I heart the message. No hard feelings. I wasn’t angry about the post. In fact, I’d be insulted if he treated me with kid gloves, like I can’t handle a real fight. Bring it on. That’s the campaign.
This—I bite into sweet chunks of lobster and savory mayo—is not.
DK didn’t just show up. He showed up right. Protein. Sugar. Hydration. Quietly attentive. He didn’t even take credit until I figured it out.
That’s a real man. Not performative or there for the applause. Not like Hollis, who knew how to make a showy entrance but never mastered consistency.
I check that thought at the door, polish off half the sandwich, and get back to work.
The rest of the day smooths out. The stranded tourists are rebooked, the inbox tamed, and my to-do list is stacked with satisfying check marks. At five, I send everyone home to rest up for the hectic weekend ahead.
Once the office empties, I call Lot before I combust with this secret. I should probably ask DK if he’s okay with me sharing, but I trust my cousin with my life.
The second she answers, it all spills out—from seeing DK at Diablo’s office to our kiss last night, and all the yearning in between.
“That’s some Tyler Perry next-level drama,” she says, blowing out a breath. “Only you could have your one-night stand pop up in Bayside, working for Diablo. Like… what?”
“Either fate’s one cruel bitch or she’s right on time.” I kick off my shoes and prop my feet on the desk. “I tried so hard to resist him. Well… maybe not that hard. But I tried some. And I couldn’t. Not even the fact that we’re opponents stopped me.”
“You don’t have to justify it to me, girl.”
“I think I’m justifying it to myself,” I say, flexing my toes. “I can’t even explain the connection. It’s unreal. Like I’ve known him forever. And he’s an acts-of-service man—sent me lunch and chocolate. Got my heart and coochie all tingly.”
“Ooo. He’s coming correct. So whatcha gonna do?”
“Break every rule I set for myself.”
“Can’t blame you when you got good D living ’round the corner.”
“Uh-uh. Not here. We’re keeping it on the low. Meeting at a lake house his brother owns to give us both a chance to explore what this is.”
“That’s smart.”
“It’s also risky as hell.” My throat tightens. “He’s the first man I’ve trusted since Hollis. What if I’m misreading this, too? What if I’m dazzled and don’t see the signs?”
That’s it. The real fear I haven’t wanted to name.
“You learned from that, Ray,” she says gently. “You’ll clock those red flags quicker this time.”
“I hope so. My instincts are telling me DK’s exactly who he says he is. Honest. No games.”
“Then trust yourself.”
I nod, even though she can’t see me. “I want to see where this goes, but it could cost me the election.”
“I get that it’s controversial. But career-ending sounds extreme. If you’re still standing on business, who you hook up with in private isn’t anybody’s concern.”
“This is politics, girl. Men get redemption arcs. Women get disqualified.”
Cecil Newman would lead the slut-shaming parade. Which is some bullshit. But I’m stepping into this with my eyes wide open.
Chapter Eighteen
DK
Me: You still up?
Itext Luna when I get home from poker. It’s close to midnight. She’s got an early morning, so I don’t call.
