she bounced away.

  For the next hour, Megan indeed worked her magic with her clients that she invited including Chelsea and her husband, attorney Richard Benton, as well as a few others. Real-estate investor Broderick Hollingsworth was one of Megan’s top clients. She had recently redone all of his rooms in a bed and breakfast he owned in Rome, Georgia. Because he trusted her judgment, he agreed to donate a large amount and offered a free weekend for her and Steven to relax at the inn. She thanked him for the free weekend although she knew they would never use it together. She would give it to Tiffani instead who could use a weekend away, and Megan would baby sit Keith Jr.—or KJ as he was affectionately called—considering he was her godson.

  While she was speaking with Sharon Diamond, a romance author, she noticed Steven looking at her with the same strained look he had earlier. Megan wasn’t sure why he appeared stressed, so she quickly ended her conversation with Sharon. Besides she already had her donation. She said thank you and walked over to Steven’s side.

  He was deep in a conversation with a gentleman who wasn’t sure if he totally agreed with Steven’s views on certain issues and said he was too wet behind the ears to run for his father’s seat. She was about to walk away when Steven grabbed her hand and held on to it.

  “Mr. Brown, this is Megan Chase, my girlfriend,” Steven said. “Mr. Brown is one my father’s colleagues.”

  “Nice to meet you, Mr. Brown. I’m sure you’re as excited about Steven possibly running for the U.S. Senate as I am,” she said warmly as she shook his hand looking him straight in the eyes. “Steven can you please be a dear and get me a bottled water. I’ll stay and keep Mr. Brown company.”

  A few minutes later Steven returned with the bottled water as Mr. Brown and another gentleman who approached the conversation were writing checks and handing them to Megan.

  “Steven, you’ve definitely found an angel. Where have you been hiding her? About time you settled down with one woman,” Mr. Brown stated as he and the other older gentleman walked off to the buffet table.

  “Ms. Chase, you’ve raised a lot of money for the community center. What have you been telling these people? You didn’t make any promises I can’t keep did you?” he asked teasingly.

  “I told them you would give them your firstborn son if they donated.” She paused to giggle. “I simply told them the truth. That you’re the perfect candidate for the position and even though they might not agree with all of your political views, the children at the community center were more important than your political differences,” she said, smiling up at him.

  A sincere grin crossed his face. “Well, I certainly found the perfect candidate, as well. Oh, by the way, did you receive the flowers I sent earlier to your office?”

  “Yes, I did. They were lovely. Thank you.” She turned away. She didn’t want him to see how truly happy she was about receiving the flowers. “Also, thank you for contacting Justine for me. She called today.”

  “She did?” he asked with a puzzled expression.

  “Yes. She offered Jade and I a spot on the show this summer.”

  “Congratulations, except I never spoke to her.”

  Megan shook her head in disbelief. “Wait. What?”

  “I called her and left a message, but I didn’t tell her what it was about and she hasn’t returned my call yet. Looks like you didn’t need my help.”

  She smiled and then laughed. “Oh, my goodness. I’m shocked.”

  “Why? I saw your portfolio. You’re a very talented and creative decorator. You deserve more than just a guest spot. You deserve your own show.”

  “Well that’s the ultimate goal one day.”

  “Now, I know our agreement, but you aren’t going to back out, are you?”

  She shook her head and chuckled. “No, I want to help you clean up your image and help you win the seat.” Megan stopped speaking as a reporter approached wanting to interview Steven about the community center and the r
umor about him running for his father’s seat. Megan left them to scout out Braxton who she hadn’t had a chance to thank in person. She asked one of the waitresses who told her that he was downstairs. Megan peeked over the banister and saw her brother moving from table to table conversing with the patrons as the smooth sounds of the jazz band on the stage reverberated throughout the restaurant. She waved to get his attention, and he gave his charming smile that matched their father’s. He jetted up the stairs as the group of women he had been speaking with checked him out. Megan didn’t blame them. He was handsome in his dark gray suit that fit his muscular six-foot-four-inch frame. His bald head glistened under the dim lights, and Megan saw a few women fanning themselves. She shook her head and smiled as he approached and led her to an empty highboy table.

