Her Perfect Candidate

by Candace Shaw

  He didn’t mean to step into her personal space, but he’d needed to see her supple lips up close once more. It took everything he had in him not to drag her body close to his and kiss her senseless right there against her SUV. The way he noticed her checking him out as well, he wouldn’t have been surprised if she had responded. However, he was shocked at his thought. Kissing was something he didn’t do. Sex, yes. Kissing, no. It was too emotional, and he wasn’t looking for an emotional relationship with anyone. Yet, kissing the beautiful Megan was all he could think about.

  As he drove toward his penthouse in Midtown, it dawned on him that she didn’t recognize him as the Georgia state senator Steven Monroe, son of Robert Monroe, United States senator. Coming from three generations of politicians and Harvard Law School graduates, the Monroe family were considered to be the black Kennedys because of their millions, power and influence in the political world. Because of who he was, most women usually flirted with him and did any and everything possible to garner his attention.

  Steven leaned his head back on his seat and inhaled the sweet scent of the intoxicating perfume lingering in his SUV. Damn, why on earth didn’t I ask for her phone number?

  * * *

  Megan searched through her console between the seats for her Sade CD with her right hand as she kept her left hand steady on the wheel. She needed to hear “Smooth Operator” one more time as thoughts of Steven filled her head. She was surprised at her thoughts but couldn’t help but smile. She then glanced at herself in the rearview mirror to see how she looked when he met her. Upon finding the CD, she slid it into the CD player and waited anxiously while it loaded. She skipped the first few songs until she heard the beat of “Smooth Operator” and turned the volume up.

  As she was singing the song for the second time, she saw Syd’s cell number flash on the dash. She had the Bluetooth hands-free function connected to her car, which made it safer for her to talk to clients while driving. She turned off the music and pushed the cell button on her steering wheel.

  “I’m almost there, Syd,” Megan said as she exited the interstate. She then turned toward Atlantic Station, an outdoor mall in Midtown Atlanta that housed the swanky hotel Twelve, where the fund-raiser gala was being held.

  “I’m just making sure the stranger who changed your tire didn’t kidnap you.”

  “Whatever.”

  “So tell me about this kind stranger.”

  She blushed at the thought of him, and then giggled like a high school girl. “His name is Steven and that’s all I know. Oh, and he looks simply amazing in a suit.”

  “Did you get a last name? I can do a background check.”

  “No, I didn’t, we didn’t exchange information. But I’m fine with that.”

  “Well...you seemed as if you were beaming so I just thought you may go out with him.”

  “Syd, for the last time, I’m happy being single. My main concern is expanding my business. I’m focusing on my career right now.”

  Megan turned her car into the valet parking area and grabbed her purse from the backseat as the valet guy opened the door, greeted her and handed her a ticket. “I’m here, Syd. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

  Thirty minutes later, Megan sat at her reserved table after she gave her donation and chatted briefly with her client and mentor, Chelsea Benton, who had invited her to the gala. Megan loved to dress up and hang with her girlfriends in intimate or casual settings but big bashes weren’t exactly her cup of tea. However, it was for charity, plus Chelsea had promised to introduce her to some potential clients.

  She glanced over at her twin sitting beside her, who seemed to be having a great time people watching.

  “Let me guess. You’re watching everyone and figuring out what they’re thinking just by their body language.”

  Sydney nodded. Her bob hair cut swished forward in the process. Their hairstyles were the only way people knew who was who. Plus their personalities were like night and day. Megan was the more whimsical, bubbly twin whereas Sydney was the serious-minded and logical one.

  “Yes, but not on purpose. It’s just a habit. Like right now I can tell by your pursed lips and the way your hand is resting under your chin, that you’re ready to leave.”

  “I am, but I’ll stay for a little longer. Chelsea wanted Jade and I to meet some potential clients.”

  “And where is your best friend?” Sydney glanced around the room.

