9781631054631ChoiceAffairsSalisbury

by Jamie Salisbury

  “I’ll be in touch as soon as this team finishes up. Give you the all clear. And I’ll have a preliminary report then, as well.”

  I could still hear the smugness in his voice, as though he was one up on me. “Very good. Thank you, Jacob. You’re getting quite a chuckle out of all this, aren’t you?”

  “Out of what?”

  “The fact that I’m married now, and that there’s more than just me that goes into the equation on any given matter.”

  “It does make things interesting, or should I say, it keeps me on my toes. She’s smart, and like you said, she’s in tune to what goes on around her.”

  “Yes, she is, that’s one of the things that attracted me to her.”

  “Well, you’ll get the hang of it all. Give it time. You’re learning.”

  “I’ll be awaiting your call, mister. I’m not going to be some ball and chain to any woman.”

  His chuckle became more of an uncontrollable laugh. Blasted man.

  I hung up the phone, turned off the blasted shower, and sat for a few moments, trying to decide how I was going to handle Caitlyn. This won’t be easy, either. She’ll figure out what I don’t tell her. Still, smarter not to tell her until it’s absolutely necessary.

  * * * *

  We were driving back to D.C. late Sunday afternoon from Baltimore. We’d spent a marvelous time exploring the old town and its historic sites. Then, the rain decided to set in, and Apolo figured since we didn’t know the roads that well yet, we needed to head back.

  My phone pinged, letting me know that I had a message. I looked at it, puzzled. “That’s weird.”

  “What, what is it?”

  “It’s from my father.”

  “What does it say?”

  “All he says is ‘congratulations’.”

  “Congratulations? For what?”

  “I don’t have a clue. Do you think I should call him back, or text him?”

  “No need to play games. Get him on the phone, and let’s find out.”

  I scrolled through my contacts and finally found his Dublin cell number. I punched it in.

  “Caiti!”

  “Hi, Pop. What’s up? Did you just send me a text message? I’ve been having some problems with my cell phone. Just wanted to make sure it was you and that everything was okay.” I waited for a moment, anticipating the unknown.

  “Well, you don’t have to pretend with me. It’s all over the Dublin papers today.”

  “What’s all over the Dublin papers, Pop?”

  I put the phone on speaker so that Apolo could listen in.

  “That you and Apolo are pregnant. You really should have called me first. Thank goodness your mother rang first thing this morning and let me know.”

  I stared at Apolo in disbelief.

  “Sir, I can assure you, that’s not the truth. Unfortunately. Caitlyn and I aren’t pregnant…yet. When that does happen, we will call you personally. What I would like to know is how that got in the papers over there, because nothing’s been published here.”

  “Susan phoned them with the news. She was so excited.”

  “Pop! I’m not pregnant.”

  “Yes, that’s what Apolo just said. Why would your mother do something like that?”

  “I don’t know, sir. But I do intend to find out. What do you hear from Susan, by the way? We thought she would have been back with you in Dublin by now.”

  “She says she has no intention of coming back to me, or to Ireland. I guess no one’s told you about the row your mother and I had at your reception after you left?”

  “Um, no, no one’s told us,” I replied. I was lying through my teeth, but I didn’t want to add to everything he must have on his mind. “Pop, has she said what she’s going to do?”

  “Why she told me she had moved to Washington to be closer to you until the baby came. After that, she said we’d have to wait and see. What’s going on, Apolo? Caitlyn?”

  I put my finger to my lips so that Apolo wouldn’t speak. Not that he can be stopped. “That’s what we’re trying to find out, Pop. Have you heard from Tom, lately?”

  “No, your brother is pretty silent these days. Why, what do you know?”

  Apolo was shaking his head now. He didn’t want me sharing anything with my father.

  “I haven’t heard a thing out of him. I was merely curious if you had.”

  “Tom has always been an odd one, he has. He must follow after her. Do you want me to call if I hear from Susan again, Apolo?”

