Choice Desires

By Jamie Salisbury

With his re-election a sure thing, one would think the handsome senator from Georgia could sit back and relax. Not Apolo Choice. The self-made billionaire is once again confronted by someone willing to expose personal secrets of his intimate relationship with his wife Caitlyn. Forced to choose, he shocks everyone. This time there is more at stake than just himself--his family. A red-headed, green-eyed beauty who's now captured his heart makes his decision easy.

Caitlyn has spent her time in Washington bringing her husband's dreams to fruition. She's with her husband as he announces his decision and finds herself faced with a side of her husband she's never seen before, all because of one life changing incident. Has a giggling, freckled faced, young sprite stolen his heart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jamie Salisbury
• Release date: Sep 7, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310405808

Jamie Salisbury

Writing romance stories with passion and sass, Jamie Salisbury has seen several of her books soar to #1 on Amazon. Her novella, Tudor Rubato was a finalist in the 2012 RONE (Reward of Novel Excellence) awards. The cover won for Best Contemporary Cover. Now in 2014, her novel, Life and Lies was nominated for a RONE in the Erotica category. Her books are both self published and now include several published through Secret Cravings Publishing. Music, traveling and history are among her passions when not writing. Her previous career in public relations in and around the entertainment field has afforded her with a treasure trove of endless story ideas.

Book preview

CHOICE DESIRES

Southern Heat Series Book 3

Jamie Salisbury

Choice Desires

Copyright © 2015 Jamie Salisbury

First E-book Publication: July 2015 Secret Cravings Publishing

Second E-book Publication: September 2015 Jamie Salisbury

Cover design by Dawné Dominique

Edited by Tabitha Bower

Proofread by Renee Waring

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.

All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER

Jamie Salisbury

http://www.jamiesalisbury.com/

Dedication

As I sit down to write this, it suddenly occurs to me that this is the last book in the Southern Heat trilogy...for now. I've grown extremely fond of Apolo and Caitlyn over the course of these three books, perhaps my favorite book couple. But never say The End, as Apolo and Caitlyn's story is far from over.

To my long time and closest friend, Liam, the real life inspiration for Apolo Choice. Thank you...for everything.

To my readers who have embraced, cheered and booed the characters within these stories. Thank you! You're the reason I write.

CHOICE DESIRES

Southern Heat Series Book 3

Jamie Salisbury

Chapter One

Caitlyn? Did you hear what I just said? I’d heard the words, but had I heard them right? I think so. Tell me again.

The Democratic National Committee has expressed an interest in having me speak at the convention. Me, Apolo Choice, a speaker at the national convention. He laughed.

That…that’s fantastic. It’s mind blowing, though it doesn’t surprise me at all. This will have your approval ratings going through the roof.

I’ve never won an election in my life, Caitlyn. Now, there’s all sorts of crazy talk.

You’ve officially been asked?

Well, let’s say the table has been set.

"What’ll you say when they do officially ask?"

"I suppose that depends on if they ask."

They will. They love you, Apolo. You’re obviously their top choice. I grinned. No pun intended.

This is big, Caiti. Really big.

I know, and I’m so proud of you.

I know you are, and I couldn’t have gotten here without your support.

Wow. Just wow.

A lot can happen between now and November. Even doing this speech, he said, in his most official-sounding voice. I can’t let my guard down for one second.

I know. I sighed. That’s the only part of politics I hate—the slime balls who are out to destroy you.

Well, forget the slime balls. We have a fundraiser to go to this evening, remember?

"How could I forget? Between texts and reminder calls from you and your staff."

It was May. After the holidays, Apolo, as promised, had announced his intention to seek re-election to the senate seat he’d been appointed to. Ever since, it seemed as though our life had been on full throttle. His cousin, Tina Jepson, and I had started working to put Choice Foundation together and were even in the midst of creating an equine therapy camp. I was determined not to be one of the oh-so-typical, Washington, political housewives—who went along with her husband, smiled, nodded, and applauded in all the right places. No I was going to make sure people knew not only who my husband was, but who I was. Who we were, as a couple.

