Thursday afternoon, I accompanied Apolo as he made the rounds to various senate offices, meeting with the appropriate members.
All of this fell right before the weekend of my mother’s party. Knowing her as I did, she was probably already making plans to be sure she was included in all the gala of her future son-in-law’s confirmation. Yes, my mother probably did have things figured out far better than I did in that department.
Later Thursday evening, as we returned to our suite to relax before our evening out, I found three dresses hanging in the bedroom on a portable rack. Confused, I turned and walked back out to the main salon. Apolo was on the phone with someone, business most likely. He motioned for me to sit as he finished up.
“How did those dresses get here?”
“I knew you wouldn’t have time to shop, so I took the liberty of having Renee make some calls on your behalf. I hope you don’t mind.”
“No, I was curious, that’s all. I suppose I’ll need to take a day and do just that. Shop.”
“Yes, you will, especially once the governor makes his announcement. Not that you don’t look nice anyway.”
“I understand, Apolo. Washington is an entirely different beast, and I need to look better than any other woman in town.”
“That’s my girl. I knew you’d understand.”
“So, how did the news go over at Choice Enterprises?” I asked, as I moved from the armchair I had been sitting in to sliding my derriere into his lap. I kissed him gently on the lips and studied his handsome, tanned face.
“Quite well, from what Renee told me. I told her we would be back in Atlanta Friday afternoon and would try to swing by the office, if time permitted.”
“You do need to address the masses, or at least your executive staff. This will change things a lot.”
“It will indeed. I’ll put the company in a trust most likely. Like most politicians do. That way it can’t be said I’m prejudice, if anything were to arise.”
“I’m sure you have the people in place, ready and waiting?”
“Yes, I do. I hope you’re ready to move here, Caitlyn.”
“If that’s what we decide, yes. We don’t have to make that decision tonight.”
“I know. I just hate the thought of you being in Atlanta working and me in Washington. I want you here with me.”
“We’ll work it out, Apolo. Do you know where you’re going to stay, er, where we’re going to stay?”
“My idea was that we could stay here and take our time looking for something more permanent.”
“I like that idea. Why don’t we wait and see what next week brings?”
“Agreed. Now then, Caitlyn,” he said shifting in his chair. “You really need to get your fine ass out of my lap.”
Instead of moving, I covered his mouth with mine and began to explore its depths. I could taste the beer he had just been drinking and smell the musky scent of man. It was intoxicating. His hands explored, one hand fondling a breast while the other wrapped around my waist.
I broke the kiss ever so slightly, our lips barely touching. “I want more. Now. I want to taste you.”
“Caitlyn,” he groaned. His mouth overtook mine again in an all-consuming, passionate kiss.
Finally, he released me, and I rose to my feet. He followed my lead and began to unbutton his shirt. I grabbed his bulging erection through the fabric of his slacks in one hand before I began unfastening them. I could feel him gazing down at me as I pulled both his pants then his underwear over his manhood and onto the floor.
“Sit,” I commanded, as I quickly removed the dress I had been wearing. Standing only in my bra and panties, I kneeled down in front of him, taking the weeping member gently in my hands.
Again, I heard him groan as I explored every vein and every inch. Gently, I took his balls in one hand and squeezed while I ran a finger of my other hand across the tip. As I did, more pre-cum escaped. Then, I lowered my lips down over his huge, throbbing cock and began to taste and lick.
Finally, he pulled me off, stood up, and removed his shirt. I stared up, not knowing if I’d done something to displease him. The look in his eyes told me he was anything but mad. He ripped my thong off and barely was able to unhook my bra.
“On the floor. Now. On your back.”
I did as he demanded, knowing what was about to happen. Spreading my legs, I felt his tongue tasting every inch of skin, from my clit—that was now on fire—to the folds leading to my pussy. Then, all of a sudden he reversed us and I was on top. I felt his gentle nipping as I continued to suck and tease his cock.
