by Pamela Yaye
“Hey, Mo. I finally got over being upset with you and wanted to call. You’re undoubtedly busy, but buzz me when you can. I want to hear all about the concert.”
Monique exhaled, relieved that Rob was no longer angry and that he wasn’t making a case for winning her back. This message sounded normal. Finally, she hoped, he’d accepted what was.
She scrolled her contact list and dialed Niko. “Hey.”
“Hello.”
“I see you’ve got time to run around town and spy on your opponents. You must not have enough to do.”
“My campaign office is downtown, Ms. Slater. Stopping by the bakery was a last-minute decision.”
“You weren’t at the bakery when I saw you. You were watching me in action, trying to get tips.”
“Yes, I was enjoying the performance. But I left because I was making you nervous. Don’t try to deny it.”
“I wasn’t going to.”
Monique looked at her caller ID as another call came in. “Look, it’s the office calling. I’ve got to run.”
“Are you all right? You sound stressed.”
“A little bit.”
“I can help with that.”
“I’d love that, actually. But the thought that someone would find out about it stresses me more.”
“But otherwise you’d see me?”
“Of course. I’ll talk to you later.”
It was after nine o’clock when Monique finally returned home. The day had been productive but exhausting, a constant balancing act between the upcoming election and her casework. Lance was trying to recruit more volunteers for these last few months of campaigning. She’d be glad when it was over. All work and no play was taking its toll.
After fixing a sandwich, she called Rob. “I hope you don’t mind my eating while we talk,” she began after saying hello. “I just got home.”
“I worry about how hard you work.”
“This pace won’t last forever.”
“How are your chances looking to win this thing?”
“My numbers are climbing, but there’s still a long way to go. Since I’m not from here, I not only have to sell my platform but myself, as well. People vote for who they feel they know. So I’ve had to put in overtime. How are you?”
“Keeping busy. I went to a couple Dodgers games.”
“Sounds like fun.”
“How was the concert?”
They talked comfortably for almost half an hour. She told him about the Silver Serenade. He caught her up on the goings-on of mutual friends. Once again, it felt like old times. Monique hoped their interactions would stay this way.
At ten o’clock, she crawled into bed. The usual tossing and turning ensued, so she lay there mapping out the next day’s activities in her head. Suddenly, a thud sounded against the back of her house. She listened, lifted her head off the pillow and held her breath. There it was again. Her phone rang, startling her further.
“Hello?” A mumbling sound was all she heard. “Niko?”
Then, just above a whisper, “Back door. Let me in.”
No way. Not even bothering to throw a robe over her thigh-high T-shirt, she marched downstairs. If this man had come over to her house unannounced...
Reaching the patio door, she snatched it open. Niko, dressed in black from head to toe, hurried inside, closing the blinds behind her.
“What in the—”
The rest of her question was swallowed in a kiss.
“Don’t say a word,” he ordered, after thoroughly tasting her. “Not until I’m finished.”
He took her hand and headed for the stairs. She was too shocked to do anything but follow. They reached her bedroom.
He nodded toward her T-shirt. “Take that off.”
Something about the way he said it, brooking no argument, was a total turn-on. Most of the time she was the one giving orders. Right now, following them felt like a wise idea. She pulled the oversize cotton top over her head.
“Lie down.” He reached into a pouch strapped around his waist. “On your stomach.”
She heard what sounded like paper rattling and a jar opening. The bed dipped from the weight of Niko getting on it. She felt him straddle her. Anticipation of the unknown was so intense that goose pimples broke out on her skin. Soon, something cool and soothing was being spread on her body. The smell of chocolate mixed with spices tickled her nose.
“Just relax,” he whispered, methodically kneading her neck and shoulder blades until he felt them loosen up. Only then did he continue down her back, across her buttocks—which he gave considerable attention—and hips, down her thighs, shins and toes.
And everywhere his fingers landed...his lips followed. Who knew that between the toes was an erogenous zone?
“Turn over.”
“I can barely move,” she mumbled.
“Shh. Don’t open your eyes.”
This time, he started from the bottom. His fingers and tongue meandered from her ankle to her knee. A kiss here. A nibble there. He reached the insides of her thighs and spread her legs apart. His kisses teased her tender skin and brushed her heat.
And drove her mad.
He slid a finger between her folds, rubbed something cool and creamy on her jewel.
“Ooh.” That’s cold.
But not for long. His warm, strong tongue began licking the cream, slowly, deeply, and warmed her right up. He lapped first the edible massage oil and then her own sweet nectar like a thirsty man, buried his head between her legs and nibbled, sucked, flicked and massaged her spot until she was mewling with pleasure.
“Niko, please...”
After the sound of ripping foil, she felt the tip of his massive head against her heat, rubbing against her. She lifted her body in invitation and was rewarded by the feel of his mushroom tip entering her garden of love. He eased himself inside her, making her aware of every delicious inch.
