9781631054631ChoiceAffairsSalisbury Page 9

  “It appears we’ve christened your office, senator.” I lifted myself off him before standing and retrieving my thong. But Apolo’s hand snatched it from me.

  He lifted it to his nose then buried it in his trouser pocket. “I can promise a lot more of that.” He gestured to the basket sitting in the middle of his desk. “I’m starving.”

  “Do you still have time?” I blushed. “For lunch, that is.”

  “I always have time for you, Caitlyn. Never forget that. And we break for two hours for lunch.” He grinned as he swatted me on the bottom, pinching a cheek before he let go.

  “I’ll have to remember that next time,” I replied, as I began to remove items.

  “Yes, please do. In fact, what would you say if we picked one day for you to come and have lunch every week? Whether in here or out.”

  “You sure you can do that?”

  “Yes, I’m sure. If anything comes up, I’ll text or call you and let you know ahead of time.”

  “Then, let’s do it. Friday is a good day, if it works for you.”

  In a matter of minutes, we were sitting, enjoying the lunch I had brought, and chatting. This was an entirely new lifestyle for both of us.

  Finally, I noticed him look up at the clock on the wall. I knew it was time for him to be heading back. I was trying to commit his new schedule to memory.

  “You’ve got to go?”

  “Yes, I’m afraid so, darling. Since it’s Friday, I really don’t see anything keeping me late.”

  “Good, I’ve missed my husband this week.”

  “I know, and I’ve missed you, as well. I haven’t been very good company, but once I get into the swing of things, that will change.”

  I nodded and stood. “Let me know when you’re leaving, and I’ll start dinner. I didn’t see anything on your schedule for tonight, so I take it we don’t have to be anywhere?”

  “No, the weekend seems to be ours, and I promise to call when I’m leaving.” He gave me that devilish, sultry grin, the one that meant trouble. “I may have a few requests by then.”

  “Such as?”

  “You’ll see, my pet. You’ll see.” He leaned down and covered my mouth with his, plunging his tongue deep inside. A taste of things to come.

  After he left, I gathered up the basket and found Renee. She quickly assembled the staff and introduced me. Afterward, she and I returned to Apolo’s office, where I pulled out my notebook filled with the questions I had for her. The woman was a whiz. She knew who to direct me to, and if she didn’t, she wrote down what I needed, stating she’d find out for me.

  I bid everyone goodbye and left. Slowly, I walked through the hallways, thinking of all the important men who had walked these floors before Apolo. Now, my husband would be remembered here, as well.

  * * * *

  Leaving my husband and his new office in a much better, more satisfied mood, I made some stops along the way. I picked up a couple of steaks for dinner later, along with some fresh salad makings. Flowers, too. I loved fresh flowers.

  As I finished putting everything up, I began to arrange the flowers in a vase. The phone rang. I checked the caller ID, but there was no number. Cautiously, I answered it. “Hello?” I kept my finger on the “end” button, just in case it was a prank call or some moron who’d gotten my number somehow.

  “Caitlyn!” The voice of my mother reverberated through the receiver. “I was so afraid I was going to have to leave a message. I know how you are about not returning your calls.”

  “Mother,” I groaned. “I always return my calls. Perhaps not to you, but then you would take up my entire day if I did. To what do I owe the pleasure? And more importantly, where are you?”

  “Where am I? Silly girl. I’m here in Washington, of course.”

  “What? Did you just say Washington? Why?” Panic set in as I remembered my mother mentioning on several occasions that she intended to move to the area once Apolo and I did.

  “I live here. I’ve got a set of suites in the Watergate, for now. I might even be able to get something more permanent here. I’m looking elsewhere, of course.”

  I tried to gather my thoughts, not wanting to say something I might regret. Or worse yet—something that she’d spin to the media. “Mother, I know you have some money, but just how are you managing to live somewhere as expensive as the Watergate?”

  “Don’t worry yourself with the hows and whys, Caitlyn. I’m here, so get used to it. I told you I planned on this move once Apolo was appointed. You need to have some family close, you know.”

