Sweet Texas Kiss (Sweet Texas Secrets) (21 page)

The couple disappeared into their limousine and drove off, empty soda cans rattling behind them. The crowd dispersed quickly and without much further comment as the taillights grew dim, and just like that, the party was over.

“I’m dead on my feet, but you look like you could stay up all night,” Ford murmured to Lily as he texted the driver to bring their car around.

She laughed. “This is all an act; believe me, I’m completely exhausted and can’t wait to kick these shoes off. This is only possible because I’ve had years of practice. I’ll be lucky if I get out of this dress before I collapse into bed tonight.”

Unbidden, thoughts of helping Lily out of her dress popped in his head, and he wondered if she was having similar thoughts. He shouldn’t be reading more into his date’s casual affections and wondering if something real could ever develop between them. They had a good time together, they enjoyed a spicy chemistry, but he wasn’t looking for anything serious, not after what happened the one and only time he’d come close to getting engaged. If not for his mother’s interference, Ford had no doubt that he’d be happily married today, probably a father several times over. At eighteen, he’d known he was ready to commit to his girlfriend before they went off to college, but Mother put a stop to it. Courtney Simons hadn’t been good enough for Jessica Richardson’s son, and there was no way in hell she would marry into the family. As one of the five students attending Ford’s prestigious private school on financial scholarship, Courtney was little more than an opportunistic gold digger as far as Mother was concerned.

Ford hadn’t yet grown his backbone and let her convince him to end the relationship, let her chase his girlfriend away while telling himself that Mother was right, he needed to concentrate on his education. Now Courtney was married to another man, someone who deserved her a hell of a lot more than he ever did, and Ford was alone. Over the years, his love for Courtney had indeed faded into fond affection, but the thought of getting close to marriage again made bile rise in this throat. He couldn’t consider marriage without remembering the spineless boy who couldn’t find a way to stand up for himself. Between frustration that his mother would interfere in such a way and his disgust at himself for allowing it, he’d sworn off serious relationships. Until he could look in the mirror and not see the man who’d let his mother dissuade him from marrying the woman he’d loved, he wouldn’t chance it.

One of the things he enjoyed about dating Lily was that she never asked for more from him—never called first, never asked to define the relationship, never pushed for more time together. Being with someone who seemed as averse to commitment as he was freeing. Lily was perfect for him: quick-witted, polished, and stunning. They had a good time together, definitely enjoyed a mutual attraction, but she was content to keep him at arm’s length, and he liked it that way. Since swearing off serious relationships and marriage, Ford found that most of his relationships didn’t last very long; most women wanted their relationships to go somewhere, not continue endlessly without ever progressing. In Lily, he’d been able to enjoy everything he loved about dating without the possibility of disaster.

“If you’re that tired, maybe we should get a suite here. I’d hate for you to collapse from exhaustion.” He grinned and pretended to head back into the hotel. Now that he’d imagined helping her out of her dress, getting a room together seemed like a great idea. He had to stop.

“Not tonight. Take me home, Congressman. I’m beat.” She nodded toward their car as it pulled up at the curb.

Their driver opened the car door, and he watched Lily slide inside before the door closed behind her. Ford followed the driver around and let himself in the opposite side so she wouldn’t be forced to scoot across the seat in that tight pink dress. The interior was cool and quiet, welcome after the lively chatter of the crowd. With the privacy screen closed, he and Lily were ensconced in the hushed shell of the Town Car’s backseat.

Being home for the short fall recess meant that they’d seen each other more in the last several weeks than in the previous months since they’d met and started dating. Ford didn’t know if it was the frequent togetherness, the intimate environment of the quiet backseat, or the exhaustion after sharing in her friend’s emotional day, but Lily scooted close to him and snuggled into him when he draped his arm over her bare shoulders. With her head resting on his shoulder, he only had to turn his head to press a kiss into her hair before inhaling her floral shampoo. She fit there, at his side, in his arms.

