Old Flame, New Fire

By Serenity Snow

For Andy Blackmore, now is the time to up the ante in her political career. She's ready to push all distractions aside and run for mayor. But, when her manager insists dating the right woman will change her image, Andy's skeptical. What could be worse or more distracting?

 

Cinnamon is looking to better her career but playing "girlfriend" to a mayor hopeful isn't exactly what she had in mind. Being paired with her old flame isn't the worst thing that could happen, but falling in love with her all over again…

 

Finding out who the faux girlfriend is, makes Andy wary, but learning it's Cinnamon's ideas that her manager has been working from convinces Andy that Cinnamon is exactly what her career needs. However, the incumbent mayor has more to lose than just another term. He will do whatever it takes to force Andy out of the running, even set her up for murder.

 

Lengh: 80.745 words

• Language: English
• Publisher: Serenity Snow
• Release date: Jul 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223323327

Serenity Snow

Serenity Snow is a voracious reader of romances and fantasy romances. She believes in love at first sight but is certain a healthy dose of practicality and communication is what makes a romance last. She’s single and enjoys time on her own as much as she loves hanging out with her family and friends. Serenity studies clairvoyance with the skeptical eye of one who’s had a vision or two in her life and hangs out with a self-proclaimed clairvoyant who sees ghosts occasionally. 

Book preview

Prologue

Summer 2013

Andrea Blackmore walked into Milo’s, a quiet little bar and grill. Glancing around, she took in the full dining room noting the hostess wasn’t at her post.

Milos was the restaurant of a mid-sized hotel called The Seventh Inn, with some of the best food in the city, and she ate here at least once a week.

It had been a long day, and Andrea needed food and a drink, but she wasn’t drinking at all these days. Setting the foundation for her future was more important than a drink.

With a sigh, Andy took a seat and waited for the waiter to come over. It had been almost four months now since she’d had female companionship, but her spa was more important than a woman.

Well, she could use a little pussy to unwind since she wasn’t drinking. There was nothing like the soft body of a willing woman to take the kinks out of her shoulders and clear the stress. Unless the woman was the cause of the stress which wasn’t an issue she had.

Andy didn’t really do commitment or falling in love. They were both trouble with a capital T. And she didn’t need that right now. However, she did intend to marry or settle down—take a life partner one day.

That woman would have to be smart, her equal in all the ways that counted. She also had to be the best kind of asset to a politician because Andy had her eye on politics once she’d built her business to the level she wanted and cultivated some contacts.

Everything she did from now on was with that in mind.

She wasn’t ready to get tied down, but she was lonelier than she ever wanted to be. Then, again, even when she was with a woman, she was still lonely.

She smiled. There was a hot little thing that worked at her spa—it was just for the summer she heard. She didn’t screw around with the summer girls or her employees period because if things got messy...

She was not going to pay through the nose for sexual harassment because some woman thought she deserved more than a few nights or weeks in her bed.

But this was one—

Hi.

Andy looked up into blue eyes the color of the sky. The coal hair hung over one shoulder, the wisps of bangs neatly cut to just above the brow line. She wore a simple blouse with a square neckline where a necklace lay. That was paired with a long skirt.

Conservatively dressed, but pretty. Hell, she was a beautiful curvy girl with the most luscious brown skin.

Hey.

Mind if I sit down? The place is a little crowded.

Andy looked around. She saw more than a few empty tables, but what the hell?

Sure. She leaned back in the chair she sat in, and the other woman sat down across from her. That blue gaze was a little uncertain, and Andy wondered what she had on her mind.

She was willing to oblige if she was going to hit on her.

I’m CJ Summer. I work at your spa.

I remember, she drawled. You look pretty tonight.

CJ smiled shyly. Thanks. You look tired. Long day?

Pretty much. I didn’t expect to have to work so hard today, Andy replied. She’d had to pitch in as a masseuse and do some facials.

You could have just let them wait.

Nah. Being the boss means doing the work to make things work, she replied. It was how she ran her spa. You can’t grow a business if you don’t want to put in the time.

I guess that’s true, CJ answered. Buy you a drink?

