Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 53052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
“He can and he did.”
She grabs her purse that she’d put on the chair beside our table and begins to search through it, coming up with her phone. “I’m going to call him.”
“No.” I grasp the phone and slide it out of her grip. “Stay far away from that asshole. I’ll handle my issues.”
“How?” she asks, pinning me with her gaze, and I know I’m not going to get away with a vague answer.
I close my eyes briefly and groan. “Lawyers. And my father has connections everywhere. I already had him help me get the senator’s direct phone number.” At that point I didn’t want to tell Taylor until after I’d made the call, so I didn’t ask her for the information. She’d have tried to stop me. Now I’m wondering if ignoring the man wouldn’t have been the smarter thing to do.
She nods, listening, but I see the stress in the stiff way she’s holding her shoulders.
“Don’t worry. I’ll see if my dad has anyone who can pull strings for me. Maybe the owner of the Panthers has connections with another senator, or someone who can override Cross’s pull.” I drum my fingers on the table, the whole situation aggravating on so many levels.
“I’m glad you have that option.”
“I am, too, it’s just …” I trail off because I have issues using my father’s connections. Things I don’t normally talk about. They’re not even something I normally dwell on.
“What is it?” she asks, placing her hand on mine.
I draw a deep breath. “My dad is a man people look up to. He’s larger-than-life in his own way. You say the name Ian Dare in certain circles and people listen. As a result, I’ve always wanted to make my own way, outside of his shadow.”
“And you have,” she says, emphasizing the words. “Look at this place! It’s packed every night, and you’re expanding to South Carolina. You should be proud.”
“I am. I just hate to have to turn to him instead of standing on my own two feet.”
She squeezes my hand tighter. “Listen to me. What matters is that your club opens and is everything you dreamed of. And you know your father would do anything for you. It’s okay to ask for help. Like I needed to turn to you.”
I meet her gaze, a wry smile on my face. “You make good points.”
“I do. But you should know, I’m also going to deal with Chandler as soon as I’m home. No matter what you say. In fact, I think going to the Federal Election Commission is my best option. Let them direct me to the best people to talk to when dealing with a corrupt congressman.”
I bite the inside of my cheek. “As much as I hate it, I agree with you. Talking to the people Cross is threatening to turn you into will cut him off before he can do any damage.” I rub my hand along the back of my neck. “I just want to do it the right way. With planning and with you protected.”
Her head bobs in agreement. “I’m not looking to get myself in trouble. I just want out of this entire situation once and for all. I know I have to go home, but I’d like to keep my personal dealings with Chandler as minimal as possible.”
“Exactly.” I pause. “There’s something else.”
“Oh … what now? Did something else happen?” she asks.
I reverse our hands and rub my thumb along her skin. “I want to go back to Charleston with you. I have plenty to keep me busy with the nightclub issues, but I also want to be there if you need me.” I plan to check out the festival and see her dynamic with the senator for myself. I feel like she needs backup, even if I don’t want to insult her by saying so. I trust her to handle herself. It’s her ex I don’t trust.
She begins shaking her head before I can finish my sentence.
“Yes. I’m going even if you don’t want me to, so you might as well come around to it now. Besides, didn’t you say you have your next doctor’s appointment when you go home? I want to be there for it.” I want to hear the heartbeat, to see an ultrasound printout if that’s part of the checkup. I want in on everything.
She sighs and cups her chin in her hand. “How can I argue with that?”
I grin. “You can’t.”
She blows out a frustrated puff of air. “But Chandler cannot see us together. You can’t even be on the same flight home as me.”
“Then it’s a good thing my family has a private jet. Care to join me?” I ask with a wink.
She laughs but sobers quickly. “As much as I enjoyed the plane on the way to the Bahamas, I need to leave a trail for David and not expose your family to anything Chandler can think of doing to them. I have no idea what that could be, but I’m not taking any chances.”