Page 41 of Falling for Love

“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.”

Considering the man is using me to keep Taylor in line, she’s right. We can’t put anything past him. The truth is, he already knows who my family is, and there isn’t anything he can do out of the state of South Carolina to hurt them. But I’ve pushed Taylor hard enough. If she wants to fly commercial and thinks it’ll help, I’m not going to argue.

“Understood.” At least she isn’t fighting me on going to Charleston with her. “In the meantime, before you go home, I want to spend one more day alone with you.”

She smiles at that. “A day with you would be wonderful.” She sounds just as happy as I am to squeeze in all the time together that we can.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Taylor

This is heaven. I’m stretched out on a comfortable chaise lounge by the pool at Jack’s house. He brought out cold sparkling water and watermelon for me to snack on, and he lent me a baseball cap to prevent my face from burning. The rest of me is lathered in sunscreen.

Then, he disappeared inside to handle business. He talked to his father and called his college friend, Carter Wellington, a criminal defense attorney in South Carolina, to ask if he’ll take my case, and set up an appointment with the FEC.

Focusing on the present, I glance down. I’m wearing a bikini and for the first time, I can see a hint of my baby belly. I place my hand on my stomach and a flutter of happiness flows through me. Despite the problems, I have no regrets about the baby. I’m self-sufficient, have a good job, and can take care of us with no problem. I’m sure Jack will insist on helping, but I’m aware of how lucky I am that I can do this on my own, too. I’m just glad he wants to be a part of the baby’s life.

“I’m back,” Jack says, walking out of the house in a pair of swim trunks and sitting down beside me. He stretches out his legs and lays on his chair, one arm behind his head. I let my gaze travel over the hard muscles in his arms and chest. He works out early mornings before his day begins and it shows. His skin glistens from sunscreen he applied earlier, and he’s so handsome my heart speeds up just looking at him.

But there are more important things to think about now. “How did the calls go?” I ask, bending one leg at the knee. Nerves kick in at the question.