Page 32 of Secret Silver Nights

“That had to be tough, and even more difficult to find another employer.”

“Thankfully one of my former teachers had an influential friend in the legal field. The firm he recommended knew my story, but gave me a chance based on my teacher’s recommendation. I’ve worked hard every day to make sure they never regret taking a chance on me.”

Niko was silent, watching her, taking it all in. “From what I’ve read, their gamble paid off.”

“So it seems.”

“What did your parents say? With their high expectations, they had to be devastated.”

“They were disappointed, which increased my shame.”

“Do you still love him?”

Now it was Monique’s turn to be surprised. Her head shot up, and she stared at Niko to gauge if he was kidding. He was not. “I never said I loved him.”

Niko was equally resolute. “Your actions did.”

“I wanted so badly for him to succeed. There’d been bad choices but he was a good man. I feel the same way about Devante. He just needs a chance.” She drained the rest of her tea and once again reached for her phone to call him. “It’s still going to voice mail.” Niko nodded but remained silent. “So what about you? How many hearts have you broken?”

He shrugged. “I hope none, but maybe a few.”

“Was one of them the woman at the fire?”

“What woman?”

“The woman responsible for us leaving so quickly. I saw her making a beeline to you just before you rushed us away.”

“Oh, you saw that, huh?”

“Keen observation is partly what makes me a good attorney. And why they pay me the big bucks.”

“That was Joy’s daughter, Ashley, the one I told you about the other night.” What he didn’t share was Ashley’s negative impression of Monique or the fact that since seeing them together at the scene of the fire she’d called and texted several times.

“Pretty girl.”

“Very, and sometimes full of drama. There’s more to making a relationship work than having good looks. Besides, this conversation started with your talking about a client you dated. How did it turn into one about my love life?”

“Turnabout is fair play.”

Niko smiled, realizing that he was quite enjoying himself. Not only was it good to see the worry lines alleviated from Monique’s face, but it was nice to spar with someone who could obviously hold her own in the verbal exchange. Hanging with Ashley had been physically rewarding, but they had not kept company because of her intellectual range. Thinking back, he couldn’t remember a female outside his family whom he’d enjoyed talking to more. Too bad she’s off-limits. Maybe after I win the election…

“I really should be going,” Monique said after looking at her watch.

“They must not have any new information. My dad would have called.”

“Then I’ll accept a ride to my car. I have an early-morning appointment tomorrow.”

“Who with?”

“Seriously? You think I’m going to show my hand to the enemy camp?” A wisp of a smile took the sting from her comment.

“If you don’t mind, I’ll have my driver return you.” He rang him and then walked with her toward the hallway leading to the garage. “I have enjoyed your company this evening. It’s going to be hard to administer this severe political beating to you, but they say all’s fair in love and politics.”

“That’s something that you should remember in November, when you’re rubbing that sorely defeated behind.”

“Ha!”

They became silent as they reached the door. “Thanks for this interlude. I’m a lot calmer now.”

“Anytime.”

“In my earlier vulnerable state, I shared some things that I hadn’t planned to. I know we’re in what’s sure to become a highly contested race but—”

“Shh.” Niko silenced her with a chaste kiss. “Don’t even worry about it. What was discussed in my home will stay here.”

He hugged her. She hugged him back. He wanted to kiss her again. Would have, but he heard the garage door opening. “Are you sure you don’t want to just be taken home? We can make sure your car is delivered by morning.”

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