“The pleasure is mine,” I managed, my voice steady. “I met your lawyer yesterday.” I reached out to greet the woman accompanying her, a stunning brunette in a red dress and lethal heels.
“Ryden handles my legal affairs. There's no one better,” Kelsey said. Donald excused himself, and I watched Kelsey shake his hand with practiced charm.
“So,” I said, turning back to her. “What do you want with me? You clearly know more about my life than my own lawyers do.”
“Please, call me Kelsey. And can I at least buy you a drink first?”
I nodded. She whispered something to her companion, who walked away without a word. Kelsey’s hand remained on mywaist, subtly guiding me toward the balcony. We stopped overlooking the park. In the moonlight, I could see the details of her suit. She looked strong, capable.
“You're quite the mystery, Ms. Calama,” I said, sipping my champagne. I noticed her eyes follow the movement, her teeth grazing her lower lip. “What interest does a billionaire have in a district judge? I should warn you, I’m not easily corrupted.” I raise my glass in a toast and take a sip of the liquid.
“It’s not a mystery,” she said, her green eyes darkening. “I saw you with your father years ago. Then at a charity event last year. You were so beautiful I couldn't get your face out of my head. I’ll admit, I went looking for information. You aren't exactly easy to approach. Especially since you’re married.”
“Looking for information? You mean bribing people to dig into my private life?” I raised an eyebrow. “I find that invasive. And rude, considering I’m here with someone.”
“First of all, I don't like communication noise. The woman with me is a model from NYC. She’s being paid to be a distraction so I don't get mobbed by people wanting my money.” She laughed softly.
“Okay. What about my transfer?” I asked.
“I didn't bribe anyone. My lawyer has friends in your office. She asked, they answered.”
“You paid a model to accompany you to an official dinner? Now we've gone from rude to downright rude.” I roll my eyes and she laughs again. “But the girl is playing her role well. I don't think Senator Franklin is going to ask you for donations today.” I point with my chin, seeing one of the older men in the Senate whispering in the model's ear, who feigns interestwhile exchanging glances with another senator leaning against the bar. “First of all, I'm no longer married. And what was your biggest question?”
She stepped closer, her hand sliding to my hip. The touch of her palm through the thin silk of my dress was electric. She leaned in, her breath hot against my neck, sending a shiver through my entire body.
“I don't know if your persistence is worse...”
“Or my bad breath?” she finished for me, and we both laughed. “I’m still waiting for you to answer my question.”
“The question being whether you can ask me to dance?” I countered, looking at her over my shoulder. Our mouths were inches apart. “And who told you I date women?” I teased.
“You looked at me yesterday in the elevator. You looked at me tonight. It wasn't 'curious,' Megan. It was a look of recognition.”
I conceded with a nod but told her I had to dance with Donald first, as I needed the Republican votes for my next career move.
“The dinner invitation is open,” she said. “You decide.”
“I'll think about it.” I traded my empty glass for a full one. Kelsey turned, leaning her back against the railing, facing away from the party. I stood facing her, the cold marble of the balcony biting into my skin through my dress. Her fingers brushed against my bare back, sending a javelin of heat down my spine.
“I promise to be as discreet as an FBI agent,” she whispered.
“And how are we being right now?” I asked.
“I suggest you go sit with the senators' wives,” she said, her fingers tracing the curve of my spine. “Subtly let them know youaren't with Donald. You draw more eyes when you're with a man who isn't your ex-husband.”
“You know everyone’s secrets, don't you? Where do you keep them?”
“In the seams of my suit.” Her lips brushed my cheek, dangerously close to my mouth. “Go dance, Megan. Let everyone see you spin in that spectacular dress.”
I was on fire. She whispered that we’d talk later and walked away. I was completely falling for a woman four years younger than me.
I went back to Donald. We danced and talked about the old days. Eventually, my feet needed a break, so I took Kelsey’s advice and sat with the wives of several prominent senators.
To avoid their scrutiny, I played the victim. I told them about Peter’s other family. Instantly, their suspicion turned to sisterly complicity. I see when one of them looks at Kelsey Calama and smiles as if she were watching chocolate flowing down a Swiss waterfall.
I feel curious when they start talking and notice that, of the six people at the table, four say they had some kind of relationship with the businesswoman. The conversation eventually turned to her.
“Is it true you've all slept with her?” I asked, trying to sound casual.
