by Pamela Yaye
“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
She’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.”
Chapter 31
February, Three Months Later
Niko and Monique arrived at the country club and parked next to the private dining-room entrance. “Are you ready for our engagement party, Mrs. Drake?”
“The operative word is engagement,” Monique said with a smile. “Technically, I’m still Ms. Slater.”
Niko leaned toward her, his eyes darkening with desire. “To hell with technicalities.” His lips pressed against hers, soft and warm, before he brushed his tongue across the crease of her lips to deepen the exchange.
“You’re ruining my lipstick,” Monique murmured, before dipping her tongue back into Niko’s warm mouth for seconds and thirds.
“To hell with that, too. In fact, why don’t we bypass all this hoopla and go back to the house? I haven’t had you for a few hours and my body is feeling the loss.”
“These three months will pass in the blink of an eye, and come June, you’ll have me for the rest of your life.”
The outer door to the private dining room opened. Out walked Warren and his cousin Dexter. They headed straight to Niko’s car, in spite of the fact that they could see he was busy. Warren knocked on the window. “Get a room!” he shouted.
“Mind your business!” Niko shouted back.
Monique laughed, pulled out her compact and repaired her lipstick.
Once they’d exited the car, Niko asked Warren, “How’d you know I was out here?”
“We didn’t. Came out so I could show Dexter my new truck.”
Niko shook his head. Since buying a ranch and marrying his neighbor, a bona fide cowgirl, Warren had totally embraced the country life, complete with Stetson and boots. “You Ford tough now?”
“Naw, I’m a Dodge man. Charli has the Ford.”
“I’ll see your truck after the festivities,” Dexter said, placing his arm around Monique. “Now it’s time to toast the prettiest girl in the room.”
“You’ve got that right,” Niko said.
“Besides my wife,” Dexter added.
The four of them entered the private dining room. Warren and Dexter stepped aside as the room stood and applauded the night’s special guests. Niko and Monique walked to the front, center table occupied by their parents. They hugged Ike and Jennifer before turning to Monique’s parents, Caroline and George.
“You look stunning,” Caroline said, her eyes tearing up as she hugged her daughter. “Silver is a perfect complement to your skin tone. It’s different, but I think your wedding colors of silver with shades of pink are going to be stunning.” She turned to Niko, who’d just shaken hands with George. “Hello, handsome,” she said, hugging her future son-in-law. “My daughter is simply beaming,” she whispered. “And it’s all because of you.”
“Excuse me—may I have your attention please?” Everyone turned to see Ike Jr. at the microphone. “Please help me welcome Niko Drake, the mayor of Paradise Cove, and Monique Slater, the beautiful first lady who raced him into office!”
“Now he’s racing her to the altar!” someone shouted.
The festivities were under way.
For the next hour, Niko and Monique made their way around the room. After talking to her brother and his wife, they greeted the rest of the one hundred and fifty guests that included Niko’s extended family from Southern California and New Orleans, Monique’s good friend Emma and her husband, their colleagues from the legal world and the citizens of Paradise Cove who’d known Niko a lifetime and had warmly welcomed his fiancée. When they reached Margo, both Monique and Niko gave her a special hug. It was her prodding to keep a promise that had brought Monique to Paradise Cove.
“I’m so happy for you, darling,” Margo said. “Happy for you both. Do you have a designer for your wedding gown?”
“Not yet. We’re looking.”
“Call me next week. I know someone in Los Angeles who could design a masterpiece.”
“Will do.”
Having circled the room, they arrived back at the table they’d share with their parents and married siblings. Ike immediately stood to offer a toast.
“We’d like to thank all of you for coming to celebrate the engagement of my son Nicodemus to his lovely fiancée, Monique. Niko has always been adventurous, some might even say a hellion.” Laughter caused him to pause. “At times the wife and I wondered whether there would ever be someone to tame him. But in Monique, he’s met his match both intellectually and academically, in mind, body and spirit. She comes from a great family, one which we are proud to align with.” He turned to Monique. “Welcome to the family, dear.” Raising his glass, he ended, “to Niko and Monique!”
“Hear, hear!”
After a couple more toasts, Emma stood. “Monique, from the time we met in college, I knew you were special. And I knew it would take a special man to win your heart. You are a great professional, a great career woman. But I think you will be an even greater wife and mother.”