A short time later, I emerged from the bedroom and found Apolo staring out the windows at the dusk coming over the nation’s capital. Hearing me, he turned and walked over, put his arm around me, and kissed the top of my head. You look phenomenally sexy, Mrs. Choice.

I know, but I accept any and all compliments this evening.

He chuckled. Aren’t you full of yourself?

Well, you know how nervous I get at these things.

And it’s for nothing. You always manage to do fine, Caiti. Relax. You’ll wow them, even without opening your mouth.

Hey!

His phone rang. Of course. Luckily, it was Jacob, reminding him that it was time we should be going.

Jacob will have the car downstairs in five minutes. He slipped an arm around my bare shoulders and drew me in close. Just think, we get some real time alone.

Yeah, in the back of the Bentley. I snorted.

But think of all the things we can talk about and do…

Down boy!

I love you, Caitlyn. You have no idea how much.

Yeah, yeah. I’m sure that’s just your warm up for the evening too.

I’m hurt.

Come on, let’s get downstairs. I think you’ve used up those five minutes, Choice.

A little over an hour later, Jacob was driving the Bentley through the gates of another country club. These functions made me feel as though I were being put on display. I’d barely gotten used to the idea of being married to Apolo Choice when he had been anointed the up and coming, rising star from Georgia. I’d been able to handle the smaller fundraisers, but this was bigger. Much bigger.

Apolo squeezed my hand, noticing a smile on my face. Or perhaps it was a look of terror. You’ll be fine.

You know, senator, it’s damn irritating when you act like you know me inside out.

I do know you. Inside out. Better than anyone. Remember? He smirked. There’ll be a lot of people here.

I know. You’ve told me a dozen times.

A thousand are expected.

Seriously? How much did they pay?

Ten thousand a head.

Ten…?

Yep. A drop in the bucket to most of these folks.

And to you.

Yes, but I don’t count.

They’ll love you. They always do.

Yes, and I can’t wait to get you home. That dress has made me horny as hell. Hell, I may not make it home, you minx. He flashed that grin, the one that made me swoon. Leaning in, he gave me a careful kiss on the lips. Ready?

As ready as I’ll ever be. I gripped his hand as we walked to the door. Our arrival had been planned to occur a half hour after the other guests had arrived. The ballroom erupted into applause as we walked in holding hands. It’s all about the timing.

The whirlwind of greetings included Ethan, Apolo’s deputy chief of staff. Nice to see you, Caitlyn, he said, kissing my cheek.

You too.

Apolo and I took in the enormous crowd, our gazes circling the room before coming to land on none other than my mother and her soon-to-be new husband. How in the hell…?

A clouded look crossed his face for a second. Then, he linked his arm through mine. I must amend what I said earlier, he whispered.

What’s that?

About the riff raff. I guess if riff raff have the money to put down for one of my fundraisers, we should accept it.

For tonight perhaps. I’m in no mood for her either, Apolo.

Well, let’s get to work.

After two hours of working the room, I was ready to get off my feet. My hand ached from shaking so many others in greeting, and my feet were telling me they disapproved of all the standing.

Why don’t you sit down and take a break, sweet? my husband suggested.

I’m fine, really.

Liar. He grinned.

Over to Apolo’s right, I saw my mother again, who waggled her fingers at me this time. Oh crap.

What?

Before I could prepare him for what was about to descend, my mother pounced, engulfing Apolo in a made-for-TV embrace. Apolo! Look at you. Look at this crowd!

Susan, he replied curtly.

I squeezed his hand. Mother, what a surprise. I didn’t know the senator had money to throw away on a candidate from a rival party.

I heard a snort of laughter erupt from Apolo’s chest. Oh, he was enjoying this. Yes, where is the senator?

He’s over there. She pointed and waved at the pudgy, balding man she intended to marry.

Ugh.

Nice to see you, Susan. If you’ll excuse us. Gotta go back to work.

Caitlyn, call me. We need to talk about the wedding. It’s next month, you know. You need to be fitted for your dress.

What?

Come on, let’s get you a place to sit down for a while, Apolo said, leading me away.

