Candidate For Love Read online

  “You were good.” He placed his large hand on her knee and kissed her temple.

  Resisting the spirals of desire that threatened to overtake her, she asked, “What did you think about what I said? About you.”

  He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “It wasn’t really what you said. It was the look on your face, the way your hands tightened their grip on the pad of paper you were holding that spoke louder than any words could.”

  Relief swept through her. He didn’t think she was a liar or denying their intimate relationship.

  Sammy piped up. “You looked good too.”

  “Thanks, Sammy.” She squeezed her son’s shoulders.

  “She’d look a lot better if she quit wearing her hair up.” JT removed the pins from her hairdo, allowing the tresses to fall free. “That’s more like it.”

  “Yeah, it makes you look younger.” Sammy nodded in agreement.

  Christine let out a little sigh of relief coupled with contentment. Through some strange twist of events, they had evolved into a nuclear family. It was time to relax and let the worry go so she could enjoy the rest of the evening with her guys.

  • • •

  “It doesn’t look good, Christine.” Brad sat behind his desk at her campaign headquarters the next day, his arms stretched behind him, supporting his head.

  “I don’t see what it should matter to anyone who I’m friends with or not.” Christine crossed her arms in front of her, unwilling to believe that a couple of pictures in the newspaper could complicate her bid for mayor.

  “Well, it does. And you of all people should know that.” His eyes were kind as he looked at her. “It’s all about image. You’ve already got a strike against you since you’re divorced. And make that one and a half strikes since you’re divorced from West Virginia’s favorite US senator.” He gave her a reproving look over the rim of his coffee mug as he took a sip.

  Christine hung her head. She felt like she’d been kicked in the stomach and failed Politics 101.

  Brad shifted in his chair, gentling his expression as he gazed at her. “You’ve worked hard for this chance at office, Christine. Just don’t do anything else in the future that might cause any further slide in the polls, and you’ll be fine.”

  With a sigh, Christine shook her head. “I don’t know if I can do that.” Wringing her hands, she fought back the sting of tears that threatened. “I have to be honest, Brad. With you. With my campaign and the voters. If I can’t do that, then I’m not the woman I thought I was. I’ll be just like the politicians you and I have despised.”

  “Christine, it’s not the same.” He leaned forward in his chair, propping his elbows on the desk. “You’re not lying; you’re just not going to do anything else to attract negative attention to yourself.”

  She scoffed. “And that means spending time with JT is negative?”

  “Sorry. It’s the way of the world. You just need to be more discreet.”

  She rose, fisting her hands at her sides. “You mean more dishonest. I don’t think I can do that and live with myself.”

  Brad frowned at her. “So you’re going to continue to be seen with him and risk further damaging your chances to get elected?”

  “I think so.” She sighed again, feeling the weight of her decision and the consequences.

  “You’d best think long and hard on it before you do something you can’t take back or fix.” Brad stood up and moved next to her. He nudged his shoulder into hers. “You like him, don’t you?”

  She blushed and smiled. “Yeah. I guess I do.”

  “That’s nice, Christine. You deserve to be happy.”

  A frown replaced her smile. “But at the cost of my campaign? And I still don’t know that much about him. I mean, he went to high school with us, but we didn’t run in the same circles. And this is the first time I’ve seen him back in town in years. He’s spent his life going from one security job to another traveling around the country. How do I know he won’t take off again?”

  She bowed her head. She didn’t want to think about that concern, and voicing it to Brad made it real, something she had to deal with.

  “Everything has a price to it,” he said gently and gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder. “You just have to decide it’s a risk you’re willing to take. And one you won’t blame him for down the line.”

  “I know.”

  The million-dollar question was: how did JT feel about her? Was she just another in a long line of women he met, pleased, and eventually left? Would he stay in Charleston, or leave her and Sammy behind?

  Unfortunately, she had no answers.

  • • •

  For the next several days, Christine stayed busy readying her house for the benefit tour for the upcoming festival weekend. This helped keep her mind off her falling poll numbers, and whether she should speak up about JT being more to her than just a friend or simply not say anything. She didn’t relish either option, but the more she thought about it, she knew what the smart move would be. But she didn’t want to give up JT.

  She would be spending time with him out in public at the festival this weekend, and that would probably cause another picture of them to turn up in the paper. Maybe she should send out a press release to clarify things. But what would it say, that they were dating?

  As her mind spun, she continued cleaning the wood treads on the stairs, polishing them until they gleamed.

  Glancing at her watch, she yelled up the stairs at Sammy, “It’s almost time for us to leave for your football game.”

  “Okay, Mom. I’m getting ready.”

  After putting away her cleaning supplies, she went into her office. She’d reached her decision—she had to be completely up front and honest. Quickly she typed up a rough draft of a press release, stating that she and JT had become more than friends, and that she felt her constituency should know due to recent pictures and allegations.

  She left a voice mail for Brad to let him know that she was e-mailing the press release for him to edit and distribute. Her heart sank. The only thing left to do was see how much further her poll numbers would drop.

  When she returned to the living room, she heard the doorbell ring. Surprised, she turned to see Tad standing in the doorway.