At the sound of the M word, Monique feigned coughing, which elicited a big laugh from the crowd. The serving began and lively conversation filled the room. Beneath their table, Niko squeezed Monique’s thigh. Months later his touch, his scent, his smile, his presence still caused her muscles to constrict and kitty to moisten. Tonight was no different.
“Behave,” she gritted out between a smile.
“Not a chance,” he replied, giving her thigh another squeeze followed by a kiss on her temple. “In fact, when I get you back to my house...there’s going to be a whole lot of misbehaving.”
Monique felt the heat rise from her chest to her ears. She dared not raise her eyes, sure that anyone looking at her would be able to tell what was on her mind. Niko was insatiable and his comment had brought to mind what had occurred that very morning. Until now, her lovemaking experience had been fairly standard, pretty routine. But with Niko, lovemaking was an adventure. Just this morning he’d come to bed with warm caramel. Remembering that sticky substance on her thighs and Niko licking it off caused her to shudder.
She was happy when a few minutes later she caught Emma’s eye and signaled her to meet in the bathroom. “Excuse me,” she said to the table as she rose. “I’ll be right back.” The men stood as well until she left the table.
“Do you need any help?” her sister-in-law asked.
“No, I’m fine. Thanks.” She held her smile until she turned the corner. “My feet are killing me,” she whispered to Emma as soon as they’d turned the corner and were out of sight from the room. “And my face is sore from smiling. I’m thrilled to be becoming Niko’s missus, but I’m not sure I’ll survive the hoopla!”
“You look beautiful,” Emma reassured her. “And you’ll be fine.”
“You’re the one who looks amazing. No one would guess that you had little Amelia just two months ago!”
They reached the bathroom. Monique pulled out her compact and patted her face.
She turned to Emma, glad that with her upcoming nuptials their friendship had deepened. “I’m glad we got a moment alone. I wanted to thank you.”
“For what?”
“For giving advice that I didn’t ask for. Do you remember?”
“Mo, we have a newborn. I get no sleep and these days am lucky to remember my name.”
“It was just after clinching the Democratic nomination. With Niko, I was determined to keep my distance. But you told me to take a chance, that if I saw something I wanted, to go for it. And now I’m wearing his ring.”
Emma grabbed several tissues. “Oh, look at you getting all sentimental and making me cry.” She gave some to Monique, who da
bbed her eyes. “My hormones are still all over the place. It doesn’t take much.” She tossed her tissue in the wastebasket. “Now, let’s hear the good stuff.”
“About what?”
“Your love life, silly. Is he any good in bed?”
“Em!”
“Hey, this is important. A very serious matter!”
“Yes, it is, and he’s amazing. Sometimes I think he’s almost too much.”
“Ah.” Emma’s eyes sparkled. “Trust me, that’s a good thing. My husband and I have never had a disagreement that a good swiving didn’t fix.”
“Swiving? Seriously?”
“I’m a historical-romance fiend. Don’t judge me.”
Monique laughed. “I won’t. I’ll just think of you the next time I get my swive on.” She took a deep breath. “Okay, I think I’m ready to face the table again. Niko keeps whispering nasty comments to me. I can barely look my parents or in-laws in the eye!”
“Just visualize what they had to do to get you here and you’ll be fine.”
“Ugh!”
“Ha! At least you’re not thinking of Niko’s comments right now.”
“I only wish I were!” She grabbed her friend and hugged her. “Thanks for everything. Love you, Em.”
“Love you, Mo.”
They returned to their tables. Niko took up where he’d left off, leaning toward her and whispering, “I missed you,” before surreptitiously licking her ear.
Her gasp caused the table to turn in her direction. “Is everything all right, dear?” her father asked.
“Yes.” It would be even better if I could control my heartbeat.
Warren’s wife, Charli, took in Monique’s flushed color. Being married to Niko’s brother, she had an idea why. It was time to shift the table’s focus. “Monique, I love your color scheme. What made you choose them?”
“Thank you,” she said, her eyes conveying that the gratitude was not only for the compliment but for the question. “Pink has always been my favorite color. The idea of silver came from the Silver Serenade Concert. It was a very special night.” She glanced at Niko and saw his knowing smile. Reaching beneath the table, she squeezed his hand and with a quick shake of her head dared him to comment further. Everyone knew about the concert’s success but only she and Niko knew that trip to San Francisco’s true significance, when magic had happened and their lives had changed. That special moment would remain just between the two of them. For Niko and Monique it was the start of it all...their secret silver night.