She’ll only come and pounce on me about all her pathetic stuff. I don’t want her any closer the remainder of the evening. Understood?

I’ll keep an eye on you.

You’d better. I don’t need any further confrontations with my mother tonight. I sat down at an out-of-the-way table and watched my husband as he worked the room some more. I recognized a few of the men who surrounded him, garnering for his attention. He’s good, isn’t he? The outcome of his campaign is a no brainer, I heard a familiar female voice utter, as she came around from behind me and sat down in the chair next to mine.

Tina! You have no idea how glad I am to see a familiar face, I exclaimed.

Sorry I’m late. My plane was delayed getting in. Did I miss anything?

Only my mother. I snorted.

Really? She had the nerve? Never mind, I take that back. She was at least civil, wasn’t she?

As civil as Susan Pickett-White can be.

Did she bring her senator?

Of course, I replied. Oh, Apolo’s been asked about doing one of the keynote speeches next month at the convention.

He accepted, didn’t he?

He hasn’t been officially asked. But if I were a betting woman, I’d say he’s a shoe-in. Any talk is just for looks.

I always knew Apolo would go places.

I know. It’s funny, since he’s never actually held public office before now. By that, I mean being elected.

Well, he will be come November. It’s a sure thing.

We chatted for a while, until Apolo came to speak to us. Leaving the two alone for a moment, I used the powder room. When I returned, Apolo left again to mingle before his speech. Finally, spotting my mother looking at the two of us, I suggested to Tina that we might want to mingle a little as well. Come on, it’s almost time for them to introduce Apolo, and I want to be front and center when they do.

You’re not going on stage with him? Tina asked. She looked flabbergasted.

No. This is his night, not mine.

Hmmmph!

We sat and listened as the chair from the national committee introduced Apolo to the crowded ballroom. He was already a powerful and influential man, but this was different. How much our lives had changed in such a short time…

Apolo was greeted by thunderous applause that seemed to go on and on. Thank you so much for being here this evening. Thank you, Senator Dunn, for that introduction. Wow. I can’t thank you all enough for coming tonight, for your generous donations to my campaign, and the warm welcome you have given both me and my wife, Caitlyn. I also must thank her for her support of everything I do. Caitlyn and I are delighted to be here tonight. We look forward to success in November. With your support, victory is within reach. Thank you.

After his speech, Tina and I fought our way through the standing-room-only crowd to get next to my very popular and handsome husband. Closing in on him, I put my arm around his waist.

Are you feeling better? he whispered.

I was never not feeling good.

He noted his cousin next to me. Tina, where are you staying? With us, I hope.

No, I didn’t want to crowd you. I’m staying over at the Marriott.

Trust me, you wouldn’t be crowding us.

I know, but I’ve got a couple of other potential clients to talk with this trip, so I thought, you know, mutual ground and stuff.

He looked down at me. I think we’re going to call it a night. I’ve got to work tomorrow, and I know you and Caiti have things planned.

Yes, we do. Can we drop you at the hotel, Tina?

No, that’s fine. I think I’m going to stay and mingle for a while longer. I’ll see you at nine, Caitlyn.

We walked out the doors to the Bentley, which Jacob had waiting at the curb as usual. I kicked off my heels the second I was settled and waited as Apolo shed his tuxedo jacket. Then, I crawled into his outstretched arms.

I’m glad Tina made it and glad this one’s over, he said softly.

So am I, but I’m happy to have you all to myself tonight.

Just tonight?

Tonight in particular. I sighed.

He tightened his arm around me as he nuzzled my hair. Me too. His arm dropped then, his fingers moving in a seductive pattern over my thigh.

What are you doing, senator?

Feeling up my wife, he replied. Any objections?

None. None at all. I pushed my hips against his hand, hoping to encourage him. He seemed to be lost in some thought. I placed my hand over his and directed him to exactly where I wanted him to touch me.

He glided his fingers back and forth over the place that throbbed for him. Is this what you want, babe?

I moaned and, in an instant, gathered up my skirt and straddled him. I pushed aside my thong and took him into me. This is what I want, I whispered.