  “Yes, sir, if you wouldn’t mind. I’d—we’d appreciate that.”

  “No problem. I’ll do so the moment she calls.”

  “Okay, Pop, we’re going to let you go. Sorry for the mix up. I assure you when that happens, Apolo and I will call you personally.”

  “Very good, Caitlyn. You two take care of each other, and I love you.”

  “Love you, too, Pop. Talk soon.”

  Apolo cut the line and inhaled. I could see his nostrils flaring as he kept his eyes on the road. He was not happy, and he was attempting to keep his temper under control.

  I turned to him to speak. “Have one of your people look into this, sweetie. That’s what they’re there for. Don’t stress yourself out. You’ve got far more important matters to worry yourself with.”

  “Unless, of course, one of the above mentioned just happens to be in cahoots with my brother, along with one of my employees.” He sighed. “You’re right, of course.”

  “You know, as far as my mother goes, this could play to our advantage.”

  “How’s that?”

  “Well, if my mother has leaked the story that we’re pregnant when I’m not, we can issue a statement saying that I’m not, nor never have been. Make her look a little foolish.”

  “Yes, and then, the press might not be so eager next time to run her gossip without checking their facts first. I like how you think, Caiti. But why would she leak it in Dublin first?”

  “I’m not sure about that part, yet. Oh, and I’ve learned from the best how to swim with sharks.” I grinned at him, squeezing the hand I’d been holding.

  “Thank you. I assume you’re referring to business, and not something of a more personal nature?”

  “Hmmmm, let me think,” I teased. “Yeah, I think you’re good on both.”

  He chuckled softly, “Oh, you sorely tempt me, my pet. Just you wait.”

  “Promises, promises. Seriously, though, I’m concerned about my father. Do you think she really fed that bunch of BS to him, or do you think he’s holding on?”

  “Which part, Caitlyn?”

  “The part where she told him she’d return to Ireland after I was settled in with the baby.”

  “With your mother, who knows? It could be she’s using this whole fake pregnancy to put off the inevitable—a divorce.”

  “You’re most likely right. I don’t understand why she can’t just be straight with him.”

  “That’s one of the complexities that is your mother, my pet. Only she knows what’s really going on inside that brain of hers.”

  * * * *

  Apolo and I returned from our spyware folly, as I liked to refer to it, Monday. Though it freaked me out to no end knowing that someone had gained entrance into our home and done such disgusting things, I knew that he had everything under control. Of that, I never doubted.

  We both attempted to jump back into our daily schedules over the next few weeks, and that was fine. Both of us were busy enough. Apolo was adjusting to his new role as senator as easily as anything else he got involved with. He seemed to be relaxing.

  Not that everything went away. It didn’t. It was still out there—my mother, his ex-girlfriend, that senator, and of course, let’s not forget our brothers and Don Turner.

  If he’d found out anything significant, he wasn’t sharing it with me. Yet. I figured he would when everything fell into place. Besides, I had enough of my own things to take care of.

  Every morning, I brought him coffee.
It was sort of becoming a ritual with us. He would rarely take the time to eat breakfast. This way, I got to see him and talk to him before we both headed into our busy days.

  “I won’t be home until late tonight. Big vote. And it’s going to get drug out. What do you have going on today?” he asked one such morning, pretending to have trouble getting his cufflinks in. A ploy to get me to do it so that he could get an eyeful. I didn’t mind. Not after last night. The man could see me naked again. Though I doubt he’d get out of the bedroom and to his office on time.

  “Apolo, don’t you ever look at my schedule?” Another ritual we’d begun. Sunday evenings we went over each other’s schedule and put it into our phones. “I try, there’s just...”

  “That’s okay. I know you’re busy. No need to apologize.”

  “So, what are you up to today, darling?”

  “Well, senator, I’m going to Walter Reed with the vice president’s wife to visit some of our troops. You remember, now?”

  He chuckled as I finished with the last, silver cuff link. “Well at least you’ll be in good company. You’ll do very well. What about this evening?”

