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“That feels good,” she whispered, encouraging him. But she wanted more. She wanted to feel his hot, enlarged shaft pulsating inside her.
“I want you now,” Ciara ordered.
“I want you, too,” he said, but he wanted to do it the right way and take her in his bedroom and make love to her slowly. His body couldn’t wait, though; his manhood was throbbing for release.
“Then take me,” Ciara said, boldly meeting his molten stare. She wanted him right then. Wherever and however.
Jonathan bent down, grabbed his pants and pulled a condom out of his wallet. He quickly sheathed his enlarged penis, protecting them both. Lifting Ciara’s leg, he plunged deep inside her moist haven. He pulled back slowly, allowing Ciara’s body to register his thick, hard member inside of her before filling her completely. Then he began a steady pumping motion, bringing them to the edge of a precipice before slowing the pace again.
“Wrap your legs around me,” he said, bodily lifting her off the couch. When he ground his hips intimately against her and squeezed her buttocks, exquisite pleasure took hold of Ciara, causing her to clench her thighs tighter and tighter. Her fingers dug into his shoulders and she kissed his ears, neck and chest, inhaling his musky masculine scent.
Jonathan uttered a low growl in the back of his throat when he felt her muscles contract around him. As their bodies rocked with that age-old rhythm, Ciara’s breathing became more shallow and she gasped for breath. And when Jonathan gave one final thrust, a burst of bright light surrounded Ciara as she spiraled out of control and into the abyss. Seconds later, a shudder racked Jonathan’s body and he fell on top of her. After a moment, he rolled over onto his side.
“Wow!” Jonathan whispered in her ear, smoothing down her hair with one hand.
“That was pretty amazing!” Ciara exhaled as she finally caught her breath and laid her head down against his chest.
“You’re telling me,” Jonathan said. He wiped his brow and swallowed hard, hoping to force more air into his lungs.
“Ready for the next round?” Ciara inquired.
Jonathan smiled. The woman was insatiable! “Slow down, we’ve got all night.”
The next morning Jonathan awoke feeling alive and exuberant, but when he turned to gather the mystery woman in his arms, he found the bed empty. The only reminder of the night before was an indentation of where her body had lain.
Disappointed, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He’d hoped to share breakfast with the woman who’d sated his every desire last night and this morning. But instead of sleeping over, she’d skulked off. He guessed she didn’t want to be reminded of her scandalous behavior in the morning light. But oh how great it had been! Whoever she was, she’d known exactly how to please him.
Twenty minutes later, Ciara inserted her key into the lock and rushed inside the apartment she shared with her sister.
It was nearly seven o’clock and if she didn’t hurry, she was going to be late for work and Shannon would probably have a cow. She was heading toward her bedroom door when the bathroom door opened and Rachel appeared through a cloud of mist.
“And look who shows up the next morning,” Rachel commented, cinching her robe tighter around herself. “Do you know how many calls I made when you didn’t come home?”
Ciara hung her head low. “I’m sorry, sis,” she replied, rushing to her room. Rachel followed behind her and watched Ciara sort through her closet for something to wear.
“It would be nice if you’d called. I was worried,” Rachel said, sitting down on Ciara’s four-poster bed. “It was so unlike you to stay out all night. You always come home.”
Ciara smiled when she looked at Rachel because it was like looking at a younger version of herself, except Rachel was several inches taller and had darker hair. She had similar facial features as Ciara and the same almond-shaped eyes.
“I know, I know,” Ciara said as she undressed. “It’s just that the mystery man last night was so different from all the other men I’ve been with. I can’t explain it, really.” Once she was in her undies, she grabbed her robe from the bedpost and tied it around her middle.
“It was that good, huh?” Rachel asked.
“Better.”
“Just be careful,” Rachel advised. “You know nothing about this man. He was a complete stranger.”
An image of his naked form flashed before Ciara’s eyes, causing her to smile naughtily. “I know enough.” Who could forget those big strong hands and that big powerful member as it thrust into her aroused flesh over and over. Ciara had to blink several times to control her racing hormones.
“Besides that,” Rachel sighed.
“C’mon, Rach, you’ve got to know what an adrenaline rush it is when you’re with a man.” Ciara’s hazel eyes lit up as she spoke. “It’s like when you’re on a really great roller coaster and it’s so thrilling that you have to get back on again and again. Just to feel that rush of excitement. Well that’s what this feels like.” Ciara left her bedroom and grabbed a fresh towel out of the hall closet.
“Well, then I’m glad you enjoyed yourself,” Rachel said.
Ciara wondered if her comment was genuine because Rachel was much more cautious than she was. She rarely dated while Ciara was known for leaping before she looked.
“So are you going to see him again?”
“No!”
“Why not?”
“Because it was a one-time thing never to be repeated,” Ciara replied. “Although I must admit he totally relaxed me last night. You should try it sometime, little sis.” Ciara smacked her on the butt with the towel and rushed off to the bathroom, leaving Rachel to stare openmouthedly after her retreating form.