  “Okay, fine. Whatever, Mother. I can’t imagine Pop agreeing to fund this little escapade of yours.”

  “Your father and I are divorcing, Caitlyn. He has no say in where, or how, I live. Besides, your father doesn’t make enough to spend a night at the hotel, let alone rent one of their apartments.”

  “What the hell is going on with you? You’re divorcing Pop? Why? Oh, wait a minute—I know why. You have some rich sugar-daddy on the side. Isn’t that right, Mother? Didn’t I hit the proverbial nail right on the head? I swear, sometimes I wish I could shake some sense into you. But then I realize it’d do no good.”

  “Stop being overdramatic, Caitlyn. You’re not nine anymore. You’re a grown, married woman now. Such remarks might make one think—” She stopped mid-sentence.

  I waited for her to get a second wind, but when she didn’t continue, I started to worry. “Mother?”

  “Oh, my! Caitlyn, I thank God I had sense enough to move here in light of this new development.”

  “What the hell are you talking about?”

  There was the sound of an incoming call. Apolo. “Look, Mother, text me with your new phone number. Apolo’s on the other line. Gotta go. Love you.” I disconnected and picked up my husband’s call. “Hello, handsome. Miss me already?”

  I heard him choke back a laugh. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. I didn’t realize until our earlier meeting just how much I miss some things. I had a moment and thought I’d call and tell you that.”

  “I love you, Apolo.”

  “I love you, too. We’re winding up for the day, so I should be home shortly. Do I need to pick up anything on the way?”

  “No, I’ve gotcha covered this time, husband. I’ll be waiting.”

  “Um, Caiti?”

  “Yes?”

  “Wear something, you know…”

  “I know. See you shortly. Don’t dawdle, Choice. Things have been heating up around here all afternoon. I need you to help me take care of a couple tasks.”

  He chuckled. “I believe I know just what needs to get done. I love you. See you soon.”

  “Love you, too.” Then, he was gone.

  Yep, tonight was going to be fun.

  Glancing at my watch, I decided if Apolo was indeed finishing up, it was time to put my plan into action. Taking the vase of flowers into the living room, I placed them on the coffee table. Then, I went to a nearby chest for candles. Lots of candles. I placed them around the room. It would not be dark for a few more hours, but at least I’d be prepared.

  Going to Apolo’s wine stash, I picked out a red to go with the steaks I’d bought. I took the bottle, along with two glasses, and placed them on the kitchen counter. Rummaging around a drawer, I found a corkscrew.

  My next phase was in the bedroom. I already had numerous candles throughout the room, but took a handful and placed even more in the bathroom. I envisioned a late night shower, or perhaps bath, with soft lighting everywhere.

  Looking in the mirror, I decided it was time to fix my makeup and get ready. I went to the walk-in closet and disrobed. I picked out a pair of sassy, red heels and grabbed a silky, red and white scarf before going back to the bathroom. Satisfied with everything, I applied red lipstick, slipped on the heels, and threw the scarf around my neck.

  Glancing at the clock on the living room wall, I lit a couple of the candles and poured Apolo a glass of whiskey. As I finished, I heard his footsteps on the tile e
ntrance.

  I moved toward him. He was facing away from me, taking everything out of his pockets and putting it in a bowl on a hallway table. His briefcase was already placed underneath. He wouldn’t be needing that this evening.

  “Apolo…”

  Slowly, he turned toward me. Oh, the look on his face as my appearance registered with him. His eyes went dark and lustful. We inched closer to each other.

  “My god, Caitlyn. You look beautiful.” He growled, accepting the glass of whiskey. “Ravishing, in fact.”

  “Thank you. I’m glad you approve.”

  “Oh, I do. You’re so damn hot, standing there like that.” Deliberately, he took a swallow of the amber liquid before placing the tumbler on the table next to him. He came closer, until he was right next to me. I could feel his breath, but he didn’t yet touch me. He just looked down, nostrils flaring, eyes dark.

