“No. Is that okay?” The car engine roared to life.
“Whatever will people say.” She shrugged. “On the ocean, I don’t have to put makeup on to look good for the cameras.”
“You’re pretty enough. Far too pretty. This would be easier if you weren’t.”
“What would be easier?”
“My reaction to you.”
“Would you react differently if it wasn’t for my face?”
“I don’t know.”
Her gaze drifted to the street and the road to the marina. She hit her head on the headrest. “I once hated it here. I just wanted to go to California and start my life. I thought life in a small town was the worst. Everyone compared me to Stella or my parents, and never let me be unique.”
“I like the small-town setting. Everyone knows who you are, and your family. I get wanting to move on with your life, though. You certainly did it. You’re successful and famous.”
The words cut at her like razorblades. The movies did not bring her fulfillment. She turned to stare at him. “Fame isn’t what I wanted.”
His eyes widened. “You became an actor.”
“True. Acting lets me be escape into another world.” She memorized the clench of his jaw and took a deep breath. “Pretending to be someone else, anyone else, meant I’d be free in that moment. Going home, kissing you last night—this is everything I avoided in my life.”
“You avoided me?”
His dark eyes hypnotized her. Heat went to her face and she lowered her head.
“I thought my interest in you years ago was one-sided, and I kept my distance,” he said.
“My sister stood in the way and made everything awkward. I never pushed.” She shrugged again as he drove into the marina, giving her a clear view of the blue ocean. Helping him in Washington, making an actual difference in the world, would be more meaningful than any movie role. “We weren’t a good idea.”
“What idea do I represent to you?”
The stormy high seas of the North Atlantic never stayed quiet for long. Here memories lasted for decades.
“You’re trouble. You’re the home and family and ‘we’re supposed to make the earth a better place for the next generation’ type.”
His phone went off, but he turned it off without glancing at it. As he parked the car, he turned to her. “So I’m trouble for your lifestyle?”
“That’s a good word for you. You’re also, somehow, real, and that’s pretty scary,” she joked, and opened her door fast. He stepped out on his side. “Acting means I don’t have to live for anything. Superficial is safe.”
“It’s not safe for me. Actresses do not make politicians look stable.” He he took her hand and led her to a yacht. “I’m close to getting everything I want, and cannot lose focus.”
“Then we agree to be friends.” The rapid beating of her heart drowned out all other noise except him. With his political career and her sister, they had a rocky road to navigate, if they chose to see each other.
“I don’t know if that’s possible either.” Again he placed his hand on her back and led her. She felt comfortable with him. He jumped aboard and offered his hand. “I like thinking about you.”
He winked. “Good, because I am looking forward to our sail.”
A smile formed on her face. Closing her eyes, she smelled his scent, all man and woodsy.
As she gazed toward his dark hair and muscular body, as they sailed off, she stifled a tremble. Barely.
***
The cold New England waters splashing on Nicole’s face or that north wind should chill a person to the bones, but right now, nothing tempered her heat. Every ounce of Gerard’s energy was on the sail and the ropes. He, like the ocean, was a force not to be reckoned with lightly. “Hot-looking A-listers don’t have your intensity, Gerard.”
He tied something and then returned to the steering wheel. “I’m not that serious. Everyone, including my brothers, thinks I am, though.”
“You do give off this deadly serious vibe,” she said. He maneuvered the wheel, and then tied something. Done, he took the seat beside her. “Which probably helps people trust you with their problems and want to vote for you.”
“Barnie, my campaign manager, is angry at me over Imogen. He thought I should get married to appear stable to the voters.” His dark gaze seemed to penetrate every cell of her body, and she flinched.
“Would you want to get married?”
“I cannot marry the wrong person.”
“I understand that.”
He pointed with his chin to the deep blue waters. “Are you afraid of the ocean?”
“Not the ocean.” She unclenched her hands, which she hadn’t realized were so tight, and smiled. “You’re a heartbreaker, and I need to figure out a game plan, handsome. Right now, this attraction I feel for you might hurt your chances to help end corruption.”
He winked at her. “Unless, of course, you’ve decided to give up your Hollywood life and devote yourself entirely to me.”
“Devotion, huh?” She scooted into his side. “Of course. I shall be expecting the ring this afternoon. Perfect.”
Flirting was easy. He raised his hand and reached around her shoulders. “With you, Nicole, I couldn’t pretend for an election.”
She decided to tell the truth. “You give off this intense fire that will control everything, and I love my independence…”
“That sounds interesting with you.” He gave her a half-smile, but she recognized she’d hit home in this conversation. “Keep dreaming, and I wasn’t finished.”
“Can’t wait to hear the rest.”
She shook her head. “Or for a woman like me, who’s smart and goal oriented, Gerard Collins, with his sly glances and serious expressions, is some massive challenge. You would be a clash of wills, if you will, but you’d be fun too. I’d like to find out how deep the attraction I feel for you grows.”
He looked ahead at the waves. “Nicole Burns, you are definitely more intellectual than I’d expect. You’re also making a lot of assumptions, but there is nothing more I’d like to do than really date you.”
“But you can’t because?”
