He nods. “Tell me what you want, Luna.”
“I don’t know.” The adrenaline drains, leaving me raw and honest. “Our sexual chemistry is insane.” My damp bikini bottoms testify to that. “The night we shared was unforgettable. Am I caught up in the memory of that? Is this situation amplifying everything? Maybe I just need to get you out of mysystem. Or… maybe there’s something more here.” I exhale. “That’s not very clear. Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize.” His smile is soft with understanding. “I wanted the truth. I respect it.”
“What do you want, DK?”
“You.” The vein in his neck pulses. He’s so contained in public. But alone, this emotional, passionate version of him is the one I can’t resist. “I started developing feelings that first night. That was new for me—connecting with someone that fast. That intensely. It wasn’t just sex, Luna. Sharing that energy made the connection stronger. When I saw you again, none of it had diluted. If anything, every time I see you, my feelings get stronger. I don’t know what to call it. I just know it’s real.”
Not a love bomb. Just honesty. We’re giving each other that.
“Keeping this secret on top of everything else won’t be easy,” I caution.
“I doubt easy is how you decide if something’s worth doing.”
A smile curves my mouth. “You’re right. But we have to be careful.”
“I can do that. Whatever it takes to be with you.”
The rush that sweeps through me is dizzying. “We can’t meet here,” I say. “Not in Bayside.”
“Agreed. Neo rents out a lake house in Grove Cove. Two hours away. Private. Secluded. We could go there. Get to know each other without the noise. Without any eyes. Figure this out.”
“Okay,” I agree, allowing myself to admit how much I want that.
“I’ll make the arrangements.”
I nod, then look up at him. “If we’re doing this, the campaign is separate. We don’t discuss anything that could compromise election integrity. And I don’t want you going soft on me. I sure as hell won’t.”
“I wouldn’t want you to. And I’d never insult you by doing less than my best either. You’re a worthy opponent, Rayne. That’s business.” His fingers trace the curve of my cheek. “This, Luna, is personal.”
My heart and coochie clench in equal measure.
We exchange numbers, and he makes me promise to text when I get home. Then we share one last kiss. Restrained, still hot. Something to hold us over.
As I walk toward the dunes, my heart continues its ridiculous flipping. But for the first time since DK came back into my life, I don’t feel unsteady.
I feel anchored.
Decisive.
I’m not choosing between him or my campaign.
I’m choosing me.
And I want both.
Chapter Sixteen
DK
The first reality check comes at nine o’clock the next morning.
I’m reviewing past polling data, focusing on the numbers. But in the dull stretches where my mind isn’t entirely engaged, Luna’s right there.
I saved her text from last night.
Mnandi Luna: I’m home. No second thoughts. I hope you sleep well.
