my kids.
CHAPTER 16
Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood—Sienna
I wrapped my arms around Chris. He continued to smoke, facing the breathtaking Atlanta skyline at dawn from the balcony of his thirty-sixth-floor condo.
“Sienna,” he said on a sigh, his bare chest heaving with the action.
“Can’t sleep?” I whispered, an attempt not to wake the neighbors or disrupt nature’s soft chirps and buzzing. I nuzzled my cheek against his firm back.
I’d been sleeping until I rolled over and felt the cool sheets under my fingertips. Only a few months together, and I couldn’t sleep without his strong arms wrapped around my middle.
“My mind is busy.”
“What’s up? Maybe I can help.”
He drew in another puff. “Just thinking through your last debate with Keith next week. I want to make sure you drive our message home before ballots are cast.”
“Hey.” I stepped back and gently tugged his shoulder.
He turned, a lit cigarette between his thumb and forefinger.
I grabbed the cancer stick and broke it, as was my usual pattern. Chris was accustomed to it, but usually, he put up more of a fight.
“Gonna quit this someday.”
“What?” I jerked my attention to his eyes.
“Not today, but I’ll try. For you.” The honesty in his blue eyes jump-started my heart.
I knew breaking the habit wasn’t a walk in the park, but he wanted to try. For me.
“I’d like that.” I smiled. “Not because I’m trying to control you but because I lov—I mean, like you. A lot. A whole lot.” I spread my hands wide.
“You like me, huh?”
“Yes. I definitely like you,” I agreed, nodding.
“I like you, too.” He smiled, his eyes teasing and glinting in the soft light.
“The debate.” I quickly changed the subject, not at all ready to go there with Chris. I’d decided to take this relationship, whatever this was, turtle-crossing-the-road slow. “We’ve gone over the talking points, I’ve been out in the community, we’ve raised the money, and I’m ready. I won’t let you down.” I shook my head. “Not like last time. No more lovers’ spats.”
“I should hope not.” He leaned against the rail, taking me in. “Besides, he’s no longer your lover. That would be me.” He pointed to his chest.
I lifted my head. “Right. Speaking of lover . . .” I stepped closer, crowding his space. “Come to bed. I’ll put your mind at ease.”
He lifted me, cupping my ass. “I more than like you,” he whispered against my lips. I shivered, wrapping my arms and legs tighter.
“How much?” I dared him to say more.
“Let’s go to bed. I can show you how much in there.”
He walked us back inside the condo and showed me just how much.
* * *
“I’d like to order a poppy seed bagel, please.” I smiled at the young woman behind the counter. “Oh, and a medium coffee, no sugar or cream.”
After I got my order, I settled at the two-seater table in the back, then sipped my coffee, I smiled, staring aimlessly out of the window. I needed peace, away from Chris’s nervous energy and the nosy but well-meaning questions from my coworkers and friends. Surprisingly, the small café that I’d frequented over the years had always given me calm. I was so close to achieving my goal I could taste it. Sure, I had a battle ahead, but I was so ready to fight for what I wanted.
My phone pinged, signaling an email. I was tempted to disconnect, but with weeks until the election, I needed to stay on top of communication.
I opened the email, though I didn’t recognize the name or the email address.
I scanned the email and gasped. “Holy. Shit.”
Keith had been a bad boy, a very bad boy. I leaned back, stunned. Stunned and thinking what I should do.
I needed to tell Chris, stat. This email changed everything. I slung my purse on my shoulder and hustled out of the coffee shop. The bad girl in me rubbed her hands together. The debate was just two weeks away, and this would make a splash. I finally had the bastard by the nuts.
I tossed the printed documents in front of Chris.
“What is this?” He smiled up at me from his desk.
“Just read it.”
He crooked his finger. I leaned down, knowing he wanted a kiss. After a quick smooch, he grabbed the pages and moved them to the corner of his desk. “All right.”
I backed away. “Can you read it now?”
“Right now?”
I nodded. “Yes! Right now.” I snickered. “You won’t believe it.” I settled into the seat in front of his desk.
Chris chuckled. “Fine,