He pressed his lips together and stayed silent.
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“Despite my objections to Barnie, I want to win the election.”
“I want that for you too.”
He shifted closer. “Nicole, you’re cute and sexy.”
She shook her head and then tapped her chin with her fingers. “But you can’t date me at this time.”
He stood without warning. “Would you like a drink or something to eat?”
“No, but I will need sunblock.” She turned around. “I don’t think I packed enough.”
He nodded and went inside to get a bottle.
She took off her clothes to show off her one-piece bathing suit. Perhaps the salad diet was a blessing in disguise.
As he came up the stairs and turned toward her, he lost his balance. She swallowed her laugh.
His shadow covered hers. “Want me to put it on?”
This was her plan for the moment. “Yes please.”
As his hands brushed against her skin, she let out a sigh and her muscles relaxed. The memories of Gerard’s kiss still lingered from last night. If she helped him win his election, and they stayed true to ending corruption both at home and in Washington, then her life would have possibly both love and meaning.
As he massaged her neck, she promised herself she’d figure out what she truly wanted to do—tomorrow. Right now, his fingers on her back were all that mattered.
CHAPTER NINE
Gerard
Gerard hungered for Nicole, and it wasn’t just physical. He glanced at the passenger in his car. She yawned as the moon climbed into the darkening sky. Nicole Burns had surprised him and seen deeper into his life than most people.
She’d hit him hard today with her sly, somewhat correct observations, and she’d made him lau
gh. If it wasn’t for the election, he’d absolutely ask her out. Nicole would make a good wife, and that thought froze him. He pressed on the brake and stopped the car to let her out at her house. “I had a good time today.”
“Me too.”
He stepped out of the car and opened her door for her. “You heading back to California?”
“I guess. Maybe. I came home to figure out a few things, but I’m not sure about anything.”
Distance might be good for them both, as he wanted to win. Tomorrow he’d talk to Barnie and figure out a strategy. “I promised to go to my parents’ for dinner. It’s with my brothers and their wives. Would you like to go?”
She lowered her gaze. “I don’t want to intrude on family.”
“You’d be my guest.”
She blushed. “Would I be welcome? My sister caused a lot of damage.”
“They won’t hold it against you.”
She bit her lower lip. “I shouldn’t.”
His hands ached to touch her, though he held back. “You should, and then we could go get a drink after?”
“No. Today’s been good, and I don’t want to impose on your family.”
“It’s not an imposition.”
“Not tonight.” She leaned into him on her porch. “I need a cold shower and a good dose of thinking about what’s good for me, good for you, and what I want for the future.”
“Leave me to handle what’s best for me.” No woman had hit hard at something in his soul like Nicole. She was right—a cold shower might help him too. “You figure out what it is you truly want.”
“I will. I want you to win. You’d be good for the country.” She hugged him goodbye, and the moment she closed the door, his heart constricted.
“Wait.” He knocked on her door.
A moment later, she opened it. “What?”
“Tomorrow morning, then. Breakfast? If you are heading to the airport, I’ll drop you off.”
Her gaze seemed to drink in how jittery she made him. She shrugged. “If you want.”
“I want to.” He nodded. “I’d like to help you.”
“Okay. We’ll have breakfast. Sounds good.” She reached behind her to close her door again. He waited. “Ten o’clock?”
“I’ll be here.” He’d never leave her side…
Woah.
“Sounds good.” She nodded and closed the door.
As he walked over to get in his car, he stared at her house until her lights flickered on. Then he picked up his phone and dialed Liam, the only brother who knew everything about Gerard’s plan to take down the Boroni family.
“Why, it’s the future senator himself calling me.” Liam’s voice dripped of sarcasm. “How’s Hollywood treating you?”
He drove down the street as the streetlights came on. “What did Mom say?”
“She knows before me?”
It wasn’t his mother who’d talked, then. “How do you know about Nicole?”
“Nothing. I saw a picture of you in my news feed.”
The campaign would go up in smoke. Nicole made his body ache, but he’d have to give up winning. He pressed his lips together, unsure how to respond except with sarcasm. “Great.”
“You couldn’t go sailing with Nicole Wyman and think no one took a picture.”
“There is more to this.”
“Like what?”
Gerard’s throat went dry. There was no real future with Nicole, not if he wanted to win. “Nicole Wyman is Nic Burns, Stella’s kid sister.”
His brother made a tsk that said “who cares” the moment before he said, “I remember her from school. She was always nice, but reserved in public. Her sister embarrassed her. Does Mom approve of her?”
“Who knows.”
“She will. She’ll smell she’s a good one, and not one of your usuals,” Liam said. “Weren’t you going to pick out a trophy wife last night? Only you would come home with America’s sweetheart.”
“Barnie’s girl would be the worst possible wife, even as a temporary one.” Gerard relived Nicole’s opinion of him in his head. He rubbed his temple. “Nicole isn’t something I planned, and she probably won’t be good for me right now.”
“You’re like Daniel, I suppose.” Then Liam asked, “Or should I wait and talk about it at Mom’s table in half an hour? I’d bet money she’ll make wedding plans for you if you smells how you’re interested.”