  “Dad!” Sammy had raced down the stairs, and his surprise and excitement were hard to miss.

  Sighing, Christine followed Sammy from the living room as he opened the door for his father.

  “Hi, champ.” Tad picked Sammy up and twirled him around until his son giggled. Finally putting him down, Tad said, “I came to take you to the ball game.”

  “Awesome!” Sammy turned to her. “Are you coming, Mom?”

  “No, sweetie. I still have lots to do to get the house ready. And since your dad’s here to take you, I’ll sit this one out.”

  Shrugging his shoulders, Sammy ran outside to his dad’s Mercedes.

  “Tad,” Christine called out, and he turned around. “It would be nice if you gave me a little notice.”

  “Sorry.” He shrugged sheepishly. “I wasn’t sure till this afternoon I’d be able to leave and get here in time. But I did, and here I am. Is that a problem?”

  “No, not at all. You know Sammy adores being with you.”

  Christine closed the door behind him and went upstairs to pick up Sammy’s room. She probably should have gone to the game to keep her mind off of things, but she thought Tad and Sammy might need some father-and-son time alone. She picked up a laundry bag of dirty clothes and headed downstairs. Just as she was about to go to the basement, she heard the familiar growl of JT’s motorcycle and a smile lifted her lips. She set the basket down and went to the front door to meet him just as he was striding up the porch steps.

  “Hey,” JT called out through the screen to her.

  “Hey,” she replied, holding the screen door open for him to enter.

  “I hope I’m not causing us to be late for Sammy’s game.”

  “Not at all. As a matter of fact,
our plans have changed.”

  He looked down at her, but his dark sunglasses shielded his eyes. “What do you mean? Is Sammy okay?”

  The concern in his voice touched her deeply. “He’s fine, JT. It’s just that his dad arrived in town unexpectedly and took him already.”

  “Oh.” He slid his glasses off, and his tawny gaze held hers. “Then it’s just you and me, huh?”

  “I guess so.”

  He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her to his chest. “Well, now. I like those kinds of changed plans. There’s an endless list of things I’d like to do with you.” He gave her a mischievous smile. “Where should we begin?”

  She kissed him on the lips and wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “You all right, babe? You’re holding me like you’re never gonna let go.” He pulled away from her and looked into her eyes. “What’s wrong? Did you get more phone calls?”

  She shook her head, unable to speak for fear her voice would crack or she would cry. JT’s concern made her want to cry more. How could she tell him about how her polls were dropping because she was spending too much time with him?

  “Don’t want to talk about it? That’s cool.” He stroked her hair. “You know what I like to do when I’ve got things on my mind or I’m feeling down? I take long rides. You want to take one?” Placing his finger under her chin, he tilted her face upward.

  Tamping down her emotions, Christine nodded.

  He looked at her, taking in her attire. “Jeans, sneakers, and long-sleeved shirt. You’ll do.” He pulled her hand and led her outside to his Harley.

  • • •

  As JT drove them along the river, crossed over the bridge, and began climbing up the mountainside on a winding two-lane road, Christine leaned into him, her arms wrapped tightly around his waist.

  She let her thumbs slide inside JT’s waistband and closed her eyes, smiling for the first time in what felt like months. She was happy here, riding along behind him, not worrying about polls or campaigns or what to cook for dinner.

  Or what people or her parents wanted from her.

  JT downshifted the bike as they leaned into a turn. The movement caused her to slide forward, pressing her closer to him. She smiled at the contact, enjoying the feel of the wind whipping her hair, and the vibration and power of the bike beneath her.

  Safe. She felt safe and secure when she was with him, as if nothing could hurt her. Even if being with JT jeopardized her winning the race, the moments she spent with him like this, and in his arms, let her know she wouldn’t regret it.

  They neared the crest of the mountain, and JT leaned the bike into another turn and entered a worn, narrow path. Bouncing along in low gear, the Harley purred as they made their way to a clearing.

  He stopped the bike by a group of tall evergreens and put his hand out to help her dismount, and then he led her through the trees. When the trees ended, JT and Christine were standing on the edge of the mountaintop with Charleston spread out below them, looking like a miniature village in the distance.

  “Wow!” Christine gasped. “This is a great view.”

  “Yeah, it’s one of my favorites.” He stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist as she placed her hands on his arms and leaned back into him. “I used to come here a lot when I was younger, when we were in high school.”

  They remained silent for a moment, taking in the beauty of it all.

  He nuzzled at her ear and said, “This view has always been able to put things into perspective for me. When I was down or needed to make a decision.”

  “I can see why. Did you always come by yourself?”

  “Usually.” He paused before adding, “There were one or two girls I brought up here.”

  “I bet that wasn’t to gain perspective, was it?” She turned her head and glanced up at him, grinning.

  “You might be right about that.” He placed a kiss on her forehead. “But I haven’t been up here in a long time.”

  “I’m glad you shared it with me.” She turned around and placed the side of her face on his chest, relaxing as she listened to the steady beat of his heart.

  “I thought maybe it would help you,” he said. “I’ve noticed you’ve been worried. I guess about your campaign and stuff. I know I’m probably causing some of your problems since we’ve been hanging out together.”

