Protecting Her(90)

“Pearce. Welcome.” Wingate shakes his hand.

“Rachel.” He lifts my hand up and kisses it. “You look gorgeous, as always.”

“Thank you.” I smile and take my hand back.

Wingate reminds me of Royce Sinclair. Always putting on a phony act. Smiling for the cameras. Then as soon as the cameras shut off, his true self comes out. His temper flares. He yells at his staff. Complains about everything.

Yet for some reason, Pearce insists on supporting Wingate’s campaign. He says Wingate has bold ideas and is taking the country in the right direction. I’m not sure I agree with that, but Pearce does, so he donates a lot of money to Wingate’s campaign. Enough money that we received an invitation to this very exclusive event.

“You’ll be attending my speech tomorrow afternoon, correct?” Wingate asks Pearce.

“Of course. I’m looking forward to it.”

“After my speech, I’m hoping you’ll say a few words on my behalf. I’ve asked several of my top donors to do so.”

“Certainly. I’d be happy to.”

He flashes his wide politician smile at us. “Excellent. Well, enjoy your evening.” He waves at someone across the room, then hurries over there.

“I was hoping we could skip that event tomorrow,” I say to Pearce. “And maybe go home early.”

“Sweetheart, Garret is fine. Stop worrying about him. He sounded happy when we talked to him.”

“I know, but he was so sad when we left. I’d just feel better if we were home with him.”

“We’ll be home tomorrow night.”

“But he’ll be asleep when we get there.”

“You can go in his room, kiss him goodnight, and then he’ll wake up and see you first thing Tuesday morning.” Pearce leans down and lowers his voice. “Until then, you’re all mine. And I plan to take advantage of every moment I have alone with you.” His hand moves to my back. The dress I’m wearing is backless and the feel of his warm hand on my skin sends a tingle through me.

“How long do we have to stay here?” I quietly ask.

“Two hours, max,” he says under his breath.

A waiter walks by with a tray of champagne. Pearce grabs two glasses and gives me one.

He holds up his glass. “To my beautiful bride.”

“To my handsome husband.” We clink glasses and take a sip of champagne.

“We should probably mingle with our fellow donors.” He ushers me past a group of older men, moving us farther into the ballroom.

“Do you know anyone here?” I ask him.

“A few people.” He nods to the area behind me. “Let’s go over there. I’ll introduce you to Kiefer Douglas.”

“The director?” I whisper, shocked that Pearce knows him. “How do you know Kiefer Douglas?”

“I met him a year ago. I was thinking of having him do some promotional videos for the company.”

“You never told me that.”

“I just didn’t think about it.”

Pearce places his hand on my back and leads me over to Kiefer. He’s thin, with wavy blond hair and a dark tan. He looks like a California surfer, but he’s actually an up-and-coming Hollywood director. He’s worked on some of my favorite romantic comedies.

“Kiefer.” Pearce shakes his hand. “Good to see you again.”

Kiefer smiles. He has very white teeth. Almost too white. “Pearce. I didn’t know you’d be here tonight.”

“I’ve been supporting Wingate for quite some time.” Pearce glances at me. “This is my wife, Rachel. Rachel, this is Kiefer Douglas.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” I shake his hand, feeling nervous. “I’m a big fan of your movies.”

“Thank you. I have two coming out this summer. A romantic comedy and an action film.”

“I can’t wait to see them.” I motion to Pearce. “Although I can’t get Pearce to go to the theater, so we’ll have to wait until they’re out on video.”

“You don’t like going to the movies?” Kiefer asks him.

“I can’t take the crowds and the sticky floors. I’d rather watch at home. So where is your wife this evening?”

“Kelly stayed home with the girls. I’m out here for several days and she doesn’t like leaving them for that long.”