“Are you ready?” Charles Butler asked as he rose from behind his desk and stood in front of his son, Jonathan. They were in his office and on their way to his resignation speech at Independence Hall later that morning.
“Give me a minute, okay?” Jonathan said, pushing past his father and adjusting his tie in front of the mirror. With all the people surrounding him of late, Jonathan couldn’t breathe.
“Here, let me do that, honey.” Dominique Butler jumped up from the couch and helped her son with his tie. As she stared into his piercing brown eyes, Dominique couldn’t be more proud of her handsome, articulate and charismatic son. She had little doubt that all of her husband’s constituents would be lining up to vote for her son.
“Is all this hoopla really necessary?” Jonathan wondered aloud to whoever was listening. “I’m not even announcing my candidacy.” You’d think he was, considering how his parents were wound so tight. But he guessed he shouldn’t be surprised; he’d been working toward this moment his entire life.
For years, he’d worked on his father’s campaigns, had stood by his father’s side countless times when he’d run for Congress. Not to mention the fact that he’d run his own successful campaign for city council. Now that his father was stepping down from his congressional seat, Jonathan was more than ready for this next challenge in his career. He’d dreamed of this moment.
“You have no idea,” Charles Butler said, grabbing his son’s shoulders. “You may not be announcing today, but rest assured the press is scrutinizing your every move. They didn’t just fall off the turnip truck. They know an announcement is forthcoming so you’ve got to be on top of your game.”
“The press are like vultures,” Reid Hamilton chimed in. “They are always looking for a crack in your facade.”
Of course he would agree, Jonathan thought. Reid knew how to suck up to his father. Jonathan had never much cared for the man. Thought he was too smooth and slick, but his father had always thought the sun and moon shone on Reid.
“All done,” Dominique said, patting her son’s chest. He peeked over her shoulder. His mom sure made a damn good tie. Then again, she’d had years of practice.
“Thanks, Mom.” He softly kissed her cheek. “And I appreciate all the advice, guys, but I’m prepared for the challenges ahead.”
“Don’t let your arrogance stand in your way,” his father criticized.
“I’m not arrogant, Father,” Jonathan returned, picking up his speech notes and glancing over them. “I’m just confident in my abilities. How much longer?”
Just look at him, thought Reid, inwardly seething. So smug and so sure of himself. Who did he think he was? Reid glanced down at his watch. “The press conference will convene in about fifteen minutes.”
“Reid, could you give us a minute?” Charles asked his soon-to-be ex-chief of staff.
Once the door was closed, Charles laid into his son.
“All right, son. Before we go out there, is there anything you want to ask me?”
“Just one thing,” Jonathan asked. “How did you manage to do this job for so long?
Charles Butler chuckled. “A stiff stomach.”
Ciara was on her way to check the assignments board when Shannon stopped her later that morning. Ciara suspected it was because she’d missed the daily meeting. “Ciara, I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” Shannon said.
“Why? What’s going on?” Ciara asked excitedly. Maybe Shannon was finally giving her a story she could sink her teeth into.
“Becky started having some abdominal pains, so I sent her off to the hospital.”
“Oh no, what about the baby?” Ciara asked. Her colleague Becky was only six months pregnant. It would be much too soon for a delivery.
“We can only hope that she’s okay,” Shannon replied.
“Well, Becky will be in my prayers.” Ciara started down the hall, but Shannon stopped her.
“That’s good to know, but that isn’t why I was looking for you. Becky’s absence has left a hole on the political beat and I need someone to replace her quick.”
Ciara shook her head. Please not her. Ciara hated politics. It was as boring as a pile of rocks. Ciara had seen poor Becky going to the endless benefits, fund-raisers and rallies, and she wanted no part.
“Shannon, please.”
“Sorry, kid. No can do,” Shannon replied. “I need a reporter and you’re it. Congressman Butler is announcing he’s stepping down today and I need someone there like yesterday.”
“And that’s news?” Ciara asked.
Shannon rolled her eyes upward. The kid still had a lot to learn—news wasn’t all about homicides or weather disasters.
“I’m just joking,” Ciara replied. “When and where?”
“At Independence Hall at 11:00 a.m.”
Ciara glanced down at her watch. It read ten o’clock. “Thanks a lot, Shannon. That sure doesn’t give me any time.”
Shannon shrugged her shoulders. “Then I guess you had better get a move on it, hadn’t you?”
When Shannon turned and walked away, Ciara rolled her eyes upward. She would show that witch what she was capable of and then Shannon would be begging her to take the top anchor’s spot. Grabbing her notepad and tape recorder, Ciara went in search of Lance.
An hour later, she pushed her way through the crowd of reporters to get a prime location for Congressman Butler’s resignation speech at Independence Hall. “Excuse me. Excuse me.” Lance was right behind her, serving as a shield when some reporters gave her dirty looks.
