"6:00 I think. There's a 4:30 s.h.i.+pment coming in that I have to be there for so I can help inventory it," I said. "Why?"

"So I know when to start punis.h.i.+ng you," Salvatore said. He slapped his palm down on the night table and it echoed, making me giggle and the he finally broke his serious expression in exchange for that beautiful, pearly white grin.

"Well, I look forward to it. You'd best behave today so I don't have to punish you, too," I said. I walked over and leaned in to kiss him and his hand gently traversed down my lower back and rested on my a.s.s, which was highly arousing. I backed away before I got distracted. I really did have to get going.

It was a great blessing that my work day went quickly and I got back home at 6:10 p.m., which wasn't too late considering the crazy traffic. I found Salvatore in the kitchen and he'd just finished making up some chicken Cesar salads for us for supper and I couldn't wait to eat. I'd been hungry, missing lunch that day.

"How'd the tests go?" I asked.

"Excellent, but I seemed to fill in the name Taylor with every blank before getting my wits about me and answering correctly."

"You're so full of exaggeration, but I love that about you in this case. You know how to make a girl feel special."

Salvatore smiled. "It's not hard. What do you say we take a little swim tonight? It's beautiful out and I'd like to see your s.e.xy curves with water all over them, making that teeny tiny bikini cling to you tightly."

"That sounds wonderful. I don't mind watching that water make your swim trunks cling in all the right places either," I countered, winking at him and then walking away.

I walked back out in my swimsuit and looked in the kitchen. Salvatore wasn't in there and I walked out back, sliding the doors open and saw that he was already in the swimming pool. He was at the edge of it and resting his arms and elbows on the pavement, smiling at me. After a cat call he said, "I've changed my mind."

"What?" I asked. "What's that mean?"

"It means that I don't want to see you in that swimsuit. I'd rather see you out of it."

"Really," I said, smiling coyly.

"Yes, really. Strip it off and come in the water," Salvatore said, smiling the entire time.

"No can do. You'll have to take it off me," I said. I ran toward the water and jumped in, making a big splash as I tucked my legs up and did a cannonball upon entry into the warm, salty water of the pool.

Within a second, Salvatore was by me, wrapping his arms around me and releasing the latch to my bikini top and sliding it off above my head. I looked down at my b.r.e.a.s.t.s under the water and saw that he was already naked.

"Very sneaky and clever, not to mention brave," I said.

"When a man wants something he must pursue it with all he has," Salvatore replied.

"And you, dear Salvatore, definitely do that," I said, reaching down and grabbing his already hard c.o.c.k.

His hands planted on my waist, he slid down my bottoms by going underneath the water and peeling them off my feet, and sliding his fingers into me while he did it. I gasped, trying to remain treading with the crazy, intense distraction.

Then he was back up and he took me in one of his arms and guided me toward the shallow end of the pool, where he pressed against me and began to kiss me pa.s.sionately and explore my body. The sensations of doing that in the water were so pleasurable and I couldn't believe how amazing it felt. The lights at the bottom of the pool illuminated upward, showing the silhouettes of our bodies ravaging each other's and we were in sync with each other and it was accented by the waves that formed in the pools from our aggression toward each other, lapping up our bodies.

Sitting down on the steps, Salvatore guided me on top of him and I slid on him easily, eager and ready. With my arms wrapped around his, we moved back and forth, neither of us closing our eyes nor turning away. We just stared at each other, reading each other's emotions and feeling the joy of the moment. It was so intimate, so mind blowing, and definitely more erotic than I'd ever imagined having s.e.x in the water would be like.

The breeze and chilliness in the air made my nipples harder, more sensitive than they'd ever been before and with each thrust I took, I could feel the nerve endings in them responding, enjoying the liberation of being such a free s.e.xual being with such an incredible man. I couldn't have asked for more or wanted more than I was getting at that moment.

Then without warning or resistance, I felt myself explode and Salvatore followed shortly thereafter. When I leaned and kissed him I felt a spark that sent my stomach into convulsions, like it couldn't get enough of what I'd teased it with. Wow, it was so great with Salvatore.

