“What else would I call it?”
“Just saying, I don’t think your interest is purely campaign-related.” His smirk is all-knowing. “But don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”
I shake my head like he’s tripping, because the more I protest, the more I give away.
When the hour’s up, we toss our wrappers and cans into the recycle bin and walk back to the office.
In Washington, I wouldn’t have direct contact with an opposing candidate—only their office—but this is Bayside. So Iprepare for tomorrow’s meeting by doing what I would do if Rayne Webber weren’t Luna.
Before my system shuts down at six, I receive Anika’s response.
The thought of that meeting puts a ripple in my chest. Makes me hit the gym hard.
Bayside Fitness is modest, but offers what I need. Free weights, treadmills, stationary bikes. A shower, in case I want to drop in one morning before work.
I push my body, hoping it will clear my head and help me sleep. When I leave, the sun’s nearly gone. All the shops areclosed on the boardwalk. Fortunately, the Marina Market is still open. I hadn’t stocked my fridge with anything other than milk for cereal and beer to wash down the leftovers.
I can cook, Gogo made sure of that. But I never did in Washington. Dinner was take-out at my desk. I pick up fresh ingredients for simple dishes and grab a few of Neo’s favorite snacks. In the produce section, I see dark curls and freeze.
It’s not Luna. Relief and disappointment collide at once.
Back at the house, a place I’m still making home, I season chicken, put it in the oven to roast with cubed potatoes and vegetables. Starving, I grab a peach to tide me over.
It’s got that perfect ripeness. A give in the flesh when I squeeze, and the bite is sweet and juicy, dribbling down my chin. I torture myself with images of Luna. My face between her legs, how wet she was, how sweet she tasted on my tongue, how she fisted my hair while she came all over my mouth, soaking my beard.
I toss the peach seed into the compost bag, and make a dash to the shower—picturing Luna while fucking my hand under the warm spray.
But as the tension drains from my body and my chest stops heaving, it’s not enough.
What I really want… what I really need… is Luna.
Chapter Thirteen
Rayne
Stay visible.Following Anika’s advice, I stop by the café for my morning coffee instead of having a cup at home. The aroma of espresso and baked goods hangs thick in the air. It’s packed—locals and tourists fill the tables and form a line from the door. Many are familiar faces, some are not.
I’ve always been a people person. I’m naturally curious and interested in others, traits I get from my dad. He says my structure and planning come from my mom. I look a lot like her, too. I once asked if it was hard for him to see so much of her in me, but he said it was a gift.
“Rayne!” Sophia—Chaz’s little sister—pops out from behind the counter and pulls me into one of her effusive hugs. Twenty-two, resembles a younger Alicia Keys, with sandy-brown hair in bo-ho braids down to her waist. Sophia is all bubbly energy and sunny smiles.
“Congratulations,” she beams.
“Thanks. I got your e-card. When did you get home?”
“Last night. I’m taking a long weekend to attend the festival and help C and Lex at the café and with the wedding plans. It’s only three months away.”
“I’m so excited for them.” Lexie, who’s an adopted Baysider, was a welcome addition to Chaz’s life and mine. She did all the stunning photography for the winter brochure.
“How’s Chicago and the world of advertising treating you?” I ask.
“Good.”
I make a face. “Good isn’t in your vocabulary. Either you love something, or you don’t.”
“I don’tnotlove it.” Her nose wrinkles. “I just… thought I’d love it more. Being on my own in the big city. Working in advertising like I always wanted. But I miss Bayside. I miss C. I miss the café. All this.” She gestures around the crowded room.
“It’s only been a few months,” I remind her. “Homesickness comes with spreading your wings. Give it time.”