Andy had to smile. She didn’t look to be any more than eighteen. Normally, she didn’t like them that young, but tonight, she was willing to make an exception.

Are you even old enough to drink?

CJ smiled and leaned on her forearms on the table. She crooked a finger at her, and Andy leaned in.

I won’t tell if you don’t.

Andy chuckled softly. Baby, how old are you? She’d buy her a meal and send her on her way if she wasn’t at least eighteen.

Did anybody ever tell you, never ask a lady about those numbers.

I’ll buy you dinner, Andy offered keeping her tone neutral.

Thanks. I’d like that, CJ replied, her tone soft.

Tell me one thing though, Andy said deciding not to allow the kid’s good looks to throw her too far off her game.

What?

Are you at least over eighteen?

CJ smiled. Yes.

By more than a few months?

CJ laughed and the sound was musical. Just between me and you, by over a year.

The waiter came over then. Good evening, ladies. He greeted them in a congenial tone. How may I serve you tonight?

His gaze was on CJ, and Andy didn’t blame him. The woman was attractive, and those blue eyes set in brown of her face with that hair made it impossible to guess her ethnic group. Still, unless she was reading the signals wrong these days, CJ was all about the pink.

Good evening, CJ said. I’d like the garden salad with the cheese ravioli and iced tea.

And you ma’am? He managed to tear his gaze from CJ.

Andy gave him her order. She was in the mood for steak. Then, she almost always was.

I’ll bring the drinks right out, he said.

Hold them till dinner, Andy said.

Yes, ma’am, he answered and with a last look at CJ strode away.

Why’s a pretty girl on the town alone tonight?

I don’t know. Why are you having dinner alone? CJ asked. I imagine you could have your pick of women.

Couldn’t you? Andy replied, feeling her out.

Not really, CJ responded. Most women look at me and think fat girl.

You’re curvy, I like that, she said. Stick pin thin with big tits is unattractive.

You don’t like big boobs? You strike me as—

I’m a leg woman, sweetheart, she said. And I bet you have very nice legs under that skirt.

Maybe.

I’d love to find out. You want to get the food sent up? Yeah, a willing woman would definitely be a good end to the day.

Sure.

Andy’s heart kicked with excitement. I’ll be right back. She got up and went out into the lobby and walked the distance to the front desk.

Can I help you? the man behind it asked.

I’d like a room. She pulled her wallet from her back pocket, paid for the room, and arranged for the meal to be charged to that and sent up in an hour with pecan pie before going back into the dining room.

She wouldn’t be surprised if little Miss CJ Summer had changed her mind after thinking about it.

CJ got to her feet when she approached the table, and Andy took her hand and led her to the bank of elevators.

Are you sure? she asked.

Are you? CJ asked.

Andy held her gaze fighting to control the rush. she didn’t want to take the woman right here where people could see them. She wasn’t into voyeurism. 

The elevator doors swished open, and Andy pulled her into the empty car. Once the doors closed, she pushed CJ against the wall, their mouths coming together, the kiss hot as her tongue swept inside CJ’s mouth.

CJ moaned and Andy glided her hands over CJ’s arms and down her sides. She couldn’t wait to get her out of those clothes and on her back.

She was hungry tonight and, in the mood, to fuck until she was languid.

The door opened at her side and Andy stepped back from CJ and backed out of the elevator. CJ followed, and Andy took her hand and strode down the corridor to the room. Andy used the keycard to unlock the door before reaching in to turn on the light. Then, she motioned CJ in ahead of her.

After going in behind her, Andy closed the door and leaned against it. Her gaze ate CJ up. She was ravenous and eager for satisfaction. Her red-brown skin was flushed, her blue eyes filled with desire.

Are you sure? she asked again.

If you’ve changed your mind, then, we can just eat dinner when it arrives, CJ said.

How do you know I’ve had it sent up?

I’ve watched you at the spa, she murmured closing the distance between them. I’ve seen how efficient you are. I have to wonder why you’d even look twice at me.

Because I like what I’m looking at, she replied as she reached out, putting a hand on CJ’s hip and tugging her roughly against her. So, now is the time to walk out if you’re not into this.