“Stop. Nicole and I are not there. This goes against winning.” Gerard’s lips tingled, from yesterday’s one chaste kiss. There had been no repeat today. They both knew there was no future. “Besides, she’s probably heading back to Los Angeles tomorrow. Mom will get over this. I need to focus on the Boroni family for you, and getting my campaign back on track.”
“Our sources indicate a major drug shipment on Saturday,” Liam told him. “When you see him at the dinner tomorrow, I’ll get him on tape saying what he’s doing in the afternoon. Now back to your Nicole—have you seen the pictures online?”
His foot slipped on the gas and he went a little faster as he composed himself. “What pictures?”
“The tamer one is on the yacht. You’re rubbing sunblock on her and the headlines reads, ‘Is Nicole Wyman the country’s newest Marilyn? Gerard Collins is this generation’s Jack Kennedy.’”
Someone had seen them on the sea. He let out a sigh. “What’s the other one?”
Liam’s voice went higher with glee. “Where you hold her close at the restaurant while the almost bride-to-be’s mouth is wide open in shock. I always liked Nicole, and out of all your dates in the past, she has my approval.”
“Stop.”
“You brought home the crazies. Mom’s going to pounce and we both know it. She’ll make sure Nicole’s the perfect senator’s wife.”
“She’s an actress. If I dated her, then I’m not going to be senator.” Gerard turned onto the street near his parents’. “And Nicole has her life and career on the other coast.”
“This is worse than it reads.” Liam waited in the driveway as Gerard parked the car. Gerard hung up his phone. He stood slowly, not knowing what he’d say to his family. Nicole had hit him like a freight train.
Liam continued their conversation. “You’re telling me that you, of all people, are keeping a safe distance from the woman and that you haven’t touched her beyond a friendly help?”
“Why does it matter to you?” Gerard’s face heated.
“’Cause you’re my brother.” Liam tilted his head and smiled. “But if you fall, I’m the only Collins brother without a woman in his life full time. The others have already become stable, upstanding pillars of the community, complete with babies and homes near the parents.”
“I am considering my options in real estate closer to the parents, after the campaign ends.” Gerard shrugged and opened the door. “At some point we’re all moving closer to home.”
“Only your wedding will stop her from wanting a proper wife for you.”
As the door closed, both men stopped and heard their mother telling their sisters-in-law, “Tomorrow afternoon, we’ll pay Nicole a visit. It’s not right anyone dare misuse her name because Gerard is interested in her for a wife.”
Liam winked.
“I’m not marrying her, Mom.” Gerard heard the words flying out of his mouth. “She’s going back to California, and I’m dropping her off at the airport tomorrow.”
“You should have brought her here for dinner.” His mother shook her head at him. His shoulders tensed as he waited. Tomorrow his life returned to a sense of normalcy. The past twenty-four hours had been erratic since he met her.
CHAPTER TEN
Nicole
The fire Nicole set in the fireplace crackled, and she settled in. Her father and her used to sit here, and she’d drink hot chocolate and speak to him. She stood and went to pour a glass of wine. Memories of her mother and half-sister floated into her mind as she passed the family photos and emptiness of this unlived-in house. Her fingers trembled as s
he held the glass with both hands.
She licked her lips as memories rushed through her of her family. Her mother and sister had yelled and screamed at each other for half the night. Nicole returned to the living room and the place she was still with her father. This place was her safe haven. These moments with her father.
Swallowing the rest of the liquid at least quieted the ghosts of her memories.
Her phone rang and her heart soared in hope it might be Gerard. For one moment, she’d avoid Stella. Then her heart grew heavy. As she stared at the number on the screen, she sighed. “Hello.”
“Dollface, you’re amazing.” Roy’s voice reminded her of an overexcited dog. “I’m getting offers for you. Dating the too-hot politician has given you a publicity boost. Give me a few days, and I’ll sort out the good ones.”
Another movie held no sense of joy. Not now, and not because she’d kissed Gerard. If she helped him, then her life might have meaning. “I thought I was over the hill.”
The tsk in his voice made it seem like she said a funny joke. Her nerves spiked as he said, “Now you’re America’s sweetheart. Blockbuster movie returns this weekend, and now you’re dating that Collins guy.”
She gulped down the rest of the wine.
“How do you know about Gerard?” She kept her voice noncommittal as she checked on her phone for photos.
“You spent all day with him on his yacht, dollface, broke up his date the night you arrived at some fancy Boston restaurant,” Roy responded. “Keep up the good work.”
A frown formed on her face. “I’m not sure, Roy. I might be done with movies and stay here—”
“Call you back soon, dollface.”
He hung up without hearing her. She sighed and stood. She’d tell him later, if she was sure. The crackle of the fire brought her mind into focus. If she could help Gerard then she needed to stay.
She went to the kitchen and poured another glass. As she walked back into the living room, her phone rang again.
She cringed as she answered. “Hello.”
“How’s the beach?”
Her shoulders relaxed. Perhaps Angela didn’t know. “I’m home.”
“How is dating the future president?” her assistant asked with a giggle.
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