Choice Matters (Southern Heat Book 1) (16 page)

Gently, I eased myself off his body and stood up. I pulled
my dress up over my shoulders and down over my behind. Pinning him in the
chair, my hands on his shoulders, I whispered to him with my forehead touching
his, “Then I suggest you do not follow me upstairs. I’m going to change into
something more comfortable before I start cooking. I won’t be held responsible
for anything that takes place if you do.
Capish
?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he replied, pulling me down for one last kiss.
“Hurry.”

Taking the stairs of the exotic wood staircase two at a time,
I sprinted upstairs and down the hall towards the master bedroom. It was about
the only room on this floor I knew. Imagine that. Opening the door, I hurried
to the dresser and pulled out a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. One of
Apolo’s
domestic help had neatly arranged my things,
unpacking my suitcase for me. No doubt at his direction and delight.

Returning to the small, sunlit room where I had left him, I
found him lazily reclined in one of the more comfortable, overstuffed chairs,
sipping a glass of scotch. I saw a glint of approval as I approached. “Much
better for this afternoon’s activities,” he drawled. “I poured you a glass. It’s
on the bar. Do you need me to get it for you?”

“No, you just stay there. You look like you need to rest and
regain your strength. While you lay here all comfy, I’ll see what I can find us
to eat. That is unless you think you have it in you to go upstairs and change.”

“Hmmm, why do that? You’ll just have my clothes torn off of
me as soon as we finish eating.” He winked and lifted the glass to his lips, trying
to hide a lustful smile.

Shaking my head, I left him and continued to the kitchen. I
pondered all the selections in front of me. Whatever I wanted to fix, chances
were I could find the ingredients in stock. Finding some steaks, I pulled them
out of the refrigerator. Simple enough—steaks, some sort of salad, and
potatoes.

The kitchen was so huge that it took me a few minutes to
find everything I needed. With everything prepped and ready to go, I placed the
fries in an oven to bake. Where we would eat was my next thought. I knew I
didn’t want to use the dining room. It was massive for just the two of us.
Recalling a small table in the room he was last in, I grabbed silverware and a
few other things and went in search of it.

I found
Apolo
with his laptop,
pouring over a spreadsheet or something. Was the man’s mind ever not in
business mode? He gazed up over the top as I walked past.

“I thought we’d eat in here. Unless of course, you’d rather
eat in the dining room.”

“Whatever you want to do is fine by me.”

“Okay, it shouldn’t be too much longer.” He was lost. His
mind was on what was in front of him. I stood there another moment.

Then, he looked up. “I’m sorry, did you say something?”

“No. It shouldn’t be long. I’ll bring it to you when it’s
ready.” I smiled, turned, and headed back to the kitchen.

When I brought our plates piled high with steak, fries, and
salad,
Apolo
was still working. Seeing me, he shut
the computer and sat down. We ate in relative quiet, with the exception of his
occasional remark about how good things were. I was a little perturbed at how
quickly he could go from sexual lover to business guru.

“
Apolo
, I know tomorrow is a huge
day, but do you think you could put business aside for the evening? Let’s watch
a movie together or something. Once this starts, times like today are going to
be sparse.”

He shook his head, grinning. “I’m sorry, Caitlyn. Force of
habit, I suppose. But you’re right.”

“Is there any movie in particular you’d like to see?”

“Why don’t you choose?” he replied, taking a mouthful of
steak. “As long as it’s not some tear-jerking chick flick. By the way, I love
what you did with the steaks. Very tasty.”

I ended up picking out
The
Curious Case of
Benjamin Button
.
Probably not the best of choices for
Apolo
. I lay
with my head in his lap. Every now and then, I’d hear him grunt or make some
other sort of rude noise, with a comment to match. But I made it through the
movie, determined he was going to learn to be normal, even if it was only for a
couple of hours.

When we finally made it to bed, I don’t think either of us
really slept much. Too much excitement.