“Oh, my God.”
He pulled out just as slowly. Thrust. Pull. Plunge. Swerve. Finding first one nipple and then the other, sucking them into his mouth, swirling his tongue along with his hips, slamming into the depths of Monique’s entire being, filling her up.
Over and again. Slow and then faster. Then more, until both were bathed in a thin sheen of sweat.
Then from behind.
Then Monique on top.
Then the pleasure of her mouth on him, taking him in—licking, stroking, sucking, squeezing—feeling him squirm and moan in satisfaction.
A final time he mounted her, determined to make her peak once more. Wanting to leave her so satiated that she could not move.
“Give it to me,” he whispered, quickening the pace as she moaned and squealed. “I want all of this. I want all of you.” He palmed her cheeks, going deeper, bonding them closer, until Monique’s body shook with the force of her climax.
She fell back on the bed, totally whipped.
He rolled off and gently placed the cover over her nude body.
“I think I’ve relieved your stress,” he whispered against her ear. “Now I can sleep peacefully. Good night, love.”
When she awoke the next morning, Niko’s visit felt like a dream. But her body, and the lingering scent of love and chocolate, told her otherwise.
After a long shower she felt ready to begin her day: happy, energized and stress-free.
Chapter 22
For the next three months, Niko and Monique settled into a workable if somewhat unorthodox arrangement. In Paradise Cove, they went about their separate business. Having crisscrossed the town of just under four thousand residents many times over, and with campaign ads running on not only community but also local stations, Monique turned her attention to the cases in which she was involved. Niko focused on handling th
e legal affairs for Drake Realty Plus, along with other corporate clients. As mind-blowing as the night had been when he’d come over, at her request it hadn’t happened again. So on those occasions when both of their schedules were free, they returned to the condo in San Francisco for cozy dinners, stimulating conversations and uninterrupted lovemaking. It was as exasperating as it was exhilarating. The more Monique had, the more she wanted. When it came to private time together, there was never enough.
The same couldn’t be said for public encounters. In a town this size, it was inevitable. Especially this Labor Day weekend, when the town held an annual event called Days of Paradise. Lance said that it was by far the biggest event of the year: parades, a fairground and a formal ball. Monique knew that she and Niko would be in the spotlight. And undoubtedly under the microscope. She’d have to be extra careful not to let her feelings for him show.
On her way to the parade, she rang her mother, prepared for the chiding that came with each call.
“About time we heard from you,” her mother scolded, though Monique swore she could feel happiness seeping from the speakers. “You’re going to run yourself ragged.”
“I have been busy. But it’s slowing down somewhat. I’ve been able to devote more time to my clients. And guess what. Today, I’m going to be in a parade!” She shared what she knew about the annual event that celebrated the town’s incorporation. “People from neighboring towns attend, as well. There’s not much ongoing entertainment, so this is a big deal.”
“You sound happy, dear.”
“I am. I balked at first, but now I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be riding in a white convertible, wearing a white suit. I stopped at the cowboy hat that Lance suggested.”
“How old is Lance?”
“Lance is married, Mom.”
“Oh. I just hate to think of you in that town all alone.”
“Margo’s here. And the people are friendly.” And I’m in love with the man I’m running against. No, that sounded crazy in thought, let alone voiced out loud.
“How is Emma? Has she had the baby yet?”
“She’s not due for a few months. I need to give her a call.”
“When you talk to her, tell her I said hello. What about Rob? Have you talked to him lately?”
“Yes, and he’s doing well. The business is growing and it’s baseball season. He’s enjoying two of his favorite things.”
“Your dad’s here, Monique. Do you want to talk to him?”
Monique neared the park where the parade would begin. It appeared that all of P.C. had already arrived. “I’d love to, but I’ve arrived at the parade route and need to call Lance. It looks as though I’m one of the last to arrive. Give Dad my love. I’ll call him tomorrow.”
Lance found her before she could dial his number. They weaved through the throng of people to a side street where four brand-new convertibles gleamed in the morning sunshine. They were identical except for the colors: red, white, blue and black. The other candidates were already there. Niko, dressed casually in a black button-down and jeans, spoke as she passed.
“Don’t forget to wave,” he joked. “But remember to hold on.”
She greeted the other candidates and met the driver for her car. Soon, they were on their way, heading down Main Street. Monique smiled, waved and tossed candy to the children lining the street. It was amazing to her how many faces she recognized and people she knew, when a few short months ago, they were strangers. After years in Los Angeles, she’d thought she’d go stir-crazy in a place this small. But the slow pace and simple life were growing on her. She’d run for mayor because it was what her godfather had wanted. She’d win because this little town was beginning to feel like home.
* * *
Niko was distracted, but he went through the motions: smiling, waving, calling out friends. He’d rarely missed this celebration and had been in the parade more times than he could remember. But this time was different. All his life he’d lived in this town. Soon, he’d be running it.