I knew he was coming close to release as he grabbed my ass just as his salty, thick liquid hit the back of my mouth. I sucked until I was satisfied he had no more to offer, and then I realized I was rocking my clit over his tongue. The man did things to me no man had ever done before.
I heard a low, throaty laugh escape him. “Do you want more, angel?”
“God, yes, Apolo.”
He guided me onto his lap, impaling me on his still hard erection. I felt him get harder the more we moved together. His hands guided my hips. “I want you to come now, angel. Feel me and come.” As the release began to pulsate through my body, I barely remember him pushing me down onto his cock as he came again inside me.
We sat in silence until our breathing returned to normal. I rested my head on his shoulder as he sat stroking my hair. The two of us still connected by something that had been meant as a mutual attraction was drawing our emotions deeper into another plateau. I suddenly realized I was falling in love with this man, and I was falling hard. I sensed he felt the same way, but now was neither the time nor the place to discuss it.
Slowly, with his help, I lifted myself. “Come,” I whispered in his ear. “We need to shower and get ready for dinner.”
He pulled me back down on top of him and covered his mouth over mine in a soft, erotic kiss. “What are you doing to me, Caitlyn?”
“Trying to get us out of this position so we can take a shower and get ready,” I teased. “If one of us doesn’t, we’ll be fucking each other’s brains out in the next minute.” Now wasn’t the time for the conversation I felt coming.
“Hmmm, I’d so much like to do that. But you’re right. We need to get ready.”
Our quick trip to Washington was filled with non-stop meetings, luncheons, and dinners. Apolo, pleased with the results, phoned the governor the morning of our departure, Friday, accepting the position. Citizen Apolo Choice would soon become Senator Choice. The world was going to see the man in a new light, no secrets, no mystery. Well, perhaps some mystery. There was a lot for the two of us to discuss before the next session began.
Oh, and Apolo had gotten his wish, one that I suggested. That he get a position on a committee overseeing Americans with disabilities. Yes, Apolo had made it known to the world in a press release that he was, and had been, disabled for quite some time.
* * * *
To say my mother didn’t have her antenna out searching Apolo and me for any clues as to our relationship would be an understatement. Izzie and I arrived together just as we planned. Apolo came as scheduled ten minutes behind us. He wouldn’t let my mother down, though he knew he would be in for a game of twenty questions.
“Izzie, Caitlyn,” she greeted us as she craned her neck around, obviously looking for Apolo. “Where is he? You said he was coming.”
“Yes, he is Mother. He has a lot to do, but he will be here.”
“Well, what I want to know, young lady, is when the two of you plan on getting married. He can’t just whisk you off to Washington with him and the two of you live together. That is not accepted up there.”
“Give it a rest, Mother. That is none of anyone’s business.”
“I’ll not have my daughter the fodder of gossip, and that’s exactly what you’ll be. Just mark my words.”
“Mother, this is Apolo Choice we’re talking about. Not Bennie Carr from middle school. He can and does what he wants, when he
wants.”
“And what is this disability of his? Why has he kept whatever it is a secret all these years?”
“Exactly for this reason. People like you who need something to talk about. Trust me, it’s nothing. He’ll announce the exact nature of it when he’s ready.”
“Come on, Caitlyn, why don’t we get a glass of wine and mingle before Apolo shows up,” Izzie offered, trying to sooth an already tense situation. Mother meant well, it’s just that she has an odd way of showing it at times. I knew it would send her to the moon and back if Apolo and I were ever to marry, but that remained a big if, and none of her concern.
When Apolo showed up a pre-determined time later, Mother, of course, leaned on his arm, leading him through her guests like an old pro. She knew when a good thing had landed in her front yard and knowing her as well as I did she would be a staunch advocate for Apolo’s and my relationship. After all, what mother wouldn’t want Apolo Choice for a son-in-law?
What the hell am I thinking? Marriage to Apolo?