We wrapped some towels around us and went to recline on the double chase lounge that was at one end of the pool. Not bothering to get their dressed, we laid on it with only a towel over us for a blanket and began to talk, enjoying the freedom of the experience of making love in the pool and getting to be so casual afterward. That would end tomorrow when my parents got home and I knew it would be something I missed greatly.

"I'm dreading going back to Italy. It's just ten days away," Salvatore said.

"Me too," I said, leaning in and giving him a soft kiss. "With the business we'll still get to see each other, and we can talk and email."

"That hardly seems adequate," he said, sighing heavily. "Taylor, I want to stay with you. I love you so much. I can't imagine a day without you."

I looked at Salvatore, not able to say the same things he was saying at that moment, but I had so much compa.s.sion for him. I just smiled.

"I know you're not ready to say that to me, but I just want my parents-and your parents-to know about our relations.h.i.+p. Everyone should know," he said.

"It's just not the right time for that, Salvatore. There's too much baggage going on right now in my life. You're the one thing that's perfect and I don't want anything bad to happen. Can't we just leave things as they are for a bit?"

"Please tell me that you want more," Salvatore said.

"I can't tell you anything right now, Salvatore. Please don't ask me to do that either," I said, feeling tears starting to sting my eyes.

"I'm sorry, my bella, I'm sorry."

"You know that you're special to me, right?" I asked.

"Yes, I know," he replied, but I could tell that my answer didn't satisfy the thoughts weighing on his mind.

Feeling that the moment was lost and realizing that it was already way past ten, we slipped our towels around us and each headed toward our own destination. I had to pick up my parents very early in the morning from the airport and although Salvatore had asked to come along, I knew that it was pus.h.i.+ng it too far. It would put me at risk of having to expose our secret, beautiful as it was.

"I'll see you tomorrow night for tutoring lessons," I said, trying to separate on an optimistic note.

"Yes, tomorrow night," Salvatore said. He leaned in and hugged me so tightly, like he was afraid to let go and then when he released his grip, he smiled at me. It was the smile of someone putting on a brave front, but feeling tormented inside. It left me walking into the house with many thoughts and questions on my mind.

I laid in my bed that night and thought about everything-what Salvatore had said, the secret I'd been keeping about Chase and I breaking up, and the relations.h.i.+p that Salvatore and I were creating. A big part of me wanted to shout to the world that I'd found an amazing man and I was in an awesome relations.h.i.+p, yet I was very aware that most people viewed Salvatore as a high school boy and nothing more, despite his age, and that made him taboo by default.

My reflections drifted off to thoughts that involved things other than my happiness; my parents, for example. Yes, they wanted me to be happy, but they, along with our community and church, family and Chase's family had expectations that we would be together and become this sort of powerhouse couple, one that made both our families stronger, our community better, and made me the trophy political wife for Chase's aspirations of entering into the political arena. It wasn't anyone's fault but my own that they didn't know that those things weren't really what I wanted most. I'd kept it a secret, easily being persuaded into believing that the path others expected me to follow was the right one for me.

Also, sadly and despite everything, I couldn't ignore the fact that my feelings for Chase hadn't gone from "all in" to "all out" despite the fall-out. Many aspects of his personality appealed to me and his charm always made me feel like the most special person in the room-which I was when we were together. It was what happened when I wasn't in the room that was the real problem. Still, we were young and figuring things out. Now, with what I'd been involved in with Salvatore, we truly were on even playing ground like he'd suggested that one day in his moment of anger.

I realized that my mom may have suspected something was up and it had probably taken going across the ocean to Italy to not bring it up. She was a gossip and not afraid to ask anyone what was on their mind and that was definitely true with me, her only child. If I would have told her the truth about what Chase had done it would have made her heart broken because Dad and her loved him like a son.

What was I going to do? I was still in love with Chase, but I was enamored and consumed by Salvatore and how alive he made me feel. There was no way I could have both. Believe me, I'd thought about it. Sadly, I knew it was probably a huge mistake for me to have been so selfish and started something with Salvatore that I probably couldn't see through to the end.