His car was right behind Monique’s. A beautiful sight. She was excited, and it showed. Her smile was contagious and people were drawn to her warmth. She tossed her hair, exposed that part of her neck that he loved to nibble, turned to the side and the outline of her breast gave him pause. He shifted his gaze and his thoughts. He turned and looked again. Was that...? No, couldn’t have been. She would have told me. The band reached their spot and began to play, and the thought was forgotten. It wouldn’t come up again for the rest of the busy day.
* * *
In the wee hours of the morning, he called her. “Are you up?”
“Yes.”
“You looked beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you.”
“Do you know how hard it was for me to watch other men dance with you, hold you and flirt as they looked into your eyes?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact I do, because of all of the ladies you spun around the room.”
“It comes with the job, love.”
“I know.”
“It looks like you enjoyed yourself.”
“I did, immensely. The parade was fun, the picnic was nice and tonight’s ball was absolutely beautiful. I might pass on tomorrow’s activities, though. This festival wears you out.”
“Hey, when it’s the only excitement in the year, you go full on.”
“I see.”
“The people love you. I saw how they interacted with you on the route. Here I’m thinking I’d outshine everybody, the old pro and all. But you’re a natural.”
“I believe I’m hitting my stride. Next month’s debate is the last major public event before the election. Are you ready?”
“Of course.”
“Buddy’s a straight talker, but Dick... I’m going to have to watch him.”
“I wouldn’t worry about him. When shooting the breeze, he can talk your ear off. But he isn’t as prolific in controlled settings.”
“I think he’ll hold his own.”
“Babe, the craziest thing happened today. I’d forgotten about it until now.”
“What?”
“During the parade, while looking and waving and everything, I could have sworn I saw that guy you dated.”
“Rob?”
“Yes.”
“No way.”
“Yeah, that’s what I said. Next time you talk to him, tell him he has a twin.”
“They say we all do.”
“You know I want to come over.”
“I know. I want it, too. But I’m too paranoid. My neighbors are nosy.”
“Then come over here.”
“Maybe we can go to the condo next week.”
Niko groaned. “Man, I’ll be glad when this election is over and we can go public.”
“You’ll be satisfied being the mayor’s man?”
“Ha! No, baby. It’s you the mayor will satisfy.”
“On that note, good night, Niko.”
Her sarcastically delivered comment brought out the throaty chuckle she loved. “Good night.”
Chapter 23
The residents of Paradise Cove filed into the crowded auditorium at city hall. It looked as though all three-thousand-plus residents had come to hear the candidates make their case for becoming their next mayor. There was a buzz of excitement in the air, not surprising considering that this was the first mayoral election in over a decade and the only time these candidates would debate.
Monique, Niko and the other two mayoral candidates, Republican Dick Schneider and Libertarian Buddy Gao, exchanged small talk while waiting inside a backstage room. Their assistants and a few city officials were also milling around. Niko was keenly aware of how good Monique looked, all conservative and professional in a navy suit, low-heeled navy pu
mps and pearls, while remembering how wild and receptive she was the other night when he’d pinned her against the shower wall with his powerful penis. Knowing the embarrassing situation that might occur from his line of thinking, and the desire that would only increase if he neared her, he turned to Dick, standing just a few feet away.
“I’m looking forward to debating you, Dick. This way we can clear up some of the rumors your camp has been fueling regarding my wanting to increase taxes for all the citizens of Paradise Cove.”
Dick smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Come off it, Niko. All of America knows that the only way you Democrat and independent types know how to raise money is to increase taxes.”
“Do you really think it fair that those in our tax bracket don’t share just a bit more of the financial burden for projects that will improve the quality of life in our town? We’ve been blessed to have more. Giving a bit more should not only be our obligation, but our pleasure.”
Dick’s eyes slid from Niko to just beyond his shoulder. “Speaking of pleasure, that’s a fine filly over there.” His voice was barely above a whisper as he slyly ogled Monique. “Too bad she’s using that pretty head of hers to compete in a man’s world.” His eyes slid back to Niko’s face, filled with daring.
Niko stayed calm, a huge feat given the fact he wanted to punch Dick in the face. His anger was mixed with a little guilt, though, given the thoughts that had crossed his mind just moments ago.
“Spoken like a true chauvinist,” Niko finally answered. “However, I’m sure your female supporters would find this comment revealing, as do I. Someone with these dated, off-putting views has absolutely no place in public office.”
“I hear she keeps questionable company, too.”
The hairs on the back of Niko’s neck stood up. “Oh?”
“That young man she brought here...and the fire.”
“Besides the fact that he worked at the school, I don’t understand the connection.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. I don’t apologize for upholding the traditions upon which this country was founded. Men were born to lead—women, to follow their leads. Of course, this is just a personal opinion I’m sharing with a friend. My political views are completely different.”