  He took my scarf in one hand. Then, he wrapped his arms around me, letting the other end of the material drop to the floor. Bending down, he spread my legs so that he could retrieve it. As he did, he rose back up, bringing the fabric up to my already pulsing mound and began gently pulling it back and forth, all the while watching me. I couldn’t take my eyes off him as I moaned.

  This went on for several more passes, each time becoming more intense than the last. Then, he stopped, letting the scarf fall to the floor. He picked up his glass of whiskey, all the while staring at me lustfully. He downed the contents and stood back, looking me up and down.

  Then, he moved closer, slanting his mouth over mine in a mind-blowing kiss. His tongue filing my mouth as he explored every inch. One hand was on my cheek, the other my breast, plumping and tweaking the nipple before he moved the fingers lower.

  I gasped as he plunged two of the digits inside me. “Fuck, baby,” he whispered, hoarsely. “You’re primed and ready to go. You’re dripping wet.”

  “Apolo…”

  “What is it, my pet? What do you want?”

  By the change in his voice, I knew exactly what he had in mind. All the while, I was riding his hand as he fucked me with his fingers, his thumb rubbing my already charged clit. “I want you. I want you to fuck me.”

  “Do you now?” He chuckled. He removed his hand, then, swiping my clit with a finger as he did. Taking me by the hand, he led me into the living room. Dusk was bathing the space now, the darkness of night not far behind. He stood next to an upholstered, wood-armed chair. “Sit. Put your arms on the arm rests and don’t move.”

  He left for a few minutes, coming back with items in his hands. I couldn’t make them out. Which is what he wanted. He set them on a table out of my sight line. Then, he returned in front of me, holding scarves. There was a naughty grin on his face as he stared down at me. “Sit on the edge. I’m going to bind your wrists and ankles, baby. If you don’t feel comfortable with anything, just pull against them, and you’ll come free. Okay?”

  I nodded, saying nothing as he helped me get into position. Satisfied, he began draping the scarves first around my wrists then each of my ankles. I was naked, my pussy bared to him.

  He straightened and stepped away, studying me with that same lustful expression on his face. Then, he approached, lowering himself between my legs. He softly blew against my already swelled and throbbing clit. Spreading the folds of my womanhood, he let a finger explore.

  I threw my head back as his lips and tongue took over. I moaned as he nipped the sensitive nub, begging me to come. I wanted to take my hands and run them through his long, dark hair, riding myself against his tongue, but I couldn’t.

  Bucking against his mouth, I tried to get what I wanted. But he was smart, knowing just how much to give me and when to pull away.

  Then, there was a non-stop piercing of a buzzer and our quiet, intimate moment was ruined. Apolo lurched up, looking around. I pulled at my soft restraints, setting myself free. Whoever it was, wanted our attention.

  Apolo marched over to the intercom. “I don’t know who the hell you are, but this better be good. And stop ringing the damn buzzer!”

  “Apolo, thank goodness,” my mother breathlessly began. “Your doorman wouldn’t let me in. He said I wasn’t on your list of approved visitors. I told him who I was and that it was simply an oversight. Damn man told me I had to buzz you to get your permission.”

  “Hold on a minute, Susan. Stay right where you are.” He turned to me. I was standing next to him now. He kissed me passionately. “I promise we’ll finish this once I’ve dealt with your mother, my pet. Go get dressed. Quickly. I’ll let her up. This ends now, Caitlyn.”

  I nodded my head in agreement. I hadn’t even had time to tell him the news. Well, now Mother could do that herself.

  “Susan, I’m going to call the front desk and tell them to let you on up.”

  “Thank God.” I heard her reply as I darted into the bedroom. “I brought dinner, and it’s going to be ruined if I don’t get up there now.”

  * * * *

  Apolo

  Damn, irritating woman. First, she eludes my security team, and now, she shows up at our door, like nothing happened. Well, as I told Caitlyn, it stops now.

  Not only did she ruin what promised to be a night to remember with my new bride, she started my first weekend in Washington on a sour note. A very sour note. But Susan was not going to ruin anything anymore.