I nodded at him as he and my mother approached a group of anxious guests. The gesture didn’t go unnoticed by her, either. She pulled Apolo my way for a quick second, locking her other arm in mine, dragging us both to her admiring visitors.
An hour later, Apolo nodded, our signal that our time here was up. I found Izzie and said good-bye. The plan had been all along that we would arrive together, and I would leave with Apolo. It might not have been the smartest idea, but everyone knew from the reports that I was accompanying him to Washington as much more than his number two in charge of Choice Enterprises.
We discussed the possibility of my running the company with him in Washington, but decided it would be a conflict of interest. This way, everything was on the table and everything was being done Apolo’s way.
Mother was not pleased, even after I assured her we’d see her soon. Putting down my half-empty glass of wine, I walked with Apolo as he led me out the door to Jacob and his waiting Bentley.
We slid in and made ourselves comfortable for the ride to his Buckhead mansion.
“I’ve called an early morning meeting tomorrow.”
“On a Sunday?” I blurted out, raising my hand to cover my mouth.
“I want to lay everything out for everyone. That way there’ll be no surprises when the Governor makes his announcement Monday. I don’t want anyone saying they assumed this or that.”
“Good idea. What do you need me to do?”
“Right now? Just be there when I have the meeting.”
“You know this is going to come up,” I said reaching my hand across and patting his knee. “Someone’s bound to want you to address it, want to know why you’ve never disclosed this.”
“First off, it’s not one’s damn business why I’ve never discussed my injury. It does not affect my running of Choice Enterprises. But yes, you’re right, someone is going to ask, and I intend to speak about it.”
“Only tell them what you’re comfortable disclosing. It’s a private matter, and you’re right, it doesn’t affect running your business.”
“I’m going to tell you about it this evening. I want you to know what happened, how it happened. You more than anyone else deserve to know the truth, especially now…” I cocked my head and noted him winking in my direction. A seductive jester.
“Especially now, what? What, Apolo? Oh, you mean now that we’re moving to Washington and outing ourselves as this new power couple?” I teased.
“Yes, something like that. I will say you keep me on my toes, Caitlyn. Just another thing I admire about you.”
“Oh God, don’t go getting all mushy on me now, Choice. Save it for the bedroom.”
A low throaty laugh, emerged from his side of the car—the one I loved. It meant he was truly amused. I turned and gazed out the window, noting we were about to pull up the long driveway to his mansion. My life was certainly about to change.
Settling into one of my favorite rooms in this monster of a house, I slipped off my shoes, leaving them, along with my purse, next to a chair. The room was warm and inviting, reminding me of pictures I’d seen in palaces. Only this was on a much smaller scale. And while the furnishings were luxurious, they weren’t over the top, fitting the room with an elegant flare.
Apolo, in the meantime, removed his jacket and tie and headed over to the bar, which was cleverly disguised in a Bombay chest. He stood there pouring brandy into two elegant snifters, a smug look on his face. I suppose I should actually call it smirk. As though he was thinking of something naughty. Because I doubt if he were thinking of what he had indicated he wanted to speak with me about he’d have such a look on that perfect, god-like face.
Not knowing whether to sit or not, I slowly walked in his direction, meeting him halfway in the center of the room. Passing me the brandy snifter, he leaned over and dusted a kiss on my lips.
“Come, let’s sit over on this sofa and get comfortable.”
I nodded, heading toward the beige damask overstuffed couch. As soon as I sat down, I understood why he’d chosen it. My body melted into the cushions elegantly. This had to be one of the most exquisite pieces of furniture I’d ever placed my derriere in.
Apolo appeared uncomfortable, sniffing the essence of his brandy before taking a long swallow. I thought perhaps if I lightened the mood, it might make things easier for him.
“Come now, Choice, out with it quick. I’m sure I’ll fall asleep sitting here from the decadence of this fine sofa if you don’t hurry.”
