Chapter Twenty-Nine
Taylor
The next morning, I wake up in Jack’s arms. A glance at the nightstand clock tells me it’s after ten. Beside me, he breathes in and out, snoring lightly. Not wanting to wake him, I slip out of his embrace and climb out of bed.
I slept as well as I could considering all that’s weighing on my mind.
Not even the bubble bath I’d taken last night had helped me relax fully.
My future is uncertain and no matter how many times Jack or my new lawyer reassures me, I won’t feel better until the federal authorities tell me I’m not in any trouble because of my work for Chandler.
At least I haven’t had to listen to my cell ringing with his calls or texts.
At Jack’s suggestion, I tossed my phone into a city trash can on the way to the hotel.
Just in case the senator had bugged it or had a tracker installed.
It wasn’t something I’d given a thought to before, but once Jack raised the possibility, I agreed I wouldn’t put it past him.
Naked, I make my way to the bathroom to take care of my morning routine before rejoining Jack in bed. He’s sitting up against the pillows, one arm above his head. He’s so sexy with his muscular bare chest and the light sprinkling of hair.
I crashed hard when we climbed into bed last night and sex was the last thing on my mind.
But I’d slept wrapped in Jack’s arms all night.
He’s the one safe space I have, and I’m not ashamed to admit I’m glad he’s here.
I slide back beneath the sheets and against his warm body.
His arms enclose me in his embrace, and I rest my head on his chest.
“I still have Chandler’s ring,” I say into the silence. “I forgot about it until now.” I still remember the feel of the gold against my skin and the thought makes me sick.
“Where is it?” Jack runs his fingers along my arm, up and down in a soothing motion.
“It’s in my purse.”
He snorts. “Pretty soon I think where that ring is will be the least of his problems.”
I manage a smile. “I hope so.” We’re just waiting for the attorney to call and say it’s time to meet with the people who hold my fate in their hands.
“I can’t wait until this is all over.”
He cups my face and brushes his thumb over my cheek. “Soon,” he says, dipping his head and pressing his lips to mine.
We don’t kiss long before a knock sounds at the door. Jack groans. “That’s probably your sister with your things.”
“Right.” I’d called Holly from Jack’s phone last night and asked her to drop off a change of clothes and some other items I might need.
Holly’s been such a huge help since Chandler’s ridiculous proposal yesterday.
She even managed to sidetrack David long enough that he lost track of where Jack and I had gone.
Jack slides out of bed and pulls on the pair of jeans he’d left hanging over the chair while I walk to the bathroom and grab the bathrobe from behind the door. I slip it on, tying a knot at the waist.
When I walk out, Jack is standing in the foyer talking to Holly, who has a bag in her hand.
“Hey!” She rushes over to me and pulls me into a hug. “How are you?”
“I’m good. Don’t worry about me. Really.”
Holly steps back and frowns. “I’m always going to worry about you, just like you’d do for me.” She hands me the overly large tote bag. “I grabbed whatever I thought you’d need for a few days. If I forgot anything, just let me know.”
I grip the bag in my hand. “I will. You’re the best,” I tell her and hug her again.
“Keep in touch.” She turns to Jack. “Bye,” she says and walks out the door, leaving us alone.
“What’s the plan?” I ask him.
“The plan is to lay low until we hear from your lawyer. But I do have a few surprises up my sleeve,” he says, walking up to me.
“Oh yeah? What’s that?”
He grins. “Let’s order breakfast and then you have a full spa day booked. I made the appointment while you were in the bath last night.”
Reaching up, I twine my arms around his neck and give him a long kiss. “You’re being so good to me. I show up on your doorstep with problems and—”
He cuts me off with another kiss, this one much longer. His tongue sweeps into my mouth and tangles with mine. I reach onto my toes to match his every movement. By the time we break apart, I’m out of breath.
We order breakfast and eat outside on the balcony of our room. I’m starving and indulge in cornflake-covered French toast smothered in maple syrup. Once again, Jack watches me with an indulgent, soft look on his handsome face.
I grin as I dip my napkin in the water and blot off the syrup around my mouth.
His gaze falls there and his navy eyes darken.
“I could do that for you.” He pulls my chair closer to him and seals his mouth over mine, licking my lips and groaning with each taste he gets.
Desire swirls through me. I don’t know what it is with this man, but just kissing him leaves me wet with need.
He lifts his head, breaking our connection. “I’d love to continue this in bed,” he says in a deep voice. “But you have an appointment and I don’t want you to miss out.” I pout and he laughs. “You’ll be happy once you’re being massaged and getting the stress and kinks worked out of your muscles.”
He booked me a massage and a full spa day, which is glorious.
I sigh. “You’re right.”
I spend the better part of the day at the spa on top of the hotel, and he’s right. After all the luxurious pampering, I feel like a different person. My muscles are lax and my brain is mush. No anxiety-ridden thoughts to be found.
Another day passes. I haven’t had my cell phone since we were at the attorney’s office, and I’ve called my parents from Jack’s phone, telling them I lost mine. That keeps them in the dark for a while longer.
Now, we’re watching some action flick on television, but my mind is elsewhere. I’ve checked in with work. I was supposed to be back this week but as I’m steering clear of Chandler, I had to take another stretch of time off.
Jack’s cell rings and when he nods at me, I know it’s the attorney. My stomach flips, my nerves back in full force.
He slides his finger across the screen and holds the phone to his ear. “Hello?” He listens, then says, “Hi, Robert.” More listening until I’m jumping out of my skin with anticipation. “Yes. We’ll be there.”
“What did he say?” I ask as soon as he disconnects the call.
“His office, tomorrow morning at nine a.m.”
I press a hand to my chest and force myself to breathe.
He slides his hand into mine and squeezes. “Look at it this way. Things with the senator are almost over.”
I squeeze back. “Thank God.”