Page 44 of Falling for Love

“I’m very proud of you.” She squeezes my hand. “If you want me to come with you, I will.”

I smile and pull her into a hug. “You’re the best. But I’ll have Jack with me. The hope is that they’ll want to take down a corrupt state senator enough to give me a free pass.”

“That makes sense. What are you going to do if Chandler proposes to you before you can do that?” she asks.

My stomach twists uncomfortably at the notion. “I’ll say no. He can threaten me all he wants, but my plan is in motion. Even if I get into legal trouble, it has to be better than this constant dancing to his tune or letting him cause more problems for Jack’s business.” I’m just doing his bidding today because it’s planned and easier than intentionally setting him off.

“Ladies.” Chandler approaches, wearing a blue pin-stripe suit with a white shirt and a red tie. Very political and authoritative. “You’re both looking lovely today.”

I glance around, noting he’s not alone. His cadre of minions is around him, including my cousin David, who in all probability followed me home from Florida to be here.

“Thank you, Chandler. You always know the right thing to say.” Holly forces a smile.

“It’s part of my charm,” he replies and I do my best not to gag.

“Are you ready for your speech?” I ask, trying to be pleasant in public.

He nods, patting his breast pocket where his papers are obviously tucked away. “Public speaking is my forte.”

I bite the inside of my cheek at his arrogance. “I’m aware.”

“So how was your time in Florida?” he asks in a snide tone, since I’ve avoided getting together with him in the two days since I’ve been back. His jaw tics in a way that lets me know he isn’t happy with me.

A genuine smile curves my lips. “I had a lovely time. Thank you for asking.”

“Well, now you’re back where you belong,” he says, hooking his arm through mine.

“That’s debatable,” I say under my breath.

A loud screeching noise sounds from the microphone onstage and Holly puts her hands over her ears. “They’re obviously getting ready.” She winces. “I’m going to go find a place where I can watch.” She gives my free hand an unobtrusive squeeze. It seems to be our thing today.

“Okay.” I blow out a slow breath of air, reminding myself I can play this charade for a little while longer.

It’s almost over.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Jack

The festival is lively. Families are together, with young kids licking snow cones and eating cotton candy. Crowds have been forming around the stage and I plant myself in front, wanting a solid view of Taylor and the senator during his speech.

They stand to the left of the stage, and I can tell she’s uptight. Her posture is tense, her shoulders raised high, a forced smile on her face. I don’t like the stress, not for her or for the baby. I console myself knowing this is the last time she needs to play the role he’s assigned her.

Of course, she’s exquisite, the epitome of the politician’s girlfriend in a matching pale pink skirt and cropped jacket, her hair clipped back with a pearl clasp that matches the strand around her neck. I want to drag her off the stage and away from that self-righteous prick, but we agreed she’d finish this one last obligation.

The governor makes his speech and then, Cross grasps Taylor’s hand and together, they walk across the stage. She does her introduction and I give her credit, she pulls it off flawlessly.

I turn to make my way through the crowd. When Taylor steps down the few stairs from the stage, I want to be there.

“Jack?” a female voice calls out.

I pivot to see a woman with long, dark hair looking at me. Her features are familiar enough that I know she has to be Taylor’s sister. “Holly?” I ask, because Taylor has told me her name.

She nods. “I thought that was you. Taylor showed me a picture of you guys on the beach.”

She’s attractive in her own way but doesn’t strike me the same way her sister did the first time we met. “I’ve heard a lot about you,” I tell her.

She smiles. “Same here.”