More Than Rivals
Page 14
“Oh, yeah, he did.” She then shrugged. “But to be honest, it was a relief not to go. I hate weddings when I don’t like the match, especially when I’m really fond of one of the people getting married.”
“You don’t like Tara? Why not?” said Jack with surprise because there was nothing objectionable about the woman.
“It’s nothing. I shouldn’t have said it.”
“Tell me. What’s wrong with her?”
Lily grimaced. “There’s nothing wrong with her. She’s just boring.”
“Huh.” He recalled snippets of his encounters with Tara. She was good looking and nice, but his mind went blank searching for more information about her. “What does Tara do again?”
“See. You can’t even remember what she does. All you probably remember is she’s pretty and friendly.”
“You’re right.” Jack laughed. “That’s exactly what I remember.”
“I’d say I have no idea why Mike is into her, but I do.”
“What’s that?”
“She’s the perfect political spouse. She will never say or do anything to get in the way of her husband’s career.”
“Aren’t you being a little harsh?”
“Probably.” Lily nodded, knowing she was being judgmental. “But I still think I’m right.”
“And you probably are.” He stretched his legs out and rolled over on this side to see her better. “But that’s what you think the perfect political spouse is? Someone who won’t ever get in the way of the politician’s career?”
“I think that’s the essence of it.”
“Do you think the perfect spouse is stupid?”
“Not necessarily. The best ones are smart enough to know what and what not to say.”
“So if your goal is to be the perfect political spouse are you disqualified from having a career?”
“No, not at all. Just certain careers.”
“Like being a strip club owner would be bad, but being a teacher would be good?”
“Exactly.”
“What if the spouse was a politician?”
Lily gave him a cold glance and looked away. Her voice was sad. “A marriage between two politicians is rife with problems.”
Jack was quiet as he considered their conversation. When he was with Beverly, he would change the subject any time the topic of marriage came up, regardless of how benign the conversation. He certainly would never have discussed with Bev what makes the perfect political spouse. That was a role she was dying to have.
He stole a long look at Lily as she stared into the distance. With Lily, he didn’t mind talking about marriage. Why is that? He wondered.
His answer gradually formed as he examined her profile. He loved her—not in the tired, almost obligatory way he once loved Beverly. He loved Lily because from the moment he met her, he wanted more with her, and that desire for more still hadn’t been sated. At that moment, he realized it never would be.
Looking down at the rocky sand, he smiled to himself, wondering what to say next, but Lily spoke first. She picked a leaf off a scrubby plant and began ripping it apart as she muttered, “Yeah, Tara is perfect.”
“Perfect for Mike,” Jack said in a qualifying tone.
“Perfect for all of you guys.”
“Well, not her specifically for me.” He tried not to smile as he hatched a plan. A quick scan of the scenery told him no one was around for miles. The sun was bright, the setting was sublime, and he had the urge to seize the moment. “But I’d say I want a political partner.”
“Of course, you would.”
The words came out bitterly, and Jack could see her mood darkening. He touched her hair. “One I’m in love with.”
She met his gaze, her expression uncertain, and he added, “One who was so smart she always knew what to say.”
When she gave him a slight nod, he moved closer to her. “One who was kind, but who was political—who shared my values, my view of the world.”
Her eyes widened. As if she’d been put on the spot, she said, “Me too.”
“And the fact she was beautiful would be icing on the best cake.” He smiled. “You know anyone like that?”
“Uh. No.” She chuckled nervously.
“Well, I do,” he said as he moved above her. Holding his weight with his arms, he gazed into her dark eyes. “And it’s you.”
She dropped open her mouth in surprise, but her response was more nonchalant. “What are you doing?”
“I love you, Lily,” he said with glee.
A giant smile took over her face, and she brushed away the hair which had fallen into his eyes. “That’s really good to hear because I’m definitely in love with you.”
He kissed her hard, but he soon pulled away first and laughed. “Why do I have this overwhelming feeling of relief?”
“I don’t know, but I feel it too.” She frowned as if she was embarrassed. “For me, it’s because I thought I was alone feeling this way.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
“Silly.” He kissed her forehead. “For me it feels like I’m finally doing what I want to do.”
Stroking his cheek with the back of her hand, she smiled. “I love you.”
His eyes narrowed as his entire being focused on the woman beneath him. “I love you,” he said before giving her a kiss he had no intention of ending. Lily responded with equal abandon, and for a few minutes, they showed each other a little of what they’d both been missing. Eventually Lily pulled away, giggling. “I feel like a teenager. We haven’t even had sex.”
“I’m painfully aware of that fact,” Jack groaned. “Painfully aware.”
“Painfully aware? You make it sound like I’ve given you blue balls, when I haven’t even been able to do that.”
“True,” he said with a smile. “But you’ve haunted my fantasies.”
“Really?” She arched a brow with a naughty look. “Will you tell me about them?”