“Sunday fun day, tomorrow?” he asked, though he wasn’t sure she hadn’t drifted off to sleep, lulled by the gentle hum of the tires on the street.

She started at his voice, probably close to nodding off. “Not for me, I’m afraid. I’ve been so wrapped up with Carly’s wedding that I’ve neglected my own stuff. Everything’s starting to catch up with me.” She sounded sleepy, the sexy rasp of her drowsy voice making it harder to imagine saying goodbye forever. All he could picture was hearing that voice murmuring from the pillow next to his in the darkness. He had to stop before he said or did something foolish.

“You have vital model business to attend to?” he joked, giving himself a mental shake and lightening his tone.

“Yeah, I have a crucial tanning appointment tomorrow. It just can’t wait another day.” She laughed. “No, actually, I have another meeting with our team about the nonprofit organization I’m trying to get off the ground on Monday. My dad offered to come over tomorrow to catch me up on everything I’ve missed.”

“On a Sunday? You are some dedicated people.”

“I want to be on the same page as everyone else, especially since they’ve all been so nice about the time I spent helping Carly with the wedding. Plus, we just got word on some important funding coming through, so we’re eager to stay focused.”

“This is the group that’s going to help military widows, right?” He knew Lily had gone to college, and anyone who spent any time with her knew that she was more than just a pretty face, but he never would’ve expected her to be so heavily involved with starting a nonprofit. It was a refreshing surprise.

“That’s the one. It’s called Soldier On, and of course we’re still working out exactly what’s practical for us to offer. The primary purpose is to provide services for military widows and widowers who are having trouble reintegrating into civilian life.”

“Wow. That’s a big task to take on, but you know, I can’t think off the top of my head of any group around here offering the same thing.” They rarely talked about Lily’s first husband, but he knew the basics. No doubt she’d gotten the idea for her organization from her personal experience. She was remarkably well-versed in the needs of military widows and seemed passionate about her cause. Why hadn’t she talked about it more before tonight? Because he’d never asked? Not for the first time, he realized how much of their time together was spent doing what he wanted and talking about himself.

“Exactly. It’s an underserved population, one that most people don’t consider in need, probably because everyone’s so vocal with their support. Support doesn’t always last, though, or even translate to any kind of real assistance. Eventually, I’d love if we could function as a one-stop shop for these people leaving military life and returning to civilian status. They need resource referrals, financial assistance, employment service, education, you name it. Some of them have relied on their spouse’s income and have moved around so much they never put down firm roots. They need somewhere they can turn to make the changes a little less overwhelming.”

“So, what’s the end game? Are you planning to run this on the side while everyone stays at their jobs, or are you looking to make a more permanent switch?”

“Honestly? I hadn’t thought much about it until recently because it’s always felt like such an abstract concept. Now that it’s really coming together and it looks like we’ll make this thing a reality, I think I’ll make it my full-time job.”

“Wow, so no more modeling?”

“I could see myself going out for the odd job now and then, but otherwise, yeah, no more modeling. I’m ready to make a change. More often than not, I’ll be on set and all I can think about is new ideas for Soldier On or solving one of the problems that have cropped up. I’ve seen so much of the world and met a lot of incredible people, but this organization is what I actually care about.”

“I’m sure you bring a unique perspective to the table, one that really helps focus your mission.”

“Absolutely. I didn’t have most of the problems we’ll be addressing, but I know what the women are going through. I’ve known plenty of women who could’ve benefited from a place like this. My problems have been more with securing the initial funding as well as figuring out how we plan to keep the doors open and the lights on for the long term. I think we’re talking fundraising tomorrow.”

“Ah, fundraising. My favorite.” Did anyone enjoy fundraising?

