As they tangled themselves up in giggles and limbs, more than once she felt her legs and stomach against his swimsuit, occasionally against his bulge. The first time she wasn’t sure what exactly she’d touched. The second time she knew, and it startled her. The third time she felt him, something stirred deep inside her wanting more. The fourth time she did it on purpose and was happy to find him a little stiffer down there than before. Though they were still flailing in the water, her body was on fire, and she ached to wrap her legs around him so she could feel him where it counted.
Before she could do anything she would later regret, he swung her around to cradle her like a baby, and she threw her arms around him holding on tight. He panted as he smiled at her. “This is better because now I get to see you.”
She looked down at the black maillot, covering everything important. “I told you there’s not much to see.”
“And I’m telling you I like what I do and can imagine everything else.”
She slowly raised her eyes and met his gaze. She smiled at the droplets of water dripping off his wet hair.
Before she could say something flirty in return, his grin softened. “I think you’re beautiful.” As if he was struck by the need to confess his sins, his next words were a rushed whisper. “And I’ve wanted to kiss you for months.”
It was just what she wanted to hear. Her lips parted at the temptation, and she inched her mouth closer to his. As he lowered his lips to hers, a loud rattle of the door jolted them. Lily’s head jerked around where she saw the silhouette of a man knocking at the frosted glass door. He wore a bathrobe, looking as if he wanted a late swim, too.
Panic overtook her—as did reality. She sprung from Jack’s arms and dove to swim underwater, fighting her way to the nearest wall. Without a look back, she climbed out, grabbed her robe, and fled the scene.
CHAPTER NINE
The next morning Jack woke early, showered, dressed, and then positioned himself in the lobby so he saw everyone exiting the elevator. After she abandoned him in the pool, he immediately texted her when he returned to his room. He already knew they needed to talk. When she didn’t respond to his text, he was certain he’d scared her off.
Between glances at every open elevator door, he bided the time with a few newspapers. A little before eight, he spotted her exiting the elevator, wearing a nice suit, probably for a day of campaigning.
“Morning,” he called out from his bench off to the side. She turned and smiled a smile that told him things had changed.
“Hi,” she said, not even venturing toward him.
He jumped up and gestured to her suitcase. “Can I help you with that?”
“Oh, no. I can get it.”
Her eyes darted about the room, and he could tell she was nervous. It was as if ice was forming between them—the last thing he wanted. “Do you have a minute? We could get breakfast.”
“Sorry. I’m meeting Jordan for breakfast.”
He’d hoped he wouldn’t have to be so direct, but his fears were coming true. “Lily … we should probably talk.”
“Oh, I don’t think we need to. We can just forget about it.” Her words sounded practiced.
“I don’t want to forget about it.” He grazed his hand along her arm. “And I don’t think you really want to either.”
“But I should, and so should you.” She gave him a fearful, long look and walked away.
***
That week Lily faced another text from Jack, but she didn’t respond. One of them needed to be responsible. Knowing that the stakes in an affair were always higher for a woman, she understood the responsibility landed squarely on her shoulders, not his.
She threw herself into her work, doing her best to keep thoughts of him at bay. That came to an end on Saturday morning when she received a call from Kelly, her friend from the hospital.
Kelly’s voice was anxious. “I hate to bother you. I know how busy you are, and you’ve probably got plans for tomorrow.”
Lily tried to recall her next day’s schedule, but the only appointment that came to mind was a meeting with Jordan. She planned on spending the rest of the day making fundraising calls. “It’s okay,” she said. “My schedule is actually kind of flexible tomorrow. What do you need?”
“Well, I was supposed to work tonight, but my boyfriend got tickets to the opera. Would you switch with me tomorrow? It’s a crazy early shift, but I promise I’ll make it up to you whenever you need it.”
The state convention dinner immediately popped into Lily’s mind. The fundraising opportunities there beat the hell out of the cold calls she’d have to make the following day, and she’d wanted to go for months. She jumped at the opportunity. “It’s a deal.”
It was only after she ended the call that she remembered she’d see Jack that evening. She grimaced at the thought, but resigned herself to her future. I was going to see him again one day. I might as well get used to it.
***
The hotel ballroom was cavernous, yet it was filled with people as Lily and Jordan walked in. He muttered under his breath, “Showtime. Can I get you a drink?”
“No. I need to be able to shake hands easily when I work the room.”
“Okay, then I’ll go get myself a drink.”
“Go ahead. Just let me know when you see someone I should talk to.”
“I’ll grab you,” he said with a nod and walked toward the bar.
It wasn’t really necessary to alert Lily of someone important. There were scads of donors and politicos far more powerful than her. She happily made her way through the crowd, shaking hands, meeting new people, and chatting everyone up. All in all, it was worth every minute of her time there.
She was so immersed in her work that she forgot she eventually would run into Jack. She’d just finished talking with some high-tech, new money from Atherton, and engrossed in the conversation, she didn’t notice Jack was only a few feet away. When she spotted him, his tall profile first came into view, but she blinked twice to confirm it was him. The man she saw was sidled up against a redhead, her hand resting on his shoulder.