  “Right here, Tia and Tamera,” a sassy voice behind them said. “Thank you for saving me a seat.”

  Jade Whitmore was Megan’s best friend from college. Together they owned Chase and Whitmore Designs, an up-and-coming boutique decorating firm for the past six years.

  Jade slid into the empty seat on the other side of Megan and placed a glass of champagne on the table. “Sorry I’m late. I had to meet with the Cannadys to pick up their last payment. Glad we’re done with that project.”

  “Me, too,” Megan agreed but her attention was diverted by the commotion at the entrance of the event. The ladies and other guests all placed their eyes on a man flanked with bodyguards and an entourage of people strolling into the gala. The man in the middle turned his back to the crowd as he stopped to shake hands and chat with a few people who approached him.

  “Must be someone important,” Megan shrugged and sipped her champagne as she stared at the back of the tall man clad in a black tuxedo. He turned to the side to greet a lady with a too-short dress on who in return gazed up at him as if he were the most handsome man in the world.

  Megan cocked her head to the side and raised an eyebrow as a smile inched across her face and her heart and stomach began to flutter uncontrollably.

  “Oh, my goodness!”

  Sydney and Jade placed their attention on her, and Sydney waved her hand in front of her twin’s face. “I’ve never seen you smile like that before. I know he’s gorgeous, but stop drooling.”

  Megan shook her head as she tried to calm her smile and excitement down, but it was no use especially when he turned his head as if he sensed her staring at him. Their eyes locked, and a charming smile crept across his breathtaking, chiseled face. He nodded knowingly as he took a step in her direction but a couple stepped in his path for conversation. Even though he conversed with them, his eyes on hers never faltered.

  Jade tapped her on the shoulder. “Megan, do you know who you’re making goo-goo eyes with?”

  She nodded. “Yes, that’s him. The man who changed my flat tire.”

  “That’s who changed your tire?” Sydney questioned in a surprised tone.

  “Yes and apparently he is someone important since everyone seems to know who he is except me.”

  “Um...yes...” Jade started. “That’s Georgia state senator Steven Monroe, self-proclaimed lifelong bachelor and one of Atlanta’s most notorious playboys.”

  Chapter 2

  “I’ll call you next week about that,” Steven promised, shaking his associate’s hand as he tried to move away from the crowd of people that were beginning to form around him. His eyes couldn’t tear away from Megan’s lovely face. He was quite surprised to see her when he entered the ballroom for just some moments ago he’d taken a cold shower as he thought of her. Of course he told himself the cold shower was to cool down his temperature after changing her tire in the blazing evening sun, but he knew that was a lie.

  He hadn’t been in the mood to attend the fund-raiser, but considering it was in the same building he lived in, all he had to do was ride the elevator down to the first floor. Plus, his best friend and campaign manager, Shawn Bennett suggested Steven at least should show his face, shake hands and give a considerable donation. But most importantly stay away from the ladies. His reputation couldn’t handle any more bad press considering he had been on local blogs and news channels with a different woman nearly every week. And
considering Steven’s father wanted him to eventually run for the U.S. Senate seat he was retiring from at the end of the year, Steven needed to first clean up his image. While he would be a shoo-in to win the nomination because of his intellect, clean political slate and charismatic nature, the Monroe campaign team was more concerned that Steven’s playboy image would cost him the opportunity to win.

  So he’d made a promise to stay low-key and out of the limelight with the ladies and therefore opted not to have a date that evening. However, there was something about Megan that was drawing him to her like a magnetic force. When he entered the room earlier, he sensed the same calming peace he had when he’d initially met her. Was it her perfume in the atmosphere or her cute giggle that made him turn her way, only to find her inquisitive eyes on him? She bestowed her beautiful smile as she had when he’d changed her tire, but this one was accompanied with a look of promise that he couldn’t explain. He had a feeling his smile matched hers.