“Yeah, I guess you know more than most that it’s a necessary evil. I’ll do whatever I need to do but never imagined how difficult it would be to get funding. I guess I thought money would follow the idea.” She laughed softly, gesturing in the darkened car. “I came up with this big idea but realized pretty quickly that I don’t know the first thing about starting or running a nonprofit. My degree is in social work, but I’ve never even worked in my field. My dad is on the board, and he’s got a ton of experience working in social services. It’s been helpful when it comes to the nuts and bolts, and it’s really just nice to have something we love to do together.”

“My dad was very involved in my first campaign. We had a good experience, but I think it was a bit much for him. Working with family is one of those things that can go either way, I guess.”

“Oh yeah. I wasn’t sure how it would work out with us, but it’s been great so far. We’ve tackled some big issues together, and so far, so good. Our next big hurdle will be finding a building. That might do us in.” She laughed. “Unless we find an amazing real estate agent, the stress could get to us.”

Ford may have grown up in the isolated luxury of wealth, surrounded by people who’d never known hardship, but he spent a considerable amount of time in his district. He wasn’t ignorant to the way people lived, the way real people struggled with everyday life. Any organization that helped women and men get back on their feet after losing their spouses in service to the country was one that he’d support. Getting involved with Soldier On could be a great way to pay Lily back for all the time and attention she’d given to him.

“Do you need anything? I could help.” The thought of spending time with Lily as well as doing something to help such a worthy cause was intriguing.

She sat up, and while her focused attention was amazing, he missed having her in his arms. “Would you have time?”

“That depends on what you need, but I’d be happy to do what I can.”

“Aren’t you super focused on your re-election? I mean, I know you’re kind of getting down to the wire with the campaigning this time of year.”

“I don’t spend all my time campaigning. I’m here with you tonight, aren’t I?”

“You know what I mean. Your work time.”

“I hate to point out the obvious, but the families who benefit from your organization might vote, and fundraiser events are typically full of voters as well. But that’s not why I offered.” She dropped her gaze, and he continued. “Your idea has a lot of promise, and I’d like to help.”

When she looked back up, he knew if he gave himself half a chance, he could get lost in those eyes. “Thank you. I hate to take advantage of you, but we could really use a big name.”

“It’s not taking advantage; I offered. Besides, it’ll be nice to help you out for once.”

“What do you mean?”

“Having you at my side helps every single time we go out. Every fundraiser, every social cocktail hour, every photo op. I invite you because I enjoy your company, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t good for my campaign. You definitely make me look good.”

She grinned, her eyes reflecting flashes of light from passing traffic. “I never thought of it like that, so you’re welcome.” Her light laugh wrapped around him in the car’s dark interior. “Seriously, though, one thing we’re lacking is publicity. It would be amazing if we could get a spot on
Good Morning, Dallas
. If you have a good contact there, I would really appreciate an introduction. Maybe I could get them to book us for an interview spot.”

“I actually do know the woman who books their guests, and she is easy to work with, so that’s no problem. Consider it done.” Glad he could help, he enjoyed the soft weight of her settling into the crook of his arm as they rode on.

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Praise for
The Election Connection
:

“Monica Tillery has taken the story of two people thrust into a fake arrangement and made it her own ... a real page turner.”--4 stars,
InD'Tale Magazine

For more books by Monica Tillery, check out:

The Confection Connection

“ ... she creates great characters that you can't help but fall for.” —4.5 stars, Up All Night, Read All Day
“
The Confection Connection
... flows easily, leaving you feeling warm and cozy throughout. The characters are well developed, believable and the attraction between the two is intense and yet modest.” —Eat Sleep Read Review

“When two people (who) think they hate each other are forced to work together and then fall in love, it makes for a sweet, sultry romance.” —4 stars, Ebooks Galore Reviews
“If you watch a lot of cooking shows on TV, put down the remote and pick up this book, especially when something boring is on, i.e. a recipe not involving sugar or butter.” —Lyra's Musings
“
The Confection Connection
brings together two former rivals who realize that there is a fine line between love and hate, and creates a story that is sugary sweet.”—Night Owl Reviews

A Sweet Deal