“Okay, this is perfect,” said Ciara once they’d finally made their way to the front of the pack. “I want you to get a good shot of Congressman Butler.” They’d discussed what she was looking for and her expectations for the story on the drive over.
“Will do,” Lance said, focusing his camera on the podium. “Have you heard that his son may be running for office?”
Ciara turned around to face him. “Yes, I’d heard that rumor, but nothing’s official yet. Though I’m sure he’s a shoo-in. He comes from a political family with a spotless reputation.”
“Have you seen him before? I heard he’s quite attractive,” Lance teased. He knew how Ciara enjoyed pretty boys.
“Hmmm, I doubt he’s all that,” Ciara commented. “Those political types are always stiff fuddy-duddies.”
“Is that right?” Lance asked as the Butlers took the opportunity to appear at just that moment. Ciara would sure be surprised though because Jonathan Butler was a far cry from one of those political types. Matter of fact, he looked exactly like Ciara’s cup of tea.
“Well, of course.” Ciara whirled around, but when she did she nearly lost her balance because the drop-dead gorgeous Jonathan Butler was not a stiff fuddyduddy at all, but the sexy mystery man from last night.
Ciara was completely thrown as the Butlers stepped onto the podium. Charles was first, standing center stage, while his wife, Dominique; son, Jonathan; and campaign manager, Reid Hamilton, flagged either side of him. Several female reporters nearly pushed her aside as all eyes focused on the handsome specimen of a man standing in front of them.
Charles Butler approached the mike and gave a brief speech that summarized what the press already knew—that he’d enjoyed his tenure in office, but after twenty-five years he was stepping down due to angina.
Ciara heard none of it though because her heart was thumping so loudly in her chest, she could hardly think.
How could her one-night stand be Jonathan Butler? It hardly seemed possible. Maybe she should make a fast exit before he noticed her.
Lance looked down at his counterpart, saw how fixated she was on the dazzling politico and asked, “What was it you said about political types?”
Ciara blushed. “Ummm, I don’t remember,” she lied. She knew exactly what she’d said, but that statement didn’t apply to a man like Jonathan Butler. He was an enigma, to say the least.
If she ran away, she’d appear like a coward, kind of the way she had earlier that morning. No, she had to face Jonathan Butler head-on, and her job gave her the opportunity to catch his attention. Ciara pushed her way back up to the front of the pack. Thankfully, her mother had taught her how to stop a man in his tracks. Charles Butler surveyed the crowd and Ciara raised her arm, hoping he would call on her, and after several questions about his health, she got her wish.
“The lady in the front, you have a question?”
“Congressman Butler, some might consider the announcement that you’re stepping down as a prime opportunity to introduce your son, Jonathan Butler, as your successor. Would that be a valid statement?”
Charles Butler was temporarily flabbergasted. “Well, uh…” Charles Butler stammered. Jonathan couldn’t remember a time when his father had gotten flustered by a pretty face, so he stepped to the podium to cover for his smitten father.
And that was when he saw her.
Chapter 3
She was stunning. Jonathan would never forget how that honey-blond hair had luxuriously lain across his pillow. From where he was standing, she was as delicious a sexpot in the morning light as she’d been in the moonlight. A hint of cleavage peaked out of her buttercup suit jacket, making any man curious to find out what other pleasures she hid underneath.
“I’m here in an unofficial capacity. I’m here as a son, supporting his father,” Jonathan replied, smiling down at Ciara. She returned it with a knowing smile of her own. So, she recognized him from last night? Let the games begin, he thought.
“Well, that doesn’t exactly answer my question, now does it, Mr. Butler?” Ciara replied silkily, looking up at him beneath heavy eyelashes.
Jonathan raised an eyebrow at her unwillingness to take no for an answer. And was she giving him that same come-hither look? Because if so, he would and could most certainly oblige.
“Do you intend to run at some point in the future, Mr. Butler?” Ciara flashed Jonathan a sexy grin, eager to be the first to get the scoop.
Lance looked down at Ciara. He couldn’t believe Ciara’s boldness. Here she was flirting with Jonathan on-screen. He hoped Shannon didn’t see this.
“I may run for public office at some point in the future,” Jonathan answered evasively.
More like the immediate future, Ciara thought but she let it rest. She’d hit her mark! Jonathan Butler was flustered.
“One final question for Congressman Butler. What’s next on the agenda for you?” Ciara asked, batting her eyelashes at the senior Butler.
“Mostly a whole lot of golf,” Charles Butler replied.
“And with that last statement, the press conference is concluded,” Reid said, coming forward to the microphone. “We thank all the members of the press for their attendance.” Then he turned and glowered at Jonathan. He couldn’t believe that young snot was flirting with a reporter in the middle of a conference. Didn’t he know how unprofessional his behavior was? Jonathan Butler had no place in the public arena and Reid was determined to ensure he did not succeed in his election quest.
“Son, I think you…” Charles Butler began, but Jonathan shooed him away.