After recognizing him, self preservation kicked in, but before she could turn to flee, the man Jack was speaking to looked at Lily and whispered in Jack’s ear. Jack turned and spotted her. He had been smiling, but his face fell, and he stepped aside from the redhead. “Lily,” he said with no emotion.
“Hi,” she squeaked as she was overtaken by an emotional metamorphosis. It was as if she’d lost her age and wisdom, replaced by the feelings of a sixteen year old girl. Considering how she’d given Jack the cold shoulder, Lily shouldn’t have been jealous of the redhead, but she was. All she wanted to do was get the hell out of there.
The redhead turned around at once, her smile bright. Like the perfect political partner, she held out her hand. “Ursula Robles. It’s wonderful to see you again. I’m Beverly Reggio. We’ve met once before, but you probably don’t remember me.”
“Of course I do,” Lily said with a fake smile. Though her jealously remained strong, the seasoned politician rose again inside of her. She shook Beverly’s hand. “It’s nice to see you.”
The man at Jack’s side also extended his hand. He was around Jack’s age with an engaging smile. “Supervisor Robles, I’m Bill Dresser. Normally, I’m Jack’s best friend, but right now I’m his finance director. It’s great to finally meet you.”
“Jack’s mentioned you before,” Lily said as she shook his hand. “It’s nice to put a name to a face.”
Beverly pointed to Lily’s dress. “That’s an adorable dress you’re wearing.”
Lily had one thought. Bitch. No objective observer would ever comment on her dress, except to say it was boring. She wore the perfectly appropriate and bland attire for a female candidate in a cocktail setting—a black shift dress and a string of white pearls. Beverly, on the other hand, was in a slinky cocktail dress that showed off her cleavage. “Thanks,” Lily muttered, freezing her smile. “Yours is gorgeous.”
Jack chuckled and shifted in his stance, noticeably uncomfortable. “You’d said you weren’t coming, Lily.”
“Change of plans,” she said, staring him down.
He nodded and abruptly turned to the older gentleman to his right who was speaking to another couple. Tapping the man on the shoulder, Jack said, “Dad, I want you to meet someone.”
The gray-haired man looked over his shoulder. “What son?”
Jack held out his hand. “This is Sonoma County Supervisor Ursula Robles. She’s another candidate—”
“Of course, I know of Supervisor Robles,” he said with grin. “I’m George Bengston. It’s nice to meet you.”
Lily shook his hand and replied,” Hello, Mr. Bengston. It’s a pleasure to meet you as well.”
George touched the lady’s arm next to him. “Sweetheart, please. It’s Ursula Robles.”
An elegant older woman turned around with a surprised smile. “What a pleasant surprise.” She extended her hand. “I’m Natasha Bengston.”
“Good evening, Mrs. Bengston,” Lily said, though she was certain everything good about the night had just ended. She was in hell.
“I know you’re giving Jack a run for his money,” George said.
“I think Charles Kingsley is actually the one doing that. I’m just an ‘also ran’ in this race.”
“Oh, I’d hardly say that with your biography,” said Natasha.
“You must be so proud of your husband. What a hero,” said Beverly with a hand on her heart.
Lily could’ve crossed her eyes in hatred of Beverly. Lily was the first to admit being a war widow was a political plus, but somehow Beverly’s comment seemed more about reminding Lily of another man in her life than any true feeling of respect for a war hero.
“He was,” Lily murmured. She glanced at Jack who looked worried. She decided it was time to put both of them out of their misery. Her smile returned, as she looked directly at Natasha and George. “I should let you get you on with your night. So nice meeting you.”
“Yes, I would love to speak with you longer one day,” his mother answered.
“Indeed,” said his father.
Lily nodded. “That would be nice.” She glanced at Beverly and Bill and then stared at Jack. “Jack, Beverly. Good to see you again. Bill, it’s been a pleasure. Have a good night.”
She spun around and walked far enough away so they were out of sight, pouncing on the first donor she could find. She thought it would relieve her mind, but it had it no effect on her heart, which was awash with ache. The aged San Francisco ex-hippie, now wealthy retiree, droned on about maintaining the current age for Medicare. Lily nodded and urged on the conversation, all the while hating herself for being so upset about Jack.
When the emcee tapped the microphone and the lights dimmed, she exhaled in relief that she could soon leave. Meeting everyone at her table would’ve been a constructive use of her time, but she couldn’t stand another hour of faking happiness. She tracked down Jordan as he was talking to an Assembly staffer. “Excuse me,” she said to the staffer. “I just need to borrow Jordan for a moment.”
Jordan turned and took a sip of his drink. “Wussup?”
“I’m not feeling well, and I have a twelve hour shift at the hospital tomorrow. I’m going to head out. Can you apologize to my tablemates for me?”
“Sure.” He took another drink. “Feel better.”
She exited the room, trying to control her speed so she didn’t walk too quickly. Not more than twenty feet down the hall, she heard her name being called, and the voice was Jack’s. She closed her eyes, searching for some strength.
“Lily,” he said again from behind.