If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t be here. Her response came out husky, her blue eyes going the color of sapphires.

Good. Andy lowered her head then and brushed her lips against CJ’s.

The younger woman’s lips parted, and Andy nipped her bottom lip before kissing her. CJ’s arms went around her and the warmth of her flooded Andy making her even hungrier for her. Andy fought to take it slow, she didn’t want to rush this like it was her first time, but hell, there was something to be said for the multiple orgasmic woman.

Andy turned them, putting CJ’s back against the door. She pressed her against it, bent her knees to rub against CJ. CJ moaned and pushed her fingers into Andy’s short locks and tugged her hair.

Andy traced rough kisses along CJ’s jaw, nipping at her before trailing kisses down the column of her throat.  She swirled her tongue in the hollow at the base and licked back up, taking in the soft scent of her perfume.

It was a heady seduction that had made her powerless to resist. Maybe it was the perfume that drew her, that always drew her. Because she wanted to strip CJ to the skin as much now as she always did.

Andy found the zipper of CJ’s top and dragged it slowly down, brushing the garment down to reveal the black lacy bra beneath. She wasn’t surprised. CJ seemed like a lace woman to her.

Andy cupped her breasts, squeezed the firm small globes and then she released the front clips of the bra and tugged it away liberating the firm flesh from its confines.

Andy dipped her head and brushed her lips against CJ’s shoulder before the tip of her tongue traced a path to her breast. She licked the taught peak, drawing her tongue around it before sucking it into her mouth.

Andy moaned, the sensations of the sweet dark berry making her wetter. She caught the nipple between her teeth while she pinched its twin between two fingers.  

CJ’s head rolled against the door, her fingers tightening in Andy’s hair. I want you, Andy, she said in a pleading tone.

Andy turned her attention to the other breast, the mound firm. She laved the tight bud before taking it into her mouth. At the same time, she worked the zipper of CJ’s skirt down allowing it to fall around her ankles. Andy pushed her hand inside the panties and found her lips soft, devoid of curls.

Andy slipped her fingers between them and into the treasure chest beyond, finding it wet and slick with her juices. She penetrated CJ with a single digit, and CJ gasped.

Mm, she breathed roughly.

Andy pressed her thumb against CJ’s clit while she pressed a second finger into her.  

CJ gripped Andy’s shoulder with her free hand as she rolled her hips trying to impale herself. Now, please, she begged. Fuck me Andy.

Andy chuckled. Is that what you want? she teased. Me to fuck this tight pussy?

Yes, she said on a whimper.

She drew her fingers out and thrust them back in, her thumb circling CJ’s clit with a light stroke.  

Your pussy’s so tight, baby, and it smells so sweet. She pressed her thumb more firmly against CJ’s pleasure button and fucked her with rough strokes. CJ writhed against her hand and gripped her hair.

Yass! CJ mewled as Andy took her faster, thrusting her fingers in, fucking her with control despite her own need.

She wanted CJ to come, to get as hot for her as Andy was for her. Then, she would take her to the bed and enjoy her body all night long.

****

CJ threw her head back against the door as bliss started to engulf her, then Andy drew her fingers free and quickly turned her, so CJ’s back was to her. She tore open her pants and reached down and gripped the dildo in its harness and guided it to the slick opening of CJ’s cunt. She pushed into her, taking her slowly.

CJ hissed as Andy slid into her, the wide girth of her dick parted her tight tissues, CJ’s body sucking the thickness right in.

Damn, Andy breathed. Fuck, tell me this isn’t your first time.

CJ smirked. My first time with a toy, but I could tell you were strapped and ready to ride.

Is that so?

You don’t want to? she murmured.

Andy slid a little deeper inside her in answer. She claimed her tight channel an inch at a time until CJ moaned. She was filled, the tightness delicious.

Andy drew out and forged slowly back in, the dick a powerful tool of seduction that licked along her nerve endings making her wetter. Andy found a rhythm, the heat in her eyes getting brighter.

Oh, like that! CJ cried as Andy drove into her over and over. She closed her eyes, the pleasure engulfing her on a tidal wave she could only ride out.