  “JT—”

  “No, listen, Chris. I’ll back away from you if that’s what it will take for you to become mayor. I think you’d be a great one. You’ve had this dream long before I met you. Why should my showing up now chance ruining that for you?”

  “JT, you’re not ruining it. It’s just the constituency base. I can’t help how they think or feel. They’re older. Conservative.”

  “It’s because of me. I know it. You know it.” He cleared his throat. “I think you need to figure out what it is you want. You, Christine, the woman. Not the daughter, the mother, or the politician. Just you.”

  “I know what I want.” She reached up and kissed him. “I want you to be quiet.”

  “Christine, there are some things I’ve been meaning to discuss with you—”

  She placed a finger on his lips. “Let’s not talk about anything more, okay? Let’s just enjoy the view. And each other.”

  He wanted to. The last thing he wanted was to jeopardize what was growing between them. He felt it and knew she did too. But she needed to know that he was a wanderer. His job took him from New York City to LA. He could stay a month or several. It was a life and career that didn’t lend itself to settling down or sticking around. To helping a woman raise her kid.

  “Chris.” The word was just a puff of air on her hair. “I really think you ought to know something about me.”

  • • •

  “Shhh, JT. I know enough about you.” Christine lifted her face. “I know how you kiss.” She stood on tiptoe and her lips captured his.

  JT pulled back. “But, Chris, I really want to talk to you about us—”

  “And I love the way your touch feels on my skin.” She took his hand and slid it under the front of her shirt, underneath her bra until his palm grazed her breast, and she rested it there.

  He moaned. “Christine, I’m trying to talk—”

  “And I’m trying to stop you.” She giggled as her hand rubbed the front of his jeans between his legs, causing an instant reaction.

  “You’re doin’ a fine job of it, babe.” His hand massaged her breast until her nipple peaked in reaction. It was her turn to moan.

  While she still rubbed him, Christine placed her other hand on his shoulder and pressed him until they both knelt to the ground together. Removing her hand from his groin, she began unbuttoning her shirt.

  “Babe. What are you doing?” JT’s breath was raspy. He watched while she unbuttoned her blouse to her navel, and then pulled the hem out of her jeans so she could unbutton every last one.

  “Someone could see us,” he protested.

  Christine giggled. “Like who? A bald eagle?”

  Spreading her shirt open, she exposed herself to him. He watched as her skin pebbled with goose bumps in the breeze, and her nipples puckered in the chilly air. Leaning down, JT closed his mouth over one peak and then the next, inciting Christine to moan and arch against him.

  “Damn, woman, you sure know how to make a man forget what he wanted to say.”

  “That was my point. I don’t want to talk, unless it’s in Braille.”

  He gently pushed her back until she rested in the meadow grass, and he lay on top of her. When he eased one knee between her thighs, her legs parted for him.

  As his body reacted to hers, JT vowed they would talk tonight about how getting too involved could put their security at risk if he wasn’t focused.

  And her soft flesh beneath his hand definitely affected his focus.

  Chapter 13

  When Christine and JT arrived back home, Tad and Sammy were lounging on her front porch. JT’s hand rested at her l
ower back, guiding her as they walked up the sidewalk.

  As they reached the steps, Sammy stood up and exclaimed, “You guys should have been there! I scored a touchdown!”

  “That’s wonderful, sweetie.” Christine beamed at her son. “I’m so sorry I missed it.”

  JT approached him and gave the boy a high-five. “Good job.”

  Tad remained seated like he owned the place, much to Christine’s annoyance. “I thought we could all go get something to eat,” he said and nodded to Christine and Sammy, but pointedly ignored JT.

  Uncomfortable, Christine glanced at JT as Sammy piped up, “Yeah, JT. I could show you my moves, how I swerved to get the other guys to miss me!” He swiveled his hips.

  “I think JT probably has other stuff to do,” Tad said smoothly. “Don’t you, JT?”

  JT reached out to ruffle Sammy’s hair. “I’m sure you want to spend time with your dad, Sammy. I’ll catch up with you later and you can fill me in.”

  “Okay,” Sammy said, visibly deflating. “When will that be?”

  “That depends on your mom’s schedule.”

  Christine appreciated JT’s being diplomatic in the face of Tad’s rudeness and for putting the decision in her hands. “I’ll be finishing the house for the tour, but do you want to go with us on Friday to the opening night of the festival?”

  “Sure, that would be great.” JT backed down the steps.

  Christine caught up with him. “Wasn’t there something you wanted to talk about?”

  “It’ll have to wait. Sammy needs time with his dad.”

  She gripped his arm. “I appreciate how good you’re being about Tad . . . and his tactlessness.”

  JT shrugged, but looked away. “Hey, he’s the boy’s dad.”

  Was that hurt she saw in his eyes? “We’ll talk Friday night then?”

  “Sure thing.” He walked over and straddled his bike, kicked it in gear, and sped away.

  Christine stood watching him roar down the street before she went back to the porch. “Sammy, go wash up for dinner.”

  Relieved that her son went inside without a fuss, she turned to Tad. “That was pretty rude of you.”