I'd made up my mind to tell my parents that Chase and I had broken up by early morning when I was on my way to the airport. However, I ended up not having to go to the airport at all. Their flight had come earlier-some mishap with times on the ticket-and my parents had arrived at home in a taxi cab just as I was waking up.

Debating timing and breaking the news, I decided to wait until I heard about the trip and they were unpacked at least. No sense to rush things.

"Guess what we received, Taylor?" Mom asked, holding a gold embossed envelope in her hand and waving it around.

"Wedding invitation?" I asked.

"No," she began, still holding the envelope out, "it's an invitation to the biggest social event at the country club-the Summer Harvest."

"Oh, the event that Chase's parents always host," I said, gulping. I didn't like where this was headed. We'd never gone before. Why now?

"Indeed. Only the most prominent people from town will be attending and it's a golden opportunity to make connections. A lot of politicians also attend, of course, with Chase's career goals and all."

"I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time," I said.

"We'll have a wonderful time, dear. You're going, too. It's only right because it will help with our business, Chase's aspirations, and you should be there when they give a special award to your father in honor of your great-great grandfather, the founder of this town."

"Yes, of course," I replied. It was only one night. I'd figure something out. My great-great grandfather had been so instrumental in bringing remnants from the Civil War and Revolutionary War to this town for the museum he'd started when he'd founded it that it had ultimately led to the start of the import/export business that had been a part of my family for generations, growing a bit more every time it was handed down to the next one.

"Well, I'm wide awake now. I think I'll get in a little exercise before I get ready for work," I said. "Love you and glad you're back."

"Love you, too, dear. Oh, and you took good care of Salvatore this past week, right?"

My face heated up. Boy did I ever. "I think he took better care of me...with the way he cooks and all."

"Yes, I venture to say that his cooking is as good as much of the food we had when we were in Italy. His family's house is beautiful by the way. Hopefully you'll get to see it sometime."

"Hopefully," I agreed. Then I walked away. The first thing on my to-do list once a reasonable hour arrived was to call Chase and meet with him. We definitely needed to talk.

8:00 a.m. didn't come fast enough for me and I was pacing around my office, eager to call Chase and arrange a time to meet. I hadn't spoken with him once since that day at the house and the conversation we needed to have would be awkward. I had no idea which Chase would show up, but I had to maintain control regardless of which one it happened to be.

Speed dial pressed. Chase answered. "Hi Chase, how've you been?" I asked. Highly unusual words all things considered.

"Taylor, I'm so happy to hear your voice," he began. "I've missed you so much. d.a.m.n, it's great to hear you."

I couldn't help but soften as all those smooth words came rolling off his tongue so effortlessly. They were attached to some pretty good times, when he'd talk that way, making me feel like I was the only woman in the world, and then we'd be so wound up that it led to some pretty fun s.e.xual adventures. Those were good days and thinking of them made me miss Chase a bit more than I had been.

"Chase, I need to talk with you in person," I said.

"Whenever you want me, I'll be there. I just want to see you. I love you, Taylor, with all my heart. You know that, right?"

"Yes," I replied, but didn't offer anything in exchange. "Why don't we meet tonight at 7:00 at The Finery?"

"Okay, I can pick you up," he offered.

"No, that's okay. We'll meet there." There was no way that I was going to go in the same car with him in case any unpleasant scene unfolded or worse yet, I'd be tempted to be more intimate with him than what I planned.

After a long, distracted day of work, I ran home to get ready, being a coward and telling Salvatore that I wouldn't be able to tutor him that night after all. When he asked why I only said that I had some business to take care of. I didn't have the heart to bring up Chase's name.

When I arrived at the restaurant, Chase was already there and had secured a table in the back corner of it. It was small and intimate, away from many of the other tables.

"You look so beautiful," Chase said, standing up and leaning in to kiss my cheek.

"Thank you. That's a great suit and tie. Makes you blend in perfectly with the DC crowd," I commented.

He smiled and pulled my chair out for me, pus.h.i.+ng it in afterward. I thought it would be wrong to get right to the point of the discussion, what to do about announcing our break-up, because we were having a nice time. I started to feel a bit like I'd used to feel and my defenses dropped, laughing and reminiscing about the olden days. Then I snapped to my senses-the reason for the meal-and I knew it was time to say what was on my mind.