  This time, in front of her daughter, I was going to tell her in no uncertain terms how things were going to be. If she can ever change her ways and become a lot less self-absorbed, then perhaps I’ll ease up on my rules. Until then…well, she isn’t going to like it, and I fully expect Susan Pickett-White to find a way around them.

  She came off the private elevator all smiles. Like she had not a care in the world or had done nothing wrong. She carried two bags. Take out from one of the better restaurants, I was sure. She stuck out her hands, thrusting them toward me.

  “Apolo,” she said curtly. “Here, be a good boy and take these for me. I never expected to have to go through such an ordeal to get up here.”

  Instead, I moved back three steps and gestured with my head. “Kitchen’s inside that door. But I imagine you already know that.”

  I watched her suck in a breath in disbelief. Yet, she headed where instructed. “Where’s Caitlyn? She’s okay, isn’t she?”

  “Of course, she’s fine. Why wouldn’t she be?”

  “Why, be a love, Apolo, and pour me a drink. A martini, if you don’t mind. Absolut Vodka, if you have it. If not, whatever will have to do.” She turned and proceeded into the kitchen.

  I walked over to the bar and began preparing a martini for the bitch-in-law when Caitlyn appeared from the bedroom.

  “My mother’s here, I take it.”

  “You heard?”

  “Who couldn’t? She brought dinner?”

  “Oh yes, but stay here. She’ll just corner you if you go in there.”

  She grinned and watched as I went through the process. Susan reappeared just as I was pouring her drink into a glass.

  “I hope you didn’t shake it. I can tell if you did, you know. It ruins a good martini.”

  “Susan…” I passed her the drink I had indeed just shook. “Caitlyn, what would you like, darling? A glass of wine?”

  “Yes. As a matter of fact, I have a bottle open in the kitchen I’d set aside for dinner.” She made to leave the room, I assumed to retrieve it.

  Susan was sipping her martini. “You’re really not intending to drink alcohol are you, Caitlyn?”

  Caitlyn stared at her, shook her head, and went in search of her wine. In the meantime, I poured myself another glass of whiskey. A full one this time. I had the feeling I would need it before our evening with Susan was over.

  “You know she shouldn’t be drinking alcohol, Apolo. It’s not good for her. If you’re any kind of man, you’ll tell her to stop.”

  “Susan, your daughter, my wife now, is perfectly capable of making her own decisions. If she wants a glass of wine, she
can have as many as she wants. You make her sound like she’s a lush or something. I’m telling you to stop now.”

  “Stop what?” she asked, batting her false eyelashes my way. “I’m merely a concerned mother, worried about her daughter, who has no experience in these matters.”

  “Trust me, Susan, Caitlyn is far more experienced than you give her credit for.”

  “Credit for what?” my darling wife inquired as she entered the room, drink in hand.

  “Oh, nothing, Caiti. Your mother and I were discussing the dinner she brought.”

  “Yes, I saw all of that. How many people were you expecting to feed, Mother? There’s more food than the three of us could possibly eat in one sitting.”

  “Well, I figured what we didn’t eat now, you two could reheat. I know how hectic things are for you, sweetie. You shouldn’t have to cook if you’re not feeling well.”

  “I feel just fine, Mother. Honestly, I don’t know what’s up with you.” Caitlyn glanced over in my direction. “You might as well tell Apolo the news Mother, if you haven’t already.”

  “News, what news?” I took a long drink off my whiskey.

  “I’ve moved to Washington,” Susan replied, like a chess player who’s just tried to unseat the reigning champion. “I’ve got a suite at the Watergate. Caitlyn didn’t tell you?”

  I had to turn around. It was all I could manage not to spew whiskey all over her. What the hell? How had Jacob not picked up on this bit of information?

  “I hadn’t had the chance, Mother. Apolo just got home when you came blasting on our buzzer.”

  “Well, you should have had me on your visitor’s list. In fact, I should be given a key. You never know when you might need me to come over and check things out sometime.”

  My mouth was about to go into overdrive, but at this precise second, I didn’t care. Caitlyn however, saw this and stepped in.