“You look good sitting there, Caitlyn. I look forward to many a night of the two of us sitting here chatting.”
Okay, what’s going on? Is this a proposal or a warm up? I thought we were here to discuss how he’d lost his leg, not how fine my ass looked in this fine piece of furniture, although I had to admit, it probably did look good.
“Take your time, Apolo. I get the sense this isn’t an easy topic to discuss.”
“That’s putting it mildly, because I’ve never really discussed it with anyone outside the family.”
“Just who knows outside your family?”
“Only Jacob. Now you. That, of course, isn’t counting a couple of freaked out young women from my past.”
“Not even Renee?”
“No. I’ve seen no need.” He took another swallow of his brandy as I shifted to face him from a better perspective. “It happened right as I graduated college. My parents owned a place outside of Savannah on one of the islands. Had for years. We’d go down there in the spring and fall before it got too hot.”
“I know the area. It’s beautiful, although stifling in the summer.”
“Yes, it is stifling. Anyway, there was an old cabin in a wooded area that Anthony and I used as our secret hideout. We would spend hours there, even sneak out of the main house in the middle of the night and do things, things that boys do.”
I kept my eyes focused on him as I took a sip of my drink. “Go on.”
“We had returned for a visit after my college graduation ceremony. I was to go on to Europe the following week, a graduation present from my parents. I woke up one night. Anthony was nowhere to be found and figuring he was out at the cabin making mischief, I decided to join him. Sort of one last time for old times’ sake. Boys being boys and all.”
“And was he at the cabin when you got there?”
“I don’t remember much of the incident, Caitlyn. What I do recall is sneaking through the woods. The moon was out, making it easier to see my way. Tony had always been quite territorial about the cabin. Why, I have no idea. I suppose he thought since I’d been away, it should be his and his alone. Anyway, the last thing I remember is him shouting something at me. The next thing I remember after that is being in the hospital.”
“That’s it? What the hell happened there, Apolo?”
“My brother has always had a fascination with weapons. It seems he had done his research and protected what he thought was his with homemade land mines. He hadn’t had the chance
to let me in on his secret.”
“Fuck,” was all I could say. I shook my head in disbelief at what I was hearing.
“Exactly. I managed to step close enough to one that it set off the charge. Blew my leg off, and damn near blew off my—”
Here he was telling me this, vulnerable and shaken, as he recalled something that, even to this day, was a nightmare to him. Something he had never shared. “Oh, my God, Apolo. He must have been terrified.”
“Terrified? The fucking bastard damn near killed me. Lucky for me, my father was awake and heard the blast. Saw it actually. He was outside on the porch when it went off. Having served in the war, he instinctively knew what it was and came running. Anthony immediately took off, scared. If my father had not found me and done what he did, I wouldn’t be here today. No, my brother chose to be a coward.”
Stepping around Anthony’s involvement, I asked him for more details. “So, your father saved your life. How long were you in the hospital?”
“Months. I already knew what course my life would take. This tragic turn of events simply propelled it quicker. Thus, the Apolo Choice, billionaire, you see before you.”
“You forgot soon to be senator.”
“That, too. So, now you know the sordid little secret of how I lost my leg.”
“Anthony was never charged?”
“No, my father had it swept under the rug and sent Anthony to a military school. He was supposed to have gone on to West Point, but he managed to make sure his grades and behavior would keep him from getting the appointment. No one knew it ever happened. And what few people did thought I’d stepped on a civil war era land mine, of which there were many still around.”
I reached across and took his hand, squeezing it. “Thank you for sharing that. I can tell it was difficult.”
“I had to tell you, Caitlyn. I felt not doing so was being dishonest. I knew you had to be wondering things…”
“Does your brother know you’re planning to reveal the nature of your injury?”
“No, but he knows I’d never implicate him.”
“But don’t let him run you over, thinking he has the upper hand.”
Choice Matters (Southern Heat Book 1) Page 10