  I knew he didn’t like leaving me alone, if it was at all possible. He was protective like that, and I rather enjoyed it. He wasn’t smothering, he was just looking out for me. “Actually, Apolo, I’ll be just fine. I’m joining her for dinner, as well. You know, her husband may be tied up as well this evening. It’s going to be at their home.”

  Again, he chuckled, low and throaty. “You never cease to amaze me. You’re a remarkable woman, you know. I’ll make sure Jacob himself takes you.”

  “Thanks. You don’t do too bad yourself, Choice. Billionaire and all that.”

  He had me in his arms now, teasing me. His free hand had my robe untied in a mere second as he covered my mouth with his. I opened to him, letting his tongue tangle with mine. His other hand wasted no time claiming what he was after. I moaned as he inserted two fingers inside me, brushing my clit with his thumb. My hips began to rock, riding him in an effort to reach a climax that was mere moments away.

  “That’s it, my pet. You’re close now, aren’t you?”

  “Yesssss.”

  “Caitlyn, look at me. I want to see you looking at me when you come.”

  I was right at the tipping point when a switch flipped, and I freaked. I pushed myself off of him, pulling my robe around me. “We can’t be doing that in here.”

  He stared at me with an odd look on his face. Then, it must have registered what I was referring to, because he had his arms wrapped back around me, this time comforting me. “It’s okay, sweetheart. The room is clean. I would never put you in harm’s way, if I thought Jacob’s team hadn’t gotten rid of everything.”

  “I’m sorry. I know you wouldn’t. My mind just flipped or something.”

  “That part is over with. This is our home, and we’re going to reclaim it. We’re not going to let some sick bastards do otherwise. Okay?”

  I nodded my head, feeling him kiss the top. “I’m fine, now. Really.” I pulled away so that I could look up at him. “Don’t you think it odd that no one has contacted you?”

  “Caitlyn, I don’t want you worry about this. Jacob is working it. Everything is under control. Okay?”

  “Yes, I’ll try, but it’s hard.”

  “I know. I know it is. As much as I’d like to stay, sweetheart…”

  “Go. Get out of here. I’m fine. Really, I am. Call me when you get a free minute. Or text.”

  “I will. You’ll be great today. They’re going to love you.” He kissed me one last time then whispered in my ear, “Don’t you dare make yourself come when I leave, my pet. I’ll know.”

  That Dom voice of his. I could tell by just the inflection he used. “You pervert! Get out of here, and let me get dressed.”

  He chuckled. “I wish I had more time. I wouldn’t make you wait.”

  “Promises, promises. Now, go, get out of here, before you make me late.”

  “We’ll finish this later, of that I promise.” He turned and walked out.

  Always has to have the last word when it comes to matters of sex. I shook my head. Time to turn the tables on mister macho Dom.

  * * * *

  I was met by a young Marine as I exited the Bentley at Walter Reed early that afternoon. He escorted me inside to a private room where the vice president’s wife and a couple of other senators’ wives were waiting. Surprisingly, I wasn’t nervous about any of this. In a small way, I was representing Apolo and his commitment to anyone who was disabled. In or out of uniform.

  Once everyone arrived, we were escorted by an Army major to a ward where there were a group of servicemen, all in various phases of their rehab.

  The vice president’s wife introduced me to one Marine who was days away from being discharged. He had just received his prosthetic leg the day before and was a little unsure about walking too far on his own. At least without assistance.

  He caught me quite off guard. The young man, it seemed, had done his research on his visitors.

  “This is Senator Choice’s wife, Caitlyn Choice,” the vice president’s wife said.

  “Yes, ma’am. Nice to meet you.” He extended his hand. “I admire your husband, ma’am. For him to come forward after all this time and share his experience and make a commitment to helping the disabled.”

  “Thank you, corporal. I’ll be sure to let him know.”

  “I read it was a civil war era land mine? I’m a big civil war buff, so I was really interested.”