Like clockwork the following morning,
Apolo
was shown into the governor’s office for a last minute, private meeting. As I
waited on them to finish their talk, I walked the perimeter of the ante-office,
studying each of the portraits. Georgia landscapes, early paintings of Atlanta
when it was still known as Marthasville.

Finally, I sat down on one of the finely appointed antique
chairs. Opening my purse, I discreetly checked my cell phone for calls and
texts. My mother, of course, had no fewer than four.
Izzie
had left a congratulatory one.

I knew
Apolo
had been in touch
with his own parents. He had tracked them down and given them the news about
becoming a U.S. senator. They insisted they were cutting short their vacation
in the South Pacific to return for
Apolo’s
swearing
in. It’s not often you have a son who’s a senator. I made a mental note that we
needed to find out how many people would be allowed to attend the ceremony.

After waiting a half hour or so, the door to the governor’s
inner office opened and one of his advisors stuck their head out and motioned
me inside. I walked through the door and into all sorts of bright lights. Cameras
and media from all over flooded the room. They must have come in through a
separate entrance. I craned my neck for a glimpse of
Apolo
,
who was standing next to the governor beside his desk. Seeing me, he said
something to the older man and walked my way.

“I’m sorry you were kept waiting, angel. The governor went
on a little longer than I thought he would.”

“That’s fine. He has quite a collection of old art and
photographs to look at.”

“Well, I want to introduce you and then show you where to
stand while he’s doing his official stuff. I told him I would like some photos
taken with you in them, as well.”

“That isn’t necessary,
Apolo
.”

“Yes. Yes, it is. You’re a part of my life and this new
phase.”

“Okay, okay. I guess I better get used to it, huh?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Even in the throng of people surrounding us, his scent
permeated my very being. I’d know it anywhere, across a room or right next to
me. He was in my blood like a bad drug, and I was addicted. Just standing next
to him soothed me.

After a quick introduction to the governor and photos of the
three of us, along with a throng of onlookers, I was whisked to one side as the
photo shoot continued with just the two men. I stood just out of camera range,
watching as the governor made his announcement to the television stations
covering this. Of course,
Apolo
was pressed with
questions, and he graciously responded, just like the savvy, media mogul he
was.

In the privacy of the back of the Bentley a little more than
an hour later, the two of us let out a huge sigh of relief. The news was now
official and things were already changing.

Chapter Seven

Caitlyn

All of my clothes had been packed early that morning. As
usual,
Apolo’s
magical elves saw that everything was
moved over to his mansion. While excited for this new adventure in my life, I
was also finding myself a bit apprehensive. It was all happening so fast. Just
a short time ago,
Apolo
had promoted me to his right
hand. Now, we’ve revealed ourselves as a couple, and we’re going to Washington.

I had gone upstairs to change when I noticed all my things
waiting for me. As some political big shots had invited us to a small gathering
and dinner this evening,
Apolo
saw no reason for me
to be anywhere but with him.

“You never cease to amaze me, Choice.”

“How’s that?” he asked, walking in the dressing room behind
me. He had pulled his tie loose, as well as his crisp, white shirt. He grabbed
me around the waist and pulled me closer. “And I always intend to amaze you,
Caitlyn.”

I could feel his breath in my ear, making my hair stand on
end. “How all your magical little people just do what they are supposed to do.
Like magic. I never see or hear you giving orders to your staff.”

“That, my dear, is part of the secret to a well-run ship.
Everything is done without anyone knowing.”

“Well, you’ll have to teach me. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d
like to change and relax before all the hub bub starts again.”

“
Hmmmm
. I take it that’s your way
of discreetly telling me no sweating between the sheets this afternoon?”

“You catch on fast. I can’t imagine you don’t have a ton of
other, more important things needing your attention.”

“Yes, I do. However, nothing is more important than you.
Always remember that, especially now as we begin this new change.” He relaxed
his grip on my waist and proceeded to kiss me on the cheek. Walking a few steps,
he began to take off his clothes, choosing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt in their
place.