“I’d rather show you,” he said and kissed her again.
The kiss was soft, but her scent and the taste of salt on her skin urged him on. As she molded her body to his, he lifted her leg around his own. Only the flimsy material of their running shorts separated them. For a moment, Jack began silently naming the batting order of the San Francisco Giants as he attempted to quell an erection. It didn’t work. He was hard against her, and he slipped his hand inside her running shorts and slid a finger underneath the thin liner that served as underwear. She widened her legs, so he could explore, and when his hand settled on a circular rhythm, she moaned. He continued to pleasure her, and her response became increasingly intense. She gasped as if she was coming up for air, “Oh God, you need to stop.”
“I know,” he said, though he didn’t stop his fingers. “But we both don’t want to.”
Her breathing was heavy. “We’re in the middle of a national park.”
“But that’s good.” He chuckled. “There’s no one around.”
“At the moment.” She squirmed under his touch, but it wasn’t to stop his touch. She pressed herself against his hand. Despite her actions, she said, “We should stop.”
“You’re close aren’t you?” He chuckled.
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Give me a second, then,” he said, sliding his other hand also between her legs.
In only a few moments, he smiled as he watched her shudder under his touch. When she opened her eyes, she smiled. “I can’t believe that just happened.”
“It was awesome to watch.”
She kissed him hard, but pulled away with a frown. “I’m really sorry, but I just can’t return the favor here.”
He rolled over onto his back and sighed, pretending to be put out. “I suppose you’re right.”
“Hey,” she said in a disappointed voice. She sidled up next to him and kissed his cheek. “This is a rare case where I don’t like being right.”
“Come here,” he said, wrapping his arm around her. “Don
’t worry about it. I’ll get you again soon enough.” He gave her a sweet kiss, which he ended by brushing his nose against hers. “I love you.”
“I love you, but what are we going to do next?” she whispered.
“Go back to my place?” he asked with feigned innocence.
“You wish.” She waited a beat and laughed. “I wish, too, but I can’t tonight. Besides … I need to think.”
“I know. Everything’s changed now. Right?”
“For me, it has.” Her tone was pained. “I don’t think I can go out there and campaign, pretending you’re my opponent. Not anymore. I love you. I’d feel like I was lying to the world.”
“Hold on a second,” he said, pressing a finger to her lips. “We gotta think this through. I agree things have changed, but we need to go through all of our options.”
“Absolutely. Regardless of what I’m feeling, I don’t want to do anything rash.”
“So when can we talk? Can you come to my place tomorrow night?”
“And talk?” She smirked.
“Yes, talk.” He smiled and added, “Talk very fast.”
“You know I can’t spend the night?”
“I know. I understand.” He kissed her hand and gazed into her eyes. “I’ve got all the time in the world with you now.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
When she awoke before dawn the following morning, Lily smiled into the darkness of her room. It had become impossible not to smile—she felt fundamentally changed for the better. Though they had talked again late the night before, she and Jack had kept their agreement not to discuss their futures until they could do it in person later that day. In the meantime, Lily felt like she needed counsel, both professionally and personally.
As Jordan took his seat for their morning meeting, she was still smiling. He looked at her with an annoyed sneer, “What’s with the Little Miss Sunshine routine?”
Lily chuckled. “Are you still hungover from Saturday night?”’
“A little,” he said before he took a sip of coffee. “Saturday night didn’t end until Sunday morning. But why are you so happy? Another run with Jack?”
“Yeah,” she said, smiling again. “I need to talk to you about him.”
“Oh God, you had sex with him!” Jordan exclaimed, immediately perking up.
“No, not yet, but …” Her voice became meek in admittance. “I’m in love with him.”
“And is it mutual?” He sat on the edge of his seat.
She nodded, suppressing a grin.
Placing his hands on his chest, he sighed. “I know this is a political nightmare, but I’m such a sap, and this is so romantic.”
“It is,” she said sweetly, her heart melting. “Terribly.”
“So much for keeping it light,” he said with a cackle.
“Knowing what I know now, I can’t believe I ever said that.”
“Don’t worry. I never really believed you. But let’s get back to the important stuff. You really haven’t slept with him?”
She shook her head.
“Have you messed around?”
“Not really.”
He furrowed his brow. “I do not understand you straight people sometimes.”
“Pfft.” She crumpled a piece of paper and tossed it at him, hitting his arm. “It’s not for a lack of desire. We’ve been trying to be somewhat professional and discreet.”
“So all this went down yesterday?”
“Yup.”
“Wow. Just wow. I don’t know, Lily, but to me, this feels like something has got to give. I mean, can either of you really go on with the campaign like this?”
“We’re going to talk about it tonight.”
“So what are you thinking? You’re going to drop out?”
The consequences of her feelings for Jack had been squarely put before her, and her smile vanished as she muttered, “Maybe.”