She stopped and turned, but she couldn’t find a smile for him. “Hey,” she said, clutching her pearls.
“Why are you leaving?” he asked as he caught up to her. He appeared anxious and out of breath.
“I have a six AM shift at the hospital. I have to go.”
“Is that really why you’re leaving?” he asked, his voice sad.
“Yes.” She said it so emphatically, it was hardly convincing.
“You know, you look lovely tonight.” He added a smile as if he wanted to coax her out of her mood.
At that moment, a compliment from him stung like salt on a wound. She winced and shook her head. “Don’t…”
His smile faded immediately, as if he realized he’d screwed up. “Lily, let me try to explain. I’ve had this night planned with Bev for a while now.”
“I said don’t. You’ve explained yourself before. I understand.”
“I know what I told you before,” he said, his voice increasingly picking up speed. “It’s not what you think with Bev. Well, it is, but it’s not, or at least it doesn’t have to be.”
“Yes, it does.” She looked down, not wanting to admit to the emotions welling up inside of her. Her only salvation was to leave, so she turned her back on him. “I’ve got to go.”
She felt his hand on her shoulder as he said, “Lily, we need to talk.”
With tears burning in her eyes, there was no way she was going to look at him again. She shrugged him off her shoulders and began walking away, as she muttered, “Just leave me alone with my mistakes.”
CHAPTER TEN
The next day Jack waited outside the Cherry Street entrance to the hospital hoping to catch Lily as she walked to the parking garage across the street. It was a long shot that he would even see her given he wasn’t sure when her workday began or ended. He only knew most of her shifts lasted for twelve hours. He guessed her day may have started at six. So just to be sure, a little after five, he sat himself on a low wall alongside the hospital. Unfortunately, the location provided a great view of people coming and going, but little protection from the rain.
When no Lily appeared by six thirty, he got discouraged. He was just about to leave when he saw her walk out of the double doors, laughing with another woman. Both women were in scrubs and raincoats. Lily looked out at the rain, donned her hood, and watched for traffic. He could tell she was about to make a break for it across the street, so he had to call out, “Lily!”
She stopped talking to her friend and turned to him. “Jack,” she said, clearly confused by his presence at the hospital.
Her friend looked at Jack and gave him the once over. A broad smile crossed her face as she said something to Lily and then darted across the street.
Jack walked over to Lily, and before he could speak, she asked, “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to talk to you, and I figured this would be the only way to catch you.”
“There’s nothing to say,” she said in a pained voice.
“Yes, there is.” He nodded up the hill to his car. “Come to my car. Let’s get out the rain.”
She stared at the ground, shaking her head. After a moment, she took a deep breath and looked up. “Okay. Just for a few minutes.”
They didn’t talk as they made their way to his car, and the silence was only broken when he opened the passenger door for her. “Here you go,” he said, ushering her in.
“Thanks,” she mumbled.
He flexed his hand as he walked around to the driver’s side. He’d hoped for a friendlier greeting from her, but he realized it had been a foolish wish. His only answer was to lay it on the line. After he climbed in, he first noticed she was rubbing her hands together, probably cold from the winter rain. “I can run the heat for a little bit, if you want to warm up.”
“It’s okay. I’m fine.”
She didn’t stop rubbing her hands, so he turned on the car anyway. He laughed. “Well, I’m cold. I hope you don’t mind.”
“I don’t.”
He grimaced for a moment and then looked at her, hoping for forgiveness. “Lily, I’m really sorry about Bev last night. I should’ve broken my date with her long ago and told you everything.”
“No, you shouldn’t have,” she said, speaking slowly. “You should continue to date he
r. It’s none of my business.”
“No I shouldn’t. I broke it off permanently last night. I don’t want to be with her. I want to be with you.” His voice rattled with exasperation. “And regardless, I think it is your business. Otherwise you wouldn’t be treating me like you are right now. Otherwise you would never have gone running with me. And you wouldn’t have almost kissed me in the pool the other night.”
When she didn’t deny any of what he said, he knew he’d struck a nerve. Wanting to sooth her, he brushed his fingertips against her cheek. “Do you know how I would’ve felt if I’d walked in last night and seen you with another guy? Especially a guy I know you had a history with?”
Keeping mum, she shook her head no.
“I’d be devastated. It’s all I could think about when you were talking to Bev and my parents. If I were in your shoes, I would’ve run out long before you did.”
“Really?” she asked shyly.
“Really, damn it.” He laughed, shaking his head. “I’ve fallen for you. Hard. Can’t you tell?”
“Maybe,” she said, looking up sheepishly. “I’ve been a little self-absorbed.” She met his gaze and smiled. “Why is this happening?”
“What do you mean?”
“I feel like everything’s gotten out of hand, and I can’t stop it.”
He smiled, and taking a risk, he reached out for her hand. When she didn’t immediately withdraw it, he clasped her cold fingers in his palms. “Nothing’s ever changed for me. From the moment I met you at the coffee shop in August, I felt you were different—different in a way I wanted to get to know. That didn’t stop just because we work together.”
“We work together?” Lily chuckled. “Is that what we do?”
More Than Rivals Page 10