“Do you know who’s going to be at this party this evening?”

“Yes, mostly local and state politicians. I have the list
downstairs in my study. Why don’t you join me when you’re ready?” He turned to
leave.

I scurried toward him, planting a kiss on his cheek. “I’ll
see you in a few. And
Apolo
?”

“What?”

“Thanks for showing some self-control. I know you’ve got a
hard on as big as the size of Georgia for me. Just thanks.”

Instead of saying a thing, he merely threw back his head and
laughed. A low, lusty laugh. One that I’d come to know and love.

I joined him a while later. He was behind his enormous, wood
desk. Mahogany if I had to guess. Seeing me enter the room, he began to get up.

“Sit. You don’t have to get to your feet every time I walk
into a room. Although, I will admit I find it sexy, not to mention satisfying.”
I grinned and sat myself in one of the two wingback chairs that sat in front of
the desk.

“And why do you find it sexy and satisfying?”

“Oh, I don’t know…makes me feel as though I’m a queen or
something. You know how some men are today…makes me wonder if their mother ever
taught them manners.”

That laugh again. “You are a queen, Caitlyn. My queen. And
don’t ever forget that. There’s a small refrigerator behind my desk in the
cabinet. If you’d like something to drink…”

“A bottle of water would be nice. Need to hydrate myself,
you know. For tonight and the plane ride tomorrow.”

“Yes, about tonight,” he replied, turning around. I heard
what sounded like a door open and close. Then, he maneuvered back to face me,
passing a bottle of water my way. “Here’s the list. It’s a little bigger crowd than
I first thought, but I must play the game.” He lifted a piece of paper from the
desktop and handed it to me.

I took the page and scanned it. No huge surprises.
Apolo
had been right, just local politicians. A few
statewide ones, the governor, and his wife. “Save this,” I said, waving the
list. “Now that you’re a public official, you need to learn to save each and
every document. Memoirs and stuff, you know.”

He flicked me a grin. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course, you can. What’s on your mind, besides the
obvious?”

“I was thinking about staff for Washington. How would you
feel about Renee coming along as my secretary? She’s been with me for years,
and she knows my work habits quite well.”

“If Renee wants to make the move, that’s fine. I sort of
thought you’d inherit the late senator’s staff.”

“Well, there are a couple of his key staffers that have
indicated they’d like to stay on, at least through the transition. The rest
have moved on to new positions.”

“Well, there you go. I know it will be a big adjustment, as
it will be for all of us. But if anyone can do it, it’s Renee.”

“Thank you, Caitlyn. I would just feel better knowing I have
one familiar face on my staff. And you don’t have to worry about Renee learning
her way around Washington or the capital. Her father worked for Jimmy Carter.”

“Really? I didn’t know that.”

“It’s not something she likes to disclose, but yes. She
spent a good part of her childhood here.”

“Even better. Perhaps she can steer me in the right
direction as I get started.”

“Yes, I’m sure she’d love to help you as well. Have you
decided what you want to do?”

“First, I want to feel my way around. You know, visit
various government branches and businesses. Things key to what we’ve discussed.”

Apolo
and I had spent hours since
he had decided to accept the position…since he told me of his own disability…discussing
what sort of charity-type things I could get involved in. That the
Apolo
Choice name could be linked to. Part of it would be
to set up a foundation of some sort. One that would help out less fortunate
people with disabilities.

Even though the Americans with Disabilities Act had been passed
there was still a mound of daunting paperwork for people to get through. Or it
simply wasn’t well known what sources were available to the disabled.
Apolo
wanted to change that, which is where I come in.

“You will be wonderful, Caitlyn. I’m sure Renee will be able
to assist you in finding places.”

“Thanks. I’m a little nervous about it. I have so many ideas,
Apolo
. I’ve never had the free rein to just do
something I feel passionate about.”