“Well, if you’re going to continue to self-flagellate, I suppose you could buy me some diamonds.”
He snorted out a laugh. “You don’t seem like the diamonds-as-apology type of woman.”
“That’s quite possibly the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”
She got up and went into the attached bathroom to clean up. Lord, her hair was a mess, her lips were puffy, and she had to do some definite damage control. She smoothed her hair and corrected her clothing, but there was nothing she could do about the flush on her face. Hopefully people would think it was the heat.
Gray came in and wound his arms around her, then kissed her temple. “I love making love with you. But I was wrapped up in my own head—” He pointed to his forehead. “This one. And not thinking about covering up the other one. I’m sorry for not thinking about your protection.”
She turned in his arms, then lifted up to kiss him. “Thank you. But I got caught up in the heat of the moment, too. Remember, it takes two people. We’re fine, okay?”
“Okay.” He kissed her. “And I’m sorry about that shit with my dad. He screws with my head even without trying. I ruined your day.”
“You didn’t ruin my day at all.”
“Let’s go do the speech and photos thing.”
“Don’t do that on my account, Gray.”
“I am doing it for you. And for my mom. But most important, I’m doing it for me. I made a commitment and I’m going to stick with it. The old man isn’t going to run me off anymore.”
She slid her fingers up his arms. He was relaxed, no tension in his muscles. “If you’re certain that’s what you want, let’s go.”
“I’m sure.”
They found the senator outside with Loretta. He looked concerned when they met up, not upset or angry.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
Gray gave a curt nod. “Fine. Sorry for the delay. Are you ready to get started?”
Evelyn squeezed his arm. “I’ll get the media in place, then we can begin.”
She got everyone assembled, then went up to the podium and introduced Gray.
He was perfect as he spoke about the holiday, what it meant to him, and thanked those in service for fighting for his country. And though he didn’t highlight his father’s accomplishments as senator, you couldn’t tell there was friction between them or what Gray personally felt about his dad as he introduced him. He was polite and courteous as he made the introduction. Then the senator stepped up and they hugged briefly before the senator took the podium to make his remarks.
All in all, a great few moments, and she’d have good quotes, photos, and sound bites for social media.
“Did I do all right?” Gray asked when the senator finished speaking and the crowds began to disperse.
“You did great. Thank you. I know that wasn’t easy for you.”
He shrugged. “It was over fast. That part was good.”
She laughed. They grabbed more food and drink, and Gray crowded around with Trevor and Drew, laughing while they told him about the golf tournament. She was glad he was relaxed now. She worried for him after that tense exchange with his father. Though not many words had been said, there were undertones of history between them, things from Gray’s past she obviously didn’t know about that ran deep and upset him.
She wished he would talk to her about them, but he obviously didn’t trust her enough yet to open up. And she wouldn’t force it. Maybe someday.
At dark, there were fireworks, a spectacular forty-five-minute display that left Evelyn in awe. After, the guests began to leave. Evelyn made sure to thank the media who’d come for the speech and to make arrangements to receive copies of the sound bites and photos. She’d already grabbed some photos and quotes and put them up on the senator’s social media accounts since it was important to be in real time for the senator, but she’d do more in the coming days.
They had already made arrangements to spend the night on the ranch. Evelyn was glad they didn’t have to drive to the airport and fly out tonight. It had been a long, exhausting day and she was ready for bed.
Though it would have been nice to go to bed with Gray, they had separate bedrooms. And since this was his parents’ home, sneaking into his room would not be a good idea.
So he walked her up to her room and said good night. Since his mother had also walked up with them, his good night was very short and curt.
“See you in the morning,” he said, his gaze lingering.
She looked over his shoulder at his mother, who stood at the top of the stairs, obviously wanting a word with her son. So she smiled. “Good night, Gray.”