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“Last night, on my way home.”
“And you’re just now calling?”
“I thought you might have been asleep and didn’t want to wake you.”
“See, I told you he was okay. Was he there when the fire started?”
“No, thank God.”
“You really have a vested interest in this guy.”
“I have a soft heart for those who weren’t blessed with the same type of upbringing as you and I.”
“An admirable trait, especially for someone running for public office.”
“You sound sincere.”
“I am. Bryce was right.”
“Bryce Clinton, your campaign manager?”
“That is correct.”
“Right about what?”
“When he found out you were running, he said I had my work cut out for me.” His voice lowered, remaining professional, but barely. “He was definitely right about that.”
An incoming call for Niko cut short the conversation. Monique hung up the phone and headed to the campaign office. During the less-than-ten-minute drive, she was keenly aware of two things: speaking with Rob never made her na-na tingle and talking to Niko always did.
Chapter 15
Monique was thankful for the busy week she’d had, although one of the reasons annoyed her. During the fire investigation, some type of accelerant had been discovered, leading them to believe the fire may have been deliberate. They interviewed several people, including Devante. That in itself was not a problem. However, when they not only confirmed his alibi three times but also brought him to the station for further questioning, and then called his parole officer for further discussion, she felt they’d crossed the line. Devante felt he’d been profiled, and she couldn’t blame him. Men with prison records were often prejudged. With no job and a bad attitude, and against her orders, Devante had gone back to L.A. She’d spent time she didn’t have to track him down and get him placed in a home that met the rules for parolee residents.
The doorbell rang. She looked at her watch. Rob. Her busy week had made her almost forget his visit, as well. “Hey there,” she said, opening the door wide so that he could enter, and stepped into his outstretched arms. “Good to see you.”
He hugged her as though it had been two years instead of a few months since he’d seen her. “You’re a sight for sore eyes.” His lips swept against her ear in a manner Monique was sure Rob meant to be sexy. Unfortunately for both of them, instead of heat she felt annoyance, his wet kiss feeling sloppy instead of scintillating, as was his goal.
She stepped back and crossed her arms.
“I’m sorry. Just friends, right?”
“Rob, I’ll always care for you, but our being together romantically is over.” If he didn’t understand this message, her next statement was crystal clear. “Let’s take your luggage into the guest room.
“Are you hungry?” she asked, as he begrudgingly passed her master suite on the way to the spare bedroom.
“Yes, but not for dinner.”
Ignoring his comment, she replied, “Let’s have a glass of wine before heading out. I know you’ll love the salmon at Acquired Taste.” Without waiting for an answer, she walked out of the bedroom and down the hall.
Rob met her in the kitchen, where she was opening a bottle of chilled chardonnay. He leaned against the refrigerator, crossed his arms and watched her closely. “What’s going on with you, Monique?”
Monique took a deep breath, reaching for wineglasses to gather her thoughts before she turned to face him. “The mayor’s race is really heating up, and my numbers are growing. It’s exciting yet stressful. Even with a campaign manager, the responsibility is huge.”
“This is too much for you to be doing alone.” Sincerity dripped from Rob’s voice. Once again he moved in for a hug. Her look stopped him. “I’d move my practice in a heartbeat. Just say the word.”
It was the second time he’d suggested moving to Paradise Cove. She came precariously close to telling him the truth: that the thought of putting distance between them had aided in her decision to relocate in the first place. But she’d already hurt him enough. “I couldn’t ask you to do that,” she said instead. “If I don’t win the mayor’s seat, there’s no guarantee that I’ll even stay in this town. In fact, I’m almost sure I’d return to L.A.”