Damn but the sex had never been this good before, and she wanted more.

CJ screamed as she came. Her heart pounding hard and her breath rough pants.

Andy drew her cock from her even as the waves of orgasm continued to crash over CJ.

Then, she turned her, and CJ leaned heavily against the wall, breathing still rough.

Look at me, angel, Andy growled, low and hard.

CJ opened her eyes wondering what she’d done wrong. Andy gripped her jaw and kissed her hard before looking into her eyes again, her own dark chocolate pools rich with desire.

That was just an appetizer, now it’s time for the main course.

****

An hour later, CJ lay on the bed naked, her body damp with sweat, and Andy watched her as she pulled on her pants. Sex had never felt so good yet left her wanting so much more before.

She was shaking because she knew it was more than just fanfuckingtastic sex.

The woman definitely had a magic pussy, and it was pulling her back for more, but it was more than a physical pull.

Something—something she didn’t like was happening, had happened between the moment CJ sat down and the moment Andy climbed off her.

No, it had happened before then that’s why tonight had happened, but it wasn’t going to happen again.

Are you okay? CJ asked.

Yeah. You?

Fine. She smiled, her face soft. Get dinner and come back to me?

CJ this thing can’t happen again. You work for me.

I know, but we still have tonight. Tomorrow it can be like it never happened.

Andy backed away at the rap on the outer door.

Yeah, no. She had to get the fuck out of there.

Andy?

The smell of CJ was heady and alluring.

Tomorrow. CJ was right.

One more time and tomorrow it could be like tonight never happened.

Chapter One

Ten Years Later

Andrea Blackmore made a face at her college friend who was also her public relations consultant, Katrina Vance who was more or less her campaign manager.

You know I’m not lying, Andy, she muttered from the loveseat in Andrea’s home. Your image is going to go to shit quicker than a gator being turned into boots.

Katri—

Change your image and the best time to do that is now. You have to prove to the public you’re not just some white trash dating lesbo.

Andy rolled her eyes. She didn’t really care what the public thought. She was a successful businesswoman who owned three spas in the states and three in Europe that were kicking ass and she co-owned a thriving construction company which she’d won shooting pool.

She was currently serving on the city council and running for mayor with her eye on a spot in the state senate and then maybe president.

We build your profile now. We get people thinking about you as a woman of the people, a woman who’ll fight for women especially but all people. The LGBTQ community needs to trust you, the straights need to see you as a woman who appears to conform to the norms, and the men need to see you as one of the guys.

I’m not going to pretend to be straight, she said coldly.

Her stepfather had come into their lives when Andy was only nine, and he’d turned her mother into a moralistic ass. When she’d come out, her stepfather had told her she could stay if she went to a conversion camp and got straightened out. Her mother had said she had to just be confused. So, the first thing they did was mandate she couldn’t wear pants most of the time, she had to wear skirts to the private Catholic school she’d been enrolled in.

She had to quit playing basketball, she had to give up martial arts, and she had to wear makeup.

As if that hadn’t been enough, they’d forced her to go to that stinking camp that would have left a weaker kid traumatized. Then, she’d gone home, and everything had been fine until her stepfather had set her up on a date with a good Christian boy. As if there was such a thing with fifteen and sixteen-year-olds.

Andy had dated him for three months, putting off his demands for sex. Finally, he’d tried to rape her, and she’d beaten the snot out of him. His family had filed assault charges, but when she’d decided against her parents will to counter file charges of rape, the boy’s parents had let the matter drop.

He’d started harassing her at school, but when she laughed in his face, he began telling everyone she was a lesbian. That had cost her plenty of friends at the onset, but she’d ended up getting kicked out of her home just after turning seventeen.

I’m never going down that road again.

I’m not saying date a guy, Katrina told her giving her an asinine look. Too many people know you like women. At best they’d see you as bi which would—

No.

What I’m proposing is that you show them that you’re in a stable relationship and that you have good family values just like any conservative, but you’re open-minded just like any liberal.

What do you have in mind? Andy asked carefully, suspicion flitting through her.