“I’ll understand whatever you decide.” Jordan grimaced and shook his head. “I know we never really had a shot at this seat, but damn … you would’ve been great in Congress.”
His disappointment cut at her, and she looked away. He was right. Though she always knew she most likely wouldn’t win, she still had wanted the dream. Murmuring to herself, she said, “It would’ve been nice.”
***
Later that day, Jack met Bill for lunch on the steps at Yerba Buena Gardens. As they wolfed down their burritos and talked about the Giants spring training, Jack waited for the right moment to spring the news about Lily on him. Unfortunately, there never seemed to be the perfect time. When he saw the time was ticking away on him, he simply blurted it out. “I think I’m in love with Lily.”
Bill’s mouth was full, so he couldn’t speak, but his eyes grew. The moment of silence allowed Jack to correct himself. With an awkward smile, he said, “Actually, I know I’m in love with her. I told her yesterday.”
“Damn,” Bill said, as he swallowed his food. “That’s great, but I’m not sure what to say.”
“I’m not sure there’s anything appropriate to say. This is a weird situation.”
Bill nodded in quiet thought for a moment, but soon smiled. “But you’re happy—for a few months now in fact.”
“I have been. When I’m with her, I can’t be anything but happy.”
“So she’s the one?” Bill grinned.
“Yup. She is,” Jack declared, knowing it to his core.
“Have you—”
“Not yet.” Jack chuckled.
“I’m impressed with her restraint,” Bill said with a snicker. “I know it’s not because of you.”
“You’re right about that.”
“Amazing. You’ve fallen in love with your opponent.”
“It’s true.”
“So what about the campaign? Is she going to remain your opponent? Is one of you going to drop out?”
“I’ve thought about it a lot, and we’re supposed to talk tonight, but I think we should just lay low and stay the course. I know things are different now, but as long as we continue to be discreet, why should we change anything we’re doing? In just a few months, Kingsley is going to win the primary.”
“I don’t know, Jack. It seems more dangerous now. What if you slip up? What if you say or do something wrong and people start to notice. Or what if someone sees you together, and it doesn’t look so innocent—like her leaving your house at three in the morning?”
“We’ll make up a story or something. I’m not saying there isn’t any risk in staying in, but I think it’s worth it compared to the guaranteed problems if one or both of us getting out.”
***
At Jack’s house that night Lily sat hand-in-hand with him on his office sofa. She grimaced as they began their discussion. “So I’ve thought about this a lot and—”
“And I know what you’re thinking,” he said, pointing a finger at her.
“What’s that, Mr. Mind-Reader?” She laughed.
“You’re thinking you want to drop out of the race, and I stay in.”
“Well, I don’t want to drop out, but don’t you think it makes sense for one of us to?”
“No, actually, I don’t. It’s already March. We’re so close to the end.”
“But the primary isn’t until June.”
“The beginning of June. So that’s really a little over two months before all of this is over. We should just chance it.”
“I don’t know. I’d feel like such a liar.”
He kissed her forehead. “I love you, and I understand. I feel differently now too. You mean everything to me.”
“And I love you. So how can we just carry on?”
“Because that’s just us. The rest of the world doesn’t see anything different, and dynamics of the campaign haven’t changed. It’s not like we now have to personally attack each other in the campaign. We can just continue along with our positive messages and ignore each other.”
“But there’s so much risk. What if we make a mistake?”
“But…”
“Listen, this morning I checked our latest polling. Kingsley is ahead of us all by fifteen points. Then it’s Yancey, and then you and I are essentially tied with the rest of everyone falling in behind.”
“So you think it’s that easy? We just keep going like we have been?”
“It’s worked so far though …” He skewed his mouth as if he’d tasted something sour. “We should probably limit times like this.”
“Like this? Like when you and me alone in your house together?” She laughed.
“Yeah, that.” He touched her hair. “Unfortunately.”
“Well, this is only my second time here, but maybe should I go home now?” She said, toying with him.
“Not yet.” He smirked. “Are we done talking?”
“Yes. I see what you’re saying. I’m willing to go along,” she said. Intellectually, Lily grasped his reasoning, and it made sense. Her gut told her that things wouldn’t be that easy. “Let’s just pray that it works.”
“And the day after the primary, we can go out to dinner in public.”
“I’d like that.” She smiled and kissed his cheek. When she pulled away, she gave him a taunting look. “We don’t have much more time tonight. Are you going to take me to bed or not?”
A sexy smile crossed his face. “This would be one of the reasons why I love you. You get straight to the point.” He leaned over and kissed her neck and then along her jaw line. “I’m at your service.”
“That sounds like fun.” She laughed. “And mutually beneficial.”
“Definitely.”
She pulled away and gave him a small smile before she lifted her sweater over her head, revealing a delicate bra of silver lace. She was really tired of being the only person who ever saw her nice lingerie. Jack responded just as she hoped. “Gorgeous.”