  “Yes, evidently. It is my understanding that after his accident they found quite a few. Amazing one hadn’t gone off before then.”

  “How was he able to keep it secret like that? His disability, I mean,” another soldier asked.

  “Senator Choice is quite hard headed and determined. He decided early on there was nothing any different about him other than the fact he’d lost a limb. He merely went after his dream and kept the rest to himself.”

  “Did it make a difference when he did reveal his disability?”

  “No, not at all. Certainly, it caught some people off guard. For the most part, he was quite pleased with how well the news was received.”

  “Has the senator decided whether or not he’ll start his own foundation?” the curious corporal inquired.

  “It’s something we’ve discussed, something he’d like to do. Perhaps once he settles into his new position, we’ll look at it further. The senator is quite thorough, so if you’re familiar with his background, you’ll know he never does anything without having completely researched the subject.”

  The questions and chats went on for about twenty more minutes. Then, it was time for a photo op. For once, I was only too happy to oblige the young men. Apolo was going to be quite pleased with my report, though I imagined he’d know about it before I saw him again.

  After, we were escorted to a private dining room, where we had lunch with some of the heads of the various trauma and rehabilitation units. By the time we were ready to leave, I was very impressed with the dedication these men and women put into their jobs.

  As we walked to the front door to be escorted to our awaiting vehicles, the vice president’s wife took me aside. “I’ll see you at dinner this evening, Mrs. Choice. They loved you today. I think you’ve found your niche. We’ll discuss how to make it happen later.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. Please, call me Caitlyn. I look forward to this evening.”

  A group of what I assumed to be secret service men closed in to escort her to her limo. “As do I, Caitlyn. See you this evening.” She was gone that fast.

  As I met Jacob at Apolo’s limo, I thanked my escort.

  “I take it your visit was a success?” Jacob inquired.

  “Very much so, Jacob. That, and I seem to have made a friend in the vice president’s wife.”

  “Excellent. Apolo will be glad to hear that.”

  I ducked into the car and slid across the back s
eat as he closed the door behind me.

  “Where to, Mrs. Choice?”

  I sighed. “It’s Caitlyn, Jacob. Home, I guess. We don’t have to leave for the vice president’s until seven this evening. I might as well use the time to catch up on a few things.”

  “Okay, home it is, then.”

  I settled back in the leather seat and watched as the traffic and landmarks went by. Recalling the events at Walter Reed, I remembered what the young man had said to me. A foundation. It was something neither Apolo nor I had discussed. So much had been going on in the short time we’d been in Washington. All the same, a foundation in Apolo’s name dedicated to the rehabilitation and lives of disabled people definitely had a ring to it.

  Jacob accompanied me upstairs. I didn’t say anything, but I strongly suspected that since the bugging incident, between the two of them, they were going to double check each time. Any complaining on my part would be futile.

  Satisfied with his walkthrough, he nodded in my direction. “I’ll be back to pick you up at seven.”

  “I can make it under my own steam to the lobby, Jacob.”

  “I understand that, ma’am. Just following orders. I’ll see you in a couple of hours.”

  “Okay, I give up.” I laughed. “I’ll see you at seven.”

  He entered the elevator and was gone.

  Five minutes or so later, as I was sitting in my office, making some notes on my laptop, my cell rang. Picking it up, I checked the caller. Apolo. Of course, it would be. I was sure Jacob and he’d had a briefing on my trip to Walter Reed. When was he going to learn I was not in harm’s way?

  “Good afternoon, husband.” I sat back in the executive chair, waiting for his reply. I could hear his breathing. “Did you and Jacob have a nice chat?”

  He chuckled over the line. “You know me too well. Perhaps I need to change my strategy. Yes, he gave me a briefing. However, I don’t know how the actual visit with the soldiers went.”

  “I was quite impressed with the facility. One corporal in particular stood out. He evidently did his homework. He’d researched your accident and was very impressed with how you’d overcome the situation.”