When he took the stage and looked out over the crowd the same weight of responsibility he’d felt before pressed into his chest. “It was a long fight,” he said into the microphone. “But at the end I am still thankful. This campaign showed me the meaning of family, loyalty and happiness. I may have lost this battle, but the war isn’t over. I will always be here for the people of North Carolina. I will always fight for you, and to make things better. This loss isn’t the end. It’s the beginning. The time to give up isn’t here. Now it’s time to fight harder!”
The group cheered. Zoe stepped next to him and he wrapped an arm around her shoulder. He looked over the crowd. His eyes met Yolanda’s in the back. She raised a glass. He nodded in acknowledgment. Grant stood next to Patricia. Pride in his father’s eyes despite the loss. India and Travis smiled at him. Elaina was near them. Her arm around Lilah’s shoulders as his soon-to-be adopted daughter waved at him.
Love and contentment filled him so much, tears burned his eyes. He’d thought he’d been happy when he’d won the primary months ago. Tonight he was happier than he’d ever been.
He and Zoe left the stage. Grant pushed through the crowd and slapped him on the shoulder. “You know Jackson Falls will be needing a new mayor next election.”
Byron shook his head and grinned. “Not tonight, Dad. Let me just enjoy tonight.”
Grant sighed but nodded. “I’m still proud of you, son.”
Byron’s throat tightened. He and his dad may not ever see eye to eye on a lot of things, but he would always love him. “Thanks.”
Zoe’s arm around his waist tightened. “How about we grab a drink before you two get sentimental.”
Grant laughed and kissed Zoe’s cheek. “You two don’t party too hard.” Grant winked then lost himself in the crowd.
Zoe looked up at Byron. “He’s not going to be that happy when Elaina buys his company next week.”
Byron shrugged. Truly unbothered by the potential family drama. “We’ll worry about that tomorrow. Tonight I’d like to dance with the woman I love.”
Zoe’s huge grin brightened his world. “Still love me?”
With all seriousness Byron looked in her eyes. “Now more than ever. Let’s build whatever future we want together.”
Zoe’s eyes misted over. Her lips lifted and she nodded. “That sounds like a deal of a lifetime.”
“Then I need to seal this deal,” Byron said.
Zoe held out a hand. “In true Robidoux fashion with a handshake?”
He shook his head. “Nah. I can think of a much better way.” He kissed her. As the crowd cheered again, Byron knew the love and trust reflected in Zoe’s eyes was the best thing he could have ever received.
* * *
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First, I have to thank my awesome group of writer friends. Thank you to Cheris, KD, Jamie and Kwana for encouraging and pushing me to do my best. You ladies rock! I couldn’t have written this book without the support of my family, specifically my husband, Eric, who doesn’t give me a side-eye when I talk out loud while trying to figure out a section of dialogue. Thanks to the awesome team at HQN! Michelle, Errin, Samantha and everyone else involved in getting the Jackson Falls books out in the world. You all are a great team to work with! Finally, thank you to the readers. You don’t know how much each email or social media tag saying you’re enjoying my books keeps me typing away at the laptop. I appreciate each of you taking the time to read, review and reach out.
Don’t miss Careless Whispers,
the next sexy and irresistible book in
Synithia Williams’s Jackson Falls series
featuring the Robidoux family!
Careless Whispers
by Synithia Williams
CHAPTER ONE
ELAINA ROBIDOUX STEPPED into her sleeveless black sheath dress. She shimmied her hips as the cool material slid across her skin and she slipped the dress up. Reaching behind her, she struggled to grab the zipper before a larger hand pushed hers aside.
“I’ve got you, baby.” Robert’s deep voice flowed over her like the satin lining of her dress.
She’d promised herself she wouldn’t let him see how happy she was they’d reunited. Wouldn’t reveal how much she’d needed a win in the relationship department, but after the sexy afternoon they’d just had, she couldn’t stop from grinning over her shoulder. “You’ve got me?”
He zipped her dress and ran his hands up and down her arm. “You know it.” He pulled her against his chest and kissed her neck. “Can’t you stay longer?”
Elaina glanced at the unmade bed in their hotel room. If only she could stay. These moments with Robert were the one good thing in her life. Robert was the one who’d gotten away. The guy she’d fallen in love with years ago when she was too young to appreciate a good guy over the allure of the bad boy. They’d debated books, movies and politics. He’d challenged her on everything without caring that she was a Robidoux, and most people let her get away with being demanding. He’d soon become the only guy she’d anxiously sit around waiting for him to call.
Then she’d gotten pregnant by the first guy who’d made her feel passion and soon after announced an engagement rather than besmirch her family’s name.
Robert had moved on, married and divorced, and was now frequently visiting Raleigh, North Carolina, which wasn’t far from her home in Jackson Falls, to follow up on potential business deals. She didn’t know the specifics of his business dealings. They hadn’t reconnected based on business. Their reconnection had been almost coincidental. She’d learned he was divorced thanks to a nostalgia-fueled trip down a social-media rabbit hole, had attended the conference he’d mentioned looking forward to, and they’d run into each other at the bar.