"Chase, about the..." I began.

"Chase," someone interrupted. "It's great to see you. How are you this evening?"

I looked over and saw a tall, stoic, and poised man standing there, smiling at Chase and then looking at me.

"Senator Emerson," Chase said, standing up and shaking his hand. "It's great to see you again, sir."

"You, too. That was a fine interview we had the other day. Most impressive."

"Thank you, sir. I found it most informative and interesting myself," Chase replied. Then he followed the Senator's eyes, which traveled to me and he gave me a kind smile, very fatherly. "Senator Emerson, I would like you to meet Taylor First of the First family, descendants of Benjamin First, one of the founding families of..."

"You don't have to tell me, Chase. I know the family well," he said. Then he turned to me and continued. "That's a great family line you come from, Taylor. And you must be very proud of Chase for getting straight A's at Harvard his first year and being a part of the same fraternal order in which I am."

"Yes, Senator Emerson, I am," I said.

"What a beautiful young couple you two are. Gives an old man like me hope for the future of our country." He nudged Chase's arm and said, "She's lovely. Isn't every day that you run into a descendant of Was.h.i.+ngton's original Cabinet. I'll look forward to talking with you more at the Summer Harvest, Chase, and leave you two to your evening."

"I look forward to it, too, sir."

After the Senator left I tried to regroup my thoughts and approach what I'd invited Chase to dinner to talk about-Salvatore, and how he had to break up with me to save face.

Before I could get the words out, Chase was talking. "He was certainly impressed by you, Taylor," he said, grabbing my hand and gently rubbing his thumb on the top side of it. "Everyone loves you, Taylor...my parents, my friends, even my parents' friends like Senator Emerson, but most importantly me. I love you so much and you're perfect for me, Taylor. I promise that I'll never mess up again. I understand more than ever why I need you in my life. You make it all complete, all worthwhile."

"Chase, don't," I said. "I can't..."

"Don't say you can't," he interrupted. "Give me another chance. At the Summer Harvest, there will be great opportunities for your parents, their business, and for us. Senator Emerson is high up on the Trade Committee and an important connection for your parents. It'll help you with the business when you take over, which I hear you've been working really hard at. I'm so proud of you. Plus, I also have an amazing surprise for you, but I can't announce it to you yet. You'll have to be at the Summer Harvest and hear it. It's something my parents helped me with."

"What's the surprise?" I asked softly.

"Now really, Taylor, it wouldn't be very surprising if I told you, now would it? Suffice it to say that your parents will be so excited and proud."

My heart fell. I couldn't tell Chase about Salvatore that night. That much was clear. I would just have to pretend to be with Chase for the time being to make things work for everyone else. Hopefully Salvatore would understand. However, when he said surprise, I had no idea what kind of surprise he meant and I hoped with all my heart that it wasn't an engagement ring. That would be just like him to manipulate the situation, knowing that I would never say no and embarra.s.s him. Wait-I shouldn't jump to that conclusion. I'd just have to play it out and see what unfolded that evening. No! I couldn't.

"Chase, I have something to tell you," I said.

He kissed my hand, ignoring my comment and before I could repeat it a distinguished looking woman walked up to our table, smiling at us. The woman was stately looking, wearing a suit and behind her were some younger people, also dressed in suits.

"Chase, h.e.l.lo," she said. Her smile was so perfect and composed that I couldn't help but be amazed by it. She was Senator Wilson and I'd seen her name in the local papers a lot.

"h.e.l.lo Senator Wilson. It's wonderful to see you," Chase said, flas.h.i.+ng a bright smile.

"Tell your parents that I'll be at their gathering. They helped me get re-elected, after all."

"I will do that, Senator Wilson," Chase said, standing up and shaking her hand and then reaching in to give her a hug.

"So, when are you going to start interning with me, Chase?" she asked.

"Perhaps next year," he said. "I have an interns.h.i.+p lined up with Senator Emerson this coming semester."

"Well, I see that you really have a pa.s.sion for following in your parents' footsteps, Chase. Good for you."