Page 36 of Falling for Love

I blink and lift my sunglasses, perching them on top of my head. “You said we. We all have to bow to the man. Does he have something on you, too?”

David lowers his voice. “Do you think I enjoy spying on my family?”

“Yes,” I hiss out. “You’re obnoxious and rude, and you have a smile on your face when you needle me about my actions. I had … have no reason to believe you’re being coerced, too.”

“I admit I enjoy the perks of this job. The connections to important people, the way I’m treated for being the senator’s right-hand man. And maybe sometimes I forget I’m being forced to do certain things in return for him keeping my secrets.”

I am floored by the revelation. “You’re damn good at your job,” I mutter. But I’m still furious with him. Still hate him for being Chandler’s snoop and reporting my actions back to the man. “And you do like it way too much.” Which, in my opinion, doesn’t make him a good man forced into a bad situation.

He lifts his glass and takes a sip of water. “If this is the life I’m forced to live, you can bet I’m going to make the most of it.”

“Selfish.” I shake my head in disbelief.

He shrugs. “Call it what you want. Now, can I assure the senator you’ll be back in time for the festival? No excuses, no games?”

Five more days.

I nod, because I’m boxed in and have no choice. “Yes,” I say through clenched teeth. “Can I be assured he’ll leave me alone until then?”

“I’m sorry. I can’t speak for him when it comes to you. He does as he pleases.”

I clench my hands in frustration. “I need to go.” Before I get sick. I haven’t had a true bout of nausea since the yacht, and I don’t want to tempt fate by sitting with someone I despise with my stomach churning. I rise to my feet.

David does the same. “Think about what I said. Accept your fate and things will go so much easier for you … and the people you love.”

I walk away from the table and yank open the door to the hotel. The cool air conditioning feels good on my skin, but I’m still burning with anger and frustration. I pass through the darkened area with a seating area on my right and turn the corner toward the front lobby, walking right into a broad chest.

“Oh! I’m sorry—”

“Taylor.” Jack’s hands grip my forearms and steady me.

“Jack! I wasn’t paying attention. Sorry.”

“It’s fine. You look upset. What’s wrong?”

I shake my head, not wanting him to know David is here. I dread any confrontation between the men. Then again, I don’t want to lie to him either. It doesn’t take me long to weigh my options and make a decision.

“Let’s go upstairs and talk?”

Once we’re in my hotel room, I explain my run-in with David and how he’s the one that’s been watching me in Miami. “I need to be back in time for the Performing Arts Festival where I’m supposed to be by Chandler’s side during his speech.”

“Yeah, that’s not going to happen,” he mutters.

But I don’t know what’s going to happen before then that will change things for me.

“So, I’m supposed to go to the Bahamas on Rainey’s family trip this weekend. Actually, in two days, and since you’re still here … come with us?”

I immediately shake my head. “It’s a family trip.”

He places his hand over my stomach, then meets my gaze. “You’re family, Taylor.”

A lump rises in my throat because he really means that. “But—”

“No buts. You’re here for another five days, so we can go. If that means your cousin David finds a way to follow us, so be it. But we’re taking my father’s private jet, so I don’t think we have anything to worry about.” He winks at me and a shiver races down my spine. He’s sexy and convincing.

I bite down on my lower lip as I give it thought. And the truth is, he’s right. There’s nothing stopping me from joining him for the weekend.

“Okay. I’ll come.”