The Billionaire's Temporary Bride (Scandal, Inc #3)(71)

But Jack didn't give that answer. Instead, he doubled back.

"Before I answer that question," he said, "I'd like to take a moment to address a few of the things my opponent said in his last response. Many of you out there have known me for most of my life, since I was the age of Alice's son, since before that time. People always think it's easier to be part of a wealthy and famous family, but I have to tell you, for once in his life, my opponent was right about something. The most important thing you can do for your son is care for him. My job is to make sure you and families just like yours have everything they need to succeed. That includes helping create jobs, and it involves ensuring our public schools are the best funded and best run schools in the country. That's my job. As for what you can do, give him all the love and support he needs." He looked over to the side of the stage and locked his eyes on Charlotte. "Sometimes you just need someone to be there for you."

The rest of the debate passed without incident, but every time he looked at Greg, Jack looked like he could melt iron with his stare. As soon as the moderator thanked the candidates for participating, Lauren poked Charlotte in the side. "Come on, you're up," she said.

"What are you talking about?" Charlotte asked.

"Your man just spent an hour thumping his chest at Big Greg. Now we need to go out and show the media his other side. We need pictures of you and Jack arm in arm because there are two ways this can play in the media tomorrow. One, Jack Coburn is a hothead who can't hold his temper. Two, and you better hope it's two, Jack Coburn is passionate and caring. If he takes a swing at Greg, over the night goes to Lapierre. If he showers affection on you, then he's relatable. There are tens of thousands of people watching this. Go out there and kiss him before the cameras cut out. It's time for your relationship to become the story."

Charlotte felt like the floor had dropped out below her. She was quite content hanging on Jack's arm at fundraisers, but becoming the big story on live television? She wasn't so sure that was a good idea. After all, if Big Greg really did know anything about their marriage, it would only make things worse. Besides, Charlotte wasn't even sure how Jack felt about her. The night was a great example of just how damn confusing it was to be with him. One minute, he was sulking off and the next he was staring into her eyes and all but saying how much he needed her.

"Is that what he needs?" Charlotte asked.

"That's what we all need. It makes your pretty, yacht-sailing boyfriend relatable. This is your chance to make one hell of an impression."

"He's not my boyfriend," Charlotte said, tucking an errant strand of hair behind her ear. "He's my husband."

Lauren smiled and gave Charlotte a gentle push forward onto the stage.

Charlotte did her best not to look at Big Greg as he hugged his wife and his perfect daughters. Instead, she focused on Jack, who was clenching his fists behind the podium. Charlotte could tell he was doing everything in his power not to continue his argument with Greg.

Charlotte grabbed his tie and pulled herself close, pressing her lips against his. She felt the warm rush she hadn't felt since the last night of their honeymoon. What had started out for show quickly deepened into something more, and she leaned her weight against him as Jack kissed her back. A moment later, breathless, she brushed her cheek against his. "Did the cameras get that?" she whispered.

"I don't know," Jack said, "but I know I sure did."


Charlotte nuzzled against him. "Watch your temper," she said. "Even if he thinks something's fishy, there's no way Big Greg can know our secret, right?"

Jack shook his head as he stepped down from the podium and crossed the stage with Charlotte. "Don't worry. That's not what he's after," he said.

Having Jack tell her not to worry about it calmed Charlotte's nerves some, but he still seemed so worked up. Charlotte could see Jack replaying the debate in his head as they crossed the stage. "What do you m—" she asked, cutting off when they reached Lauren.

Jack pulled his campaign manager aside. "Find the woman from the audience, and find me someone who can get her a decent job. Start calling our supporters if you have to. How many tech CEOs have written us checks? Find someone who can use her help. Just make it happen," he said.

"Is that realistic?" Lauren asked.

"What the hell are we doing this for if we can't help the people who need us?" Jack asked. "Besides, they'll be happy to put a face on the job creating they're doing around here."

"I'll get on it as soon as we're done here," Lauren said. "Meanwhile, I need you for two minutes."

"That's fine," Charlotte said, "I'll take the chance to run to the bathroom."

As she made her way down the hall, Charlotte saw Big Greg leaning against a wall, talking to a reporter. Charlotte tried to look away as she passed, but she couldn't help but overhear what Greg was saying.

"How long have the two of them been married?" he said. "I'm just saying a famous bachelor like that… He's been in quite a few relationships. If you dig a little deeper, I think you might be surprised at what a nice smile and a family fortune can cover up." He looked over and locked his eyes on Charlotte. "Evening Mrs. Coburn," he said.