His hands found my buttocks and squeezed. Me too. He surged forward, anchoring my hips with his hands. The only thing I was aware of was the feel of him hot and hard inside me. His fingers wandered deep between my legs, setting off a massive orgasm that left us both panting.

I slid off him and pulled myself together. That was the last thing I remembered until Apolo was gently waking me as the Bentley pulled up in front of our building.

* * * *

Apolo

The only thing I hate about political campaigns is all of the fundraisers. Not that I don’t appreciate the thousands of people who spend their money, some of it hard-earned, to attend one. It’s a necessary evil. Still, there are other things I’d rather be doing with my time…like spending a nice, quiet evening at home with Caitlyn.

Top it all off with the fact that there’s talk about me speaking at the national convention, and I’d say this day has been most fulfilling. I haven’t been officially asked, but there is no doubt in my mind that it’s just a matter of days before I am. This isn’t a stress-free town, especially if you’re in politics, which most people are. Caitlyn hasn’t had an easy time, no thanks, in part, to me. My animalistic need for her almost caused a scandal. Bad enough we have her mother so close, trying her best to outdo her own daughter. Even if it means bringing us down by her substandard ways.

Why she’s here this evening is only a guess. To be sure, I’ll have her and her soon-to-be husband’s money trail traced. And Ethan’s just the man to do it. In this town, one must be aware of their surroundings and the people that are around them. How in the hell did my mother-in-law and her soon-to-be husband get invited and get in?

Already on it, senator. I’m also looking into who paid for the tickets.

Good man. I don’t trust either of them any farther than I can see them.

Not to worry. I’ll let you know the minute I have something.

Do that, oh, and Ethan?

Yes, senator?

Try to see that the witch stays away from me and my wife. If that’s possible, without provoking her into causing a scene. You know how she loves to do that.

Anything else?

No, I think that covers everything. Just find out how and who paid.

Consider it done, senator.

Back to work, I replied and walked over to a group of supporters who’d been promised I would speak to them. A never-ending job. Not one I minded. Just different.

Talking with a group of movers and shakers, I noted my beauty in her red evening gown. She’s speaking with Tina. I’m glad that I contacted her about coming on board and helping Caitlyn launch her projects. My cousin’s got a knack for stuff like that. Not saying that Caiti couldn’t pull it off on her own. I know she could.

But things are different now. She’s a senator’s wife, and there are some tasks she doesn’t need to be doing. Tina can negotiate the sharks without it being known she’s related to me. Whereas my wife, well, people would try and take advantage of her, and Caitlyn doesn’t need the added stress of playing the games.

Deciding I need to acknowledge Tina, I politely leave the group and make my way back to the two women. Bending down, I kiss my cousin on the cheek. Tina, always good to see you. Thanks for coming.

You’re looking good, senator. Sorry I’m late, plane issues.

Which is precisely why I have my own.

Good crowd tonight. They obviously love you. Not surprising.

Caiti left to use the powder room, I suspect to give me a private moment with my closest relative. This is almost surreal, Tina.

How’s that? You’ve always been able to wow a crowd.

Who would have ever thought I’d be running for political office?

Lots of people. Me, for one. You’re a natural, Apolo. You’re successful at anything you decide you want to do.

You’re right, of course. Just a whole new frontier for me, that’s all.

One you’re going to be highly successful at. The people love you, and you’ve got a great wife, who’s obviously in love with you. A perfect life for a perfect man, I’d say.

You always were good at kissing people’s asses.

I learned from the best.

I kiss no man’s ass.

Like I said, I learned from the best.

My cousin’s become a smart ass.

You learn quickly. Tell me about Caitlyn’s mother. I’ve heard rumors. The woman’s a real piece of work.

Out to ruin my evening? It’s bad enough the woman had the nerve to show up here. And believe me, she has a motive. Susan never does anything without a motive.

So, her being here isn’t the typical mother-in-law supporting her daughter’s husband’s campaign?

The woman’s too much a narcissist for that. It’s all about her.

I understand from your mother that she put on quite a show at your wedding.

"That’s putting it mildly. You’d have thought she was