  “Is everything set up how you wanted it?”

  “Yes. Everything is perfect. Your staff did an awesome job. Are you playing tonight?”

  “I may sit in with the band for a while but definitely on Friday and Saturday because my band is playing.”

  “I’m sure all of the women down there would love to hear you on the keys tonight.”

  “We’ll see. So my baby sister is dating Senator Monroe. Have you told our parents? I can just hear Mother now.”

  “They don’t know officially yet, but I’m sure they will by tomorrow.”

  He flashed a smile and Megan caught one of the waitresses looking his way blush. Her brother was indeed handsome with his perfectly trimmed mustache and goatee sitting on his chiseled, mocha face.

  “Our mother will be calling you. I suggest you tell her first.”

  She simply nodded. Megan and her mother didn’t always see eye to eye. She chatted with her brother for a few more minutes before one of the hostesses called him away.

  “Hey,” a deep voice said in her ear from behind her. “Having fun?” His lips skimmed the top of her ear causing her to feel faint. The emotions he made her experience in a split second were uncanny, and she needed to get out of there before she forgot they weren’t really a couple and turned around to lay a juicy kiss on his inviting mouth.

  She turned around slowly to face him. His handsome face no longer wore the tense expression from earlier. He looked more relaxed as he held a plate of appetizers in his hand. He dipped a shrimp into the cocktail sauce, popped the entire thing into his mouth and then ran his tongue along his bottom lip. It was such a seductive gesture that she knew she really needed to leave and quick.

  “I believe the evening went well. I think we have received donations from most of the people here. I’m going to go home with Syd in a few minutes,” Megan said, turning away from him to scan the room for Syd. She found her in a deep conversation with Bryce. Megan could only hope Syd wasn’t telling him how she really felt about a case where Bryce had represented a man who the GBI had arrested. Syd had been certain the man was guilty although he was found not guilty. However, Bryce Monroe was one of Atlanta’s top criminal attorneys and rarely lost a case.

  “Oh, are you sure? The night is young, and we haven’t even danced yet. Plus, if you think about it, this is our real first date since you refuse to count the lunch meeting,” Steven said grabbing her hand as she turned back around to look at him. He placed his plate on the nearest table as the band began to play “Hello” by Lionel Richie.

  “Well, luckily this is one of my favorite songs otherwise, I would say no,” Megan said as he pulled her out onto the dance floor.

  He placed her arms around his neck and his own hands around her waist.

  “Are we putting on a show for the audience?” she asked as her lips brushed against his ear by mistake. She felt him freeze for a second.

  “Yes,” he whispered back. They had plenty of spectators Megan noticed. Good. She’d made up her mind that evening that Steven would make an excellent U.S. senator. She intended to make sure that it happened, even if it meant slow dancing with him and holding his hand in public, which is something her ex never did when they were together. He didn’t like public displays of affection. Even though Steven was just pretending, it still felt nice be in his warm embrace even if it was all one big lie.

  The scent of his woodsy cologne whiffed into her nose. She wished it would rub off on her body so she could smell it later when she was alone in her bed. She wanted to dance with him for the rest of the evening but the song was almost over, and she hoped the band would play one more slow song so Steven would hold on to her just a little longer. She knew her brother was on the piano because she knew how he played that particular song. She tried to transfer her thoughts to him thinking that maybe he’d play one more slow song. She almost laughed at the idea but her and Sydney had their twin senses so maybe she could have it with Braxton, as well.

  “Is my dancing that bad?” he whispered. “You’re not smiling anymore.”

  She looked up at him with a smile. “Your dancing is on point.”

  “That’s my girl,” he said as he brushed the hair over her ear that had fallen in her face. “What would you do if I kissed you right now?”

  “Kiss you back and slap you later,” Megan said seriously, while a heat wave rushed through her when he asked. She then found herself half wishing he would kiss her, but she knew it was all for show.

  His smoldering gaze was seductive. Sexual. Dangerous.