She’d had a rough ride to her city council seat with her male opponent taking all kinds of digs at her sexuality. However, she’d proven she was all about the people of her district.

Running for mayor isn’t going to be anything like running for the city council. It’s going to be worse. Your values are really going to be called into question. Because you’re gay you must be out to indoctrinate every impressionable straight person under the age of twenty.

Oh, please. You can’t turn someone gay.

No, but in this climate, we’ve got to take a different tact.

Go on.

I know someone who’s willing to play the role. Nothing has to happen behind closed doors.

You want me to date an escort?

Cinnamon isn’t an escort, she said. She’s had a pretty dull life compared to you, but she’s not a sex worker.

Cinnamon, where have I heard that name before? she mused, worrying her bottom lip.

She’s my assistant for the last seven years.

If she’s still your assistant, she must be terrible at this, Andy muttered. I’d rather someone I know like Brenda.

The brunette from the coffee shop? Uh, no. Katrina shook her head, lips pursed. She’s not up to the job. We’re talking about a long-term relationship here. That’s just a piece of tail that you’ll be cheating on or dumping before your term is over. It’s not good family values.

You’ve got to be kidding.

Cinnamon is smart, pretty, and she knows how to act like a lady. Nothing has to go on behind closed doors, but you won’t be seeing anyone but her.

That’s never going to work! Andy burst out, getting to her feet, glaring at her old friend. Never.

Do you want to be a senator or just a slutty city councilwoman? Katrina asked, her brown gaze hard. It’s your call.

I—

Relationship makeover— Katrina held both hands palm up before her the left going up higher than the right. city councilor with unrealized dreams. The right hand sank down further. Homerun or swing and a miss? Homerun? Swing and a miss? She moved her hands as if they were scales weighing something.

Fine. Bring on the fucking makeover.

Chapter Two

Why would you ask me to do something like this? Cinnamon Summer-Raven asked with a frown. Andrea Blackmore is—

Beneath that façade of being a slut, she’s really nice, Katrina jumped in.

I doubt she even knows I’m alive.

You’ll fake it til you make it, and the first thing on your to-do list as the councilwoman’s lover is shopping.

Why? Cinnamon demanded with a frown.

She couldn’t afford to spend money on new clothes. She had rent and bills to pay. Besides, there was nothing wrong with her clothes. They were conservative, work ready pieces that were perfect for what she did.

Because you need better clothes.

I don’t—

Pull this off, and I’ll give you that promotion to associate you asked for, Katrina told her.

But—

You don’t want the job? It comes with a raise, and you’ll be doing what you already do except they’ll be your clients. Katrina gave her a smile. So, you’ll get what you want, and Andy will get what she deserves.

The smile made her uneasy, and Cinnamon didn’t know why, but she didn’t think this would be the dream job she had once thought it would be.

Chapter Three

The next day

Andy climbed out of her sports car at the sight of the black four-door Katrina drove pulling into the parking lot of the small boutique. Max’s was known for its designer fashion. It was known to be a one-stop shop which meant the shop carried everything a woman of means needed to put together an outfit or wardrobe from outerwear to nightgowns.

She pushed her shades up on her nose and slammed the car door shut and watched as the passenger side door of the car opened and a slim woman climbed out clad in a simple pant suit.

This was the woman she wanted to pair her with?

Andy studied her, taking in the high cheekbones, and beautiful blue eyes. They were the color of the summer sky set in luscious russet brown skin. Her lashes were long, and her coal hair, caught up in a braided ponytail was nearly to her waist, and she had nicely curved hips.

This wasn’t good. And it wouldn’t be a good idea. Not by a long shot.

Hello, Councilwoman, Cinnamon said quietly.

Hello, Cinnamon. How are you? she asked with a frown.

I’m well and you?

Good. Good.

Oh, no, you two don’t, Katrina said after rounding the car. Andy, you’re the alpha predator here. Give the woman a hug. She’s your girlfriend. Did neither of you read the file I sent you last night? You’ve been dating for three months. Act like it.

Andy shook her head. "Cinnamon, are you sure you want to do this? It’s