  Steven continued to nod and shake hands with people who approached him all the while keeping his eyes glued to Megan and her table. He briefly glanced on either side of her to make sure she didn’t have a date. On her left was a woman who looked just like her, which must’ve been the twin sister she’d mentioned. And the other lady at the table, while drop-dead gorgeous, did nothing for him, either. There weren’t any men in their presence, and he was grateful. “Hello, Megan,” he said casually. “And ladies.” He nodded at them but kept his eyes on Megan. “Nice to see you here. I was hoping to run into someone I know.”

  She chuckled with a head tilt. “Weren’t you just bombarded with people you know? We just met an hour ago.”

  “Hmm...I know, yet we keep running into each other. Maybe we’re supposed to be in each other’s lives.”

  She released her signature cute giggle again, and he was glad when her friends excused themselves but not before the both of them winked at Megan. He sat in the chair across from her and dismissed his bodyguards who were actually his campaign manager and his brother, Bryce. They’d tagged along to make sure he stayed out of trouble. And he sensed their hesitancy before they strode away.

  “I must say, I’m quite glad to see you. You drove away without me getting any of your information. I don’t even know your last name.”

  “It’s Chase. Megan Chase...Senator Monroe,” she stated knowingly with a grin.

  He threw his head back in laughter. “Does that bother you?”

  “Nope. I’m forever grateful. Could you imagine me changing a tire in heels and in this dress?”

  His eyes traveled over her body settling on her shapely legs and a glimpse of the side of her exquisite thighs peeking out from her dress.

  No, but I can imagine you only in those heels with your legs over my shoulders. He blinked his eyes a few times and cleared the frog in his throat. At first he thought he’d spoken his private thoughts out loud.

  “So that means I have your vote in the next election?”

  “I don’t know,” she said in a teasing manner. “What makes you the perfect candidate?”

  “I’m a regular down-to-earth guy who likes to help people less fortunate than myself and ultimately make a difference in my community.”

  “I’m sold. When does your current term end?”

  “I just started my second term as a senator for Georgia so not for another two years. However, I’m considering running for a U.S. Senate seat within the next year or so, but let’s keep that between us for now. It’s my father’s seat, and I’m sure there’re a few people who would love to have it if they caught wind of my dad retiring.”

  “Your secret is safe with me,” she said sincerely.

  Steven couldn’t believe he’d told her such secret information so easily. Only he, his father, brother and best friend were aware of Senator Robert Monroe’s retirement plans. But for some reason he trusted the lady sitting in front of him.

  “So how long have you been in the interior-design business?”

  “Well unofficially since I was seven years old.” She paused to laugh. “I redesigned my side of my childhood room by using watercolors and markers on the wall. I also cut up some old drapes my mother was going to toss to make throw pillows and a duvet cover. I loved it but much to my mother’s dismay, she wasn’t pleased with the mural on the wall. But officially when I graduated with my undergraduate degree, so six years.”

  “I currently live in a penthouse here at Twelve, but it was already furnished. However, I’m looking into buying a home soon and would love to hire a professional decorator.”

  “I’m always looking for new clients, which is one of the reasons why I’m here. Just let me know when you’re ready.”

  She opened her evening bag and handed him a business card.

  He knew it would be months before he would close on a home. He wasn’t even officially looking for a house yet although he had an agent. It was just something he was considering, but he couldn’t let months go by without seeing her.

  “Well, do you have any appointments available this Monday? I would love to see your portfolio and talk to you about some of my ideas.”

  She nodded and pulled her cell phone out of her purse. “I have Monday around noon available. Is that a good time for you? If not... Friday.”

  He actually had an appointment on Monday at the exact same time, but he couldn’t possibly wait until Friday. He didn’t know if he could wait the two days until Monday. “Noon will be fine. How about we meet at a restaurant and have a business lunch?”

  “That sounds good. My office is located in the Buckhead area. How about Café Love Jones? It’s a jazz club, but they’re open for lunch, as well. I have business meetings there quite often.”