  Her breathing had become uneasy, and she suddenly became aroused, and she noticed he had, as well. She could feel his slight bulge against her pelvis area, and backed up a few inches. But he pulled her close again against his hard body. She began to wonder how it would be if they were naked and entangled in her sheets but quickly shook her head to clear her mind. Sexual tension was the last thing she wanted with Steven. He wanted to simply win the nomination, not her.

  “That’s a chance I’ll have to take,” he answered in a sexy, arrogant tone. He ran a finger alongside her cheek to her lips as they parted on command. He lowered his mouth to hers and caressed her lips with a slow, sensual kiss. A low moan escaped her throat as his tongue pushed deeper into her mouth, and she matched his seductive strokes in the same sweet rhythm.

  Her hands journeyed up his neck and around to his face as he continued his passionate assault on her lips, showing no mercy. Not that she minded. In fact, she craved more than just a kiss and judging from the fervent groans he made, she could tell they were on the same page.

  Megan was somewhat surprised he kissed her. She honestly didn’t think he was serious, especially after she had threatened him with a slap in private. But she couldn’t push him away with all of the people in the room thinking they were a couple. So of course she kissed him back. What else could she do as his pulsating tongue flicked along her bottom lip as if it belonged there? Every cell in her body was on an electrifying passionate ride that he was in control of.

  He lifted his lips from hers as a protest cry escaped her mouth, and her eyes opened. Why on earth had he stopped? She could go on and on. Through the haze she was in, she could see Steven staring at her with a weird expression, and then she glanced around the room and saw all eyes on them as well as a few cheers and whistles.

  “Everyone is staring,” he said through a clenched smile. “Please don’t slap me.”

  Remembering the premise of their relationship—for she had certainly forgotten for a moment—she smiled, as well. “Of course not. It’s all for show.”

  “You think we were convincing enough? I saw a few shutterbugs, but I’m not sure. My eyes were closed, and I was too busy concentrating on your divine mouth.”

  “Good. You need the media to see you in a committed relationship and considering we’ve been in the blogs already, I’m sure tonight’s pictures will have them convinced.”

  She knew she was convinced. Convinced she was falling for him. Hard. She tried to pull away from his embrace, but he placed a kiss on her forehead and slid his hands te
nderly down her waist to her hips and finally off of her body. Megan rushed away from him and back over to where Sydney was sitting alone.

  “Looks like someone is having a great time,” Sydney said with a smirk.

  “We were just kissing. So I saw you speaking to Bryce Monroe?” Megan said wanting to change the subject and get her mind off of the kiss.

  “Yes, unfortunately. He’s such an ass.”

  “He seems like a nice man.” Megan glanced in his direction as he spoke with some of the guests. He was about the same height and build as Steven, except Bryce’s hair was curlier and his complexion was more of a butterscotch shade. He had a strong jawline and a charismatic smile under a neatly trimmed mustache and goatee. He would make a great catch for someone.

  “Not in the courtroom and definitely not with me.” Sydney ran a hand through her bouncy bob.

  “You ready to go, sissy?” Megan asked.

  “I know I said I would take you home, but I just received a call from my partner. Big case and I need to head to the GBI office. I’m sure Steven can take you home. After all he did pick you up.”

  “But Syd...” Megan started. She didn’t know if she could be alone with him again in the car especially after that crazy kiss that meant nothing to him and everything to her.

  “Girl, you’ll be fine. Just ask Steven now,” Sydney said, nodding toward him.

  Megan slowly turned around to find Steven directly behind her.

  “Of course I can take you home, precious. Just give me a few minutes to say goodbye to Bryce and Shawn.” He darted away before Megan could protest. Megan sat down with her lips pressed together.

  “What’s wrong with you? He is your man. Shouldn’t he take you home?” Sydney inquired.

  “Oh, sure. I just thought he needed to stay longer.”

  “The fund-raiser is pretty much over. Now, you know I’m the body language expert. I can tell that he is really into you and the way you almost galloped over here with that flushed face after your kiss, clearly suggests you want him, too. I thought surely you two were about to make love on the dance floor. So let him take you home and finish what he started,” Sydney said.