thought you were asking the television why Maxim Cade is still in DC. Or even why’s he dating a gorgeous woman ten years younger than you.”
I stop mid-chew, my mouth hanging open in a way that cannot be flattering. I glare at her over a forkful of food, clear my throat and set the takeout carton back on the edge of my desk. “So they’re actually dating?”
Kimba rolls her eyes up to the ceiling before walking deeper into my office. It’s a Friday, our casual day, and her jeans hang loose everywhere but her ass. She’s wearing her Black Girl Magic T-shirt and her hair is pulled up to show off the regal lines of her face. My best friend is pretty damn gorgeous.
“Do you really want to know?” She sits in the Queen Anne chair I chose for its sturdiness, comfort and loveliness.
I reach for the glasses and bottle of wine stowed under my desk and start pouring. “Do tell.”
“Maxim has set up shop here in DC.”
Red wine splashes onto the desk and my hand. “What? Why?”
“He says he can do business from anywhere,” Kimba says, watching me mop up the mess I made with a napkin. “The man’s got business interests all over the world. He says he believes entrenching himself in DC society will be beneficial to the campaign, but I have my own theory.”
Which I do not want to hear.
“Want some?” I tip the chicken toward her. “Got plenty.”
“No, thanks. You don’t want to hear why I think Maxim’s still in DC?”
I tip my head to the side and squint one eye. “I do know how to ask follow-up questions when I actually want to know something, but thanks.”
“I think he’s still in DC for the same reason seeing him with Miss Teen USA bothers you so much.”
“It does not bother me.” I do a double take. “Wait. Is she really Miss Teen USA?”
“No, but she is young. My point is I think he’s here for you.”
My heart somersaults foolishly in my chest and I take a long draw on my wine. “I don’t care about Miss Teen USA, and I don’t care why he’s here.”
“He still thinks you’re dating Wallace, ya know.”
A satisfied smile spreads over my face. “How do you know that?”
“Because he asked me if you were still dating Wallace.”
I slam my glass on the desk. “What did you say? Tell me exactly what you said.”
“I said that from what I knew . . .” Her sigh is disgusted. “. . . nothing has changed.”
“Great answer. You didn’t lie, but you didn’t betray me. Very good.”
“Are you horny at all?”
I choke on my food and pound my chest at the whiplash change in conversation. “’Scuse me? Come again?”
“Yeah, when’s the last time you came again?” Kimba’s grin is salacious smeared on a sassy bun. “I had back-to-back orgasms last week, and it was incredible.”
“Not counting Mr. Feelgood. Anybody can put in batteries.”
“Oh, no, honey. Not my vibrator. This was flesh and bone.” She waggles her eyebrows. “Lots of bone.”
“Who?”
“Don’t you worry about who.”
“Oh, my God, who, you shameless hussy?”
“That new corn lobbyist we met last month.”
“Oh, he was dreamy.”
“Yes, ma’am, and generous. He took care of ya girl.” She closes her eyes and sighs. “Woo child.”
“Well I’m very happy for you, but don’t worry about me.”
“Studies show that women who have frequent orgasms are significantly more productive.”
“Really?”
“No, but I betcha.”
“Out.” I point a finger toward the exit. “Be gone and leave me to my delicious, if solitary, meal.”
“Seriously, though, Lenn,” Kimba says, standing and walking to the door. “I know how much you value honesty. You need to have an honest conversation with yourself. Do you remember what it was like with Maxim?”
I bite my lip to keep from moaning. I relive that week in my wet dreams. Not just the first and best sex of my life, but everything else. An intimacy so sheer Maxim and I could see each other clearly, completely through it. Lying in a field of half-opened tulips. Our eyes meeting over an underground candlelit dinner. Racing through rain-splashed streets, chased by his heavy footsteps and the low rumble of his laughter.
My heart burns in my chest and I set my fork down, praying for indigestion, but afraid it’s something else.
“If you can forgive him,” Kimba says. “And I personally think you already have, but are just scared to risk yourself again—then don’t waste more time. He’s not dating Miss Teen USA now, but keep him waiting much