  “That’s a great spot. Delicious food and atmosphere.”

  “Glad you think so. My big brother Braxton is the owner.”

  “Cool. I don’t know him personally, but I met him briefly at an event there a few years ago. Brother can play the hell out of a piano.”

  Steven then unconsciously glanced up to see Shawn tapping his watch which meant it was time to move on. He was supposed to stay focused, mixing and mingling with the crowd, not flirting with the most beautiful woman at the fund-raiser. But he remembered his promise, and reluctantly stood as the smile on Megan’s soft face sank a little.

  “It was nice seeing you again, Megan. I look forward to our meeting on Monday.”

  “Me, too.” She held out her hand to shake his, but instead he raised it to his lips and kissed it tenderly. The feel of her silky, warm skin on his lips and the scent of her perfume on her wrist shook him to the core. He let his mouth linger on her hand longer than he should have, as he stared into her cinnamon eyes. She let out a soft sigh and slowly withdrew her hand from his. He regained his composure and tried to remember where he was before he did something impulsive like pull her into his arms and kiss her until her knees buckled.

  Steven cleared his throat and shoved his hands in his pockets to restrain them. “I’ll see you later.”

  For the rest of the evening he socialized with the other guests, discussing politics all while keeping his eyes on Megan. Every now and then he’d catch her glance in his direction as Chelsea Benton escorted her and her friend around. He assumed Chelsea was introducing the women to possible clients since they were eagerly handing out business cards.

  An hour later he felt a tap on his shoulder and was pleasantly surprised to look down into Megan’s adorable face.

  “Hey, pretty lady.” He leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Having fun? I saw quite a few gentlemen trying to get to know you better.”

  “Um...yes, but I’m not trying to date at the present moment. However, I met some potential clients. I just wanted to say thank you again for changing my tire, and I look forward to our meeting on Monday.”

  “Me, too.
Why are you cutting out so early?”

  “I’m not really one for social events even though I should be. However, Chelsea insisted that I come.”

  “How do you know Chelsea Benton?”

  “She’s one of my mother’s best friends from college. And you?”

  “Her husband is golf buddies with my father, and she did some fashion consulting for me both times I ran for the state senate.”

  “She’s the best.” Megan then let out a yawn, which caused him to yawn, as well. They both laughed, and he stepped closer toward her.

  “Good night, Ms. Chase.” His voice was low. Serious. He hoped the stir in his manhood stayed at bay. He wasn’t in the mood for any more cold showers that evening.

  If she was any other woman, he would’ve invited her upstairs to his place, but he knew Megan wasn’t the type to say yes to that and he was glad she wasn’t. Out of all the young women at the fund-raiser aside from her twin and girlfriend, Megan was the only one that hadn’t either batted her eyelashes and twirled her hair or slipped her phone number in the front of his pants’ pocket.

  “Good night, Senator Monroe.”

  He hesitated to leave, but just then her sister arrived to let her know the valet had pulled their cars around, and the two ladies walked away.

  “Who was that?” he heard Shawn say as he approached from the side as they both stood in place staring after Megan and her sister.

  “The one woman who could possibly make me settle down.”

  * * *

  The next morning Megan awoke to the sounds of birds chirping outside the window ledge of her loft apartment and a splitting headache. Usually the echoes of birds soothed her nerves, but not this morning. She wasn’t able to sleep last night. Every time she closed her eyes, she fantasized about the handsome Steven Monroe and his strong hands roaming over her figure. Or his lips moving from her hand and wandering over every inch of her body until she passed out from pure ecstasy. She’d almost swooned last night when the caress of his warm lips pressed against her skin sent her to a point of oblivion while she tried to remain composed on the outside. No man had ever stirred her like that before. But she knew getting involved with a politician was out of the question. Or any man for that matter. Right now her focus was her career and a serious relationship was out of the question.