“Dr. NiYah Reed is Bella’s friend. She’s the Cook County Medical Examiner.”
“She’s a looker.”
“That she is,” Victor agreed.
Which was more than likely the reason Alexander couldn’t keep his eyes off her. She had a much lighter complexion than her friends, light-brown, hazel-colored eyes, and long reddish-brown African locs. She was on the short side, about 5’5. However, her slim waist, generous hips, and sizeable breasts gave her an hourglass figure.
“Maybe you should get over there and remind him who his date is.”
“Not my business,” Victor muttered.
“And? When has that ever stopped you?” Lincoln asked through a chuckle.
“Ugh,” Victor grumbled under his breath when Jeffrey Morgan, his sister-in-law’s fiancé approached. What Nicole saw in the bootlicker, he would never know.
“You don’t like that guy, huh?”
“I don’t trust him.”
When Jeffrey walked up, he was sporting the same cheesy ambition-filled smile he always had. “Governor, thanks for the invite,” he beamed like a woman who’d received a marriage proposal.
“Thank Taylor. She put this little shindig together.”
“Cool! How’s the campaign going? You’re a shoe in. Thornton doesn’t stand a chance.”
“Not necessarily. The current administration has made it very hard to be Republican in these times.”
Victor looked past him and noticed that Taylor was no longer competing in the amateur dance contest.
“I know exactly what you mean, Governor. I—”
“Excuse me,” Victor rudely interrupted before stepping around him.
He walked away, not in the least interested in anything Jeffrey had to say. During all of their past conversations, he never had anything of substance to contribute. His entire role was to suck up to anyone who could possibly advance his career.
With Jeffrey in his rearview, he made his way over to his smiling wife. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close.
“You are strong, beautiful, thoughtful, and sexy as can be.”
Taylor snaked her arms around his neck and kissed his chin. “Yeah? You think so?”
“Absolutely. Are you having a good time?”
“Oh, yes,” Taylor sighed. “But tonight, is about you, baby, not me.”
Victor caressed her head, pressing it against his chest. “Thank you for knowing what I needed even when I didn’t know.”
“Well, that’s my job,” she said, pulling slightly away.
She looked up at him with a smile that made his heart skip a beat.
“Now…let’s tell these folks about the new Creed.”
“Really?” Victor grinned, laughing inside, thinking that it was nowhewho was beaming like a woman who’d just received a marriage proposal.
Taylor took her phone out of her pocket and paused the music. Victor grabbed her hand and led her to the tall arch that separated the foyer and the living room.
“Friends, family, may we have your attention!” Victor called out.
When he had everyone’s attention, he looked around to see if everyone was present. Of course, everyone wasn’t. Lincoln and Donatella were missing. Since Lincoln already knew, he didn’t bother looking for him. He was eager to let his loved ones know just how happy Taylor had made him.