The coincidence had been the bar. She hadn’t known he’d be there at that time, so her surprise had been genuine. His interest in reconnecting as welcome to her as ice water in a desert after being so unhappy in relationships for so long. They’d started their affair that week and kept it going off and on for months afterward.
After years of disappointments, she hadn’t wanted to put too much anticipation in their reunion. Robert traveled to Raleigh often and Elaina came over whenever he was in town. Despite her efforts to keep things strictly physical, she was well and truly in a state of deep infatuation with Robert.
“I wish I could stay longer.” Elaina eased her head to the side, giving Robert better access to her throat. “I’m expected home. Family stuff.”
Her brother, Byron, had unsuccessfully run for Senate but easily won the race for Jackson Falls mayor two years later. Her brother’s political career combined with her dad’s business connections meant multiple requirements for the family to show support at some event or another. Today was a garden party for potential donors. Elaina would have to break multiple North Carolina traffic laws to get home in time to shower and change. She hadn’t brought anything with her when Robert called the evening before to let her know he was in Raleigh and wanted to see her. She’d grabbed her purse and raced down the highway.
She would not think about how pathetic and lonely she would have accused anyone else of being for doing the same.
“Do you think you’ll be able to come back tonight?” Robert’s lips brushed across the sensitive spot on her neck. He was taller than her, with sandy skin and green eyes that used to mesmerize her. Her dad once called Robert a pretty boy. An assessment she attributed to her dad’s usual attempts to push her in the direction he’d preferred.
Once they’d reconnected, she’d begrudgingly admitted to herself that her dad may have been right. Robert’s suits were expensive, his car pricey and his tastes high-end. All things he didn’t mind letting people know about but Elaina was willing to overlook, because he still didn’t back down when they debated and the sex was amazing.
“I wish, but this thing will go late, and I do need to
be in the office on Monday.” She regretfully pulled herself away from him and walked to the dresser. She picked up her diamond earrings. “You’ll be back next week, right?”
Did she sound desperate? She hoped she didn’t sound desperate. Elaina Robidoux didn’t chase after a man.
Tell that to your gas light.
She pushed aside the reminder. Her gas light had come on when she was ten minutes away from the hotel. She’d ignored it in her haste to get to Robert, which meant she’d have to stop on her way home.
Robert cringed and rubbed his hands together. “I don’t know.”
She slipped an earring into her right ear. “Okay, the following weekend, then?”
Robert shrugged. “I’m not sure when I’ll be back.”
Elaina stilled. “Not sure.” Her voice didn’t betray any of her sudden paranoia. She turned her back to Robert as she slipped the other earring into her ear.
“The investors I thought I’d have for my business venture didn’t pan out.” He paused for a heartbeat. “I don’t have a reason to keep coming back.”
No reason? Her heart raced and a cold sweat broke out over her skin. Elaina frowned as she lifted her multistrand gold necklace. “Oh, really?” she asked in a cool voice. She fastened her necklace and schooled her features to the bland expression she’d perfected before facing Robert again. “Does that mean the end of us?”
“It doesn’t have to be,” Robert said. His lips lifted into a nervous smile. “You know I want to keep this going.”
“What are you proposing?” She crossed her arms and watched him while her pulse fluttered. She was being romantic. Of course he wasn’t proposing something serious, but a part of her wished he’d ask her to move back to Atlanta with him. To start her life over. For them to get back what they’d lost when she’d been young, impulsive and ridiculously rebellious.
“I need seventy-five thousand dollars,” Robert said.
Elaina blinked. Seventy-five what? “Excuse me?”
“Just to start out,” he continued. He ran a hand over his curly dark hair. “If things go well, I can pay you back in a year. Though, you’ll be a partner and might want to consider increasing your investment.”
The request for money was so far from what she’d expected that it took several seconds for the audacity of the statement to filter through the confused fog in her brain. He was seriously asking her for money? “What exactly am I investing in? You haven’t given specifics about your business.”
Robert’s eyes lit up. She recognized that look. Greed. He thought he had her on the hook. “I’m opening a beauty supply store.”
“You can’t be serious.” Wasn’t he in finance? At least she’d thought he’d said finance. Admittedly they hadn’t gotten deep into discussions of their work in between the hasty, tear-each-other’s-clothes-off meetups they’d had.
“I’m serious. I know a guy who has a hookup on premium hair I can get at a discount. He’s been selling it out of his car for now, but once I get a storefront, he’ll start supplying me. I’ve got another friend who has a connection with hair care products and supplies. I just need the initial money to get started.”
Elaina held up a hand, her brain spinning with what she’d just heard. “You need seventy-five thousand dollars to set up a beauty supply store with hair and supplies you’re buying from bootleggers?”
“None of this is bootleg stuff. It’s the real deal. They just get it.” He waved a hand and shrugged. “Before it leaves the truck.”
Elaina pressed her fingers to her temple. Tension radiated through her neck and jaw. She was getting a headache. “I thought you were in finance.”
“I was before my divorce. She took everything, and I’m starting over. As much money as she used to spend on her hair,” he scoffed and shook his head. “This was a good way to make my money back.”
Elaina dropped her hand and studied him, but there were no signs this was a joke. No suppressed laughter or mischievous twinkle. His eyes were serious and eager. “Robert, I’m not giving you seventy-five thousand dollars to start a beauty supply store.”
The excited gleam in his eyes dimmed. He took a step back. “Why not?”
“Because I’m not interested in investing in a beauty supply store.”
“I guess that means you don’t want to see me again, either.” He lifted his chin and threw out the words like a challenge.
Elaina’s spine stiffened. “Is that what this was all about?” She pointed to the bed. “You hoped I would give you money?”
“That wasn’t everything,” he said quickly.
Despite her irritation, a spark of hope flared. “What was the other thing?”
“I’ve always wanted to sleep with you,” he said without flinching.
The words were like a kick to the gut from a champion kickboxer. Hard, fast and lethal. Her stomach muscles clenched, and she swallowed hard. Disappointment weighed so heavily on her she wanted to sink to the floor. But she wasn’t the type of person to sink. Not in situations like this.
She straightened her shoulders and returned his stare. “Well, at least we both got that out of our systems.” She picked up her purse. “Goodbye, Robert.”
He hurried across the room and blocked her exit. “Come on, now, Elaina. What did you think this was?”
“Not an attempt for you to try to get money from me,” she said in a cool voice.
“I wasn’t initially going to ask you for the money, but you’ve got it. Your family’s company is always looking for investments. Why not invest in me?” he asked like a petulant child.
“Helping you sell hair that your friend has in his trunk isn’t that appealing.” She sidestepped around him. “Don’t call me again.”
Robert’s disbelieving laugh stopped her. “So, you’re dismissing me again.”
She spun around toward him. “Dismissing you? You’re the one who threw out the ultimatum. Give me money or go?”
He held up his hands and dared to look offended. “I don’t know why you’re acting surprised, Elaina. You didn’t want to give me the time of day when we were younger because you were caught up with that thug your dad took in. Now, because he left you and married your sister, you think you can just call me up, sleep with me and then we’re going to be a couple. You’re a coldhearted businesswoman. I knew I was just an itch you wanted to scratch. You knew I wasn’t looking for anything serious after my divorce. I thought we could at least grow this into a business partnership.”
She watched him with her practiced dismissive stare for several seconds. She needed those seconds to control her emotions. Needed those seconds to keep the pain blasting through her like a grenade from coming through in her voice.
“And I’m not looking to be your bank. Good luck with your beauty supply store.” She walked out of the room without a backward glance.
Her entire body shook with the effort to hold in the hurt, rage and embarrassment surging through her system. He had told her he didn’t want anything serious after his divorce, yet she’d asked him to consider Raleigh as a place to restart. She’d come to his hotel room when he’d first visited. She’d ignored the infrequent mentions about searching for investors between pillow talk. All because she’d thought they’d pick up where they’d started.
She’d watched too many rom-coms on cable. The old boyfriend comes back, love is rekindled, and everyone lives happily-ever-after. She knew not to believe in fairy tales.
You’re the oldest, Elaina. You have to be smarter. Never give more of yourself to anyone, because they’ll try to take advantage of you.
Some mothers read bedtime stories to their daughters at night. Elaina’s mother imparted advice on what it meant to be the oldest child and the responsibilities she’d one day have. Elaina had gotten some form of the same speech from her grandfather and her father. She was the one who’d one day take ov
er Robidoux Tobacco, which later became Robidoux Holdings. She had to lead by example. She had to be smarter. She had to be stronger.
Elaina pressed the button on her key to unlock her Mercedes and slid behind the wheel. She turned on the air-conditioning to combat the stuffy heat in the car. Her hands gripped the wheel until her knuckles hurt. Her gas light mocked her.
“I’m tired of being strong.” She whispered the words. Too afraid to admit as much even to herself. Her cheek tickled and she swiped at the stupid tear that escaped her eye.
She took a shaky breath and shook her head. She didn’t have time for a pity party. Her life was good. She owned her own business. She still stood to take over her family’s businesses. She was healthy, rich and able. No one cared about her broken heart. Why should she?
“To hell with Robert,” she said in a strong, confident voice before easing her car out of the parking space and searching for a gas station.
Don’t miss what happens next in...
Careless Whispers
by Synithia Williams.
Available February 2021 wherever
HQN books and ebooks are sold.
www.Harlequin.com
Copyright © 2020 by Synithia R. Williams
ISBN-13: 9781488056697
Scandalous Secrets
Copyright © 2020 by Synithia R. Williams
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Scandalous Secrets Page 30
