Reporters shouted out questions, but before I knew it, I was in Drake’s arms. Our embrace was tighter than it had ever been.
“You didn’t have to do that,” he whispered into my hair.
“Yes, I did. Please don’t go through with this. My past can’t be changed, but you can change the future. Don’t you see? People need you. I need you. You’re a great man, a selfless man, and we need more men like you. You’re a leader. Don’t follow the path of those who need to hurt others to gain what they want. Lead the way your parents taught you—by example. Be strong for those who are weak. Be you.”
When he rested his forehead on mine, I added, “By the way, I kind of stole your brother’s car.” I leaned back and winked at him, and then kissed him on the cheek.
Drake looked down and closed his eyes briefly. It was then I realized the room had gone silent. He looked up at me and smiled before he stepped in front of the lectern.
“Now you can all see why I’m in love with her.” His dimple appeared, and there were a few laughs in the crowd.
I made my way back to Mason, and he pulled me to his side and kissed my cheek. “You’re incredible.”
“No,” I said as we both looked at Drake. “He is.”
CHAPTER 22
Drake
No one had ever made me feel as complete as Lucy did. Yes, my family was wonderful and loved me unconditionally, but the place Lucy held in my heart was reserved just for her. When she told me she’d stolen Jack’s car, I stifled a laugh. Granted, he had a small fleet, and each one cost more than I made in a year, but they were his babies. He was going to have a heart attack.
After what Lucy did for me, there was no way I could renounce my candidacy. Not yet, anyway. But I needed to speak with her and make a decision because she was right. Politics was what I was meant to do, and it was my dream. I would have given it all up for her, but she didn’t want that. What she didn’t know and I hadn’t realized was that my dreams had changed.
“Ladies and gentleman, I’m not prepared to continue at this point.” The crowd of reporters grumbled and some shouted questions at me anyway, but I spoke over them. “I’ll be making a formal statement by next Friday. Thank you for coming.”
Ben, who had been waiting in the wings, walked up the steps and fielded general questions, usually responding, “No comment.”
Lucy was still off to the side waiting for me, standing next to Mason. As I made my way toward her, I noticed small worry lines creasing her forehead.
Mason smiled and extended his hand. “You’re a good man, Prescott.”
We shook hands. “Thanks. You’re not too bad yourself. Lucy told me you’re moving. We’ll be sure to visit you.” Lucy looked curiously at me at that, and I pulled her to my side.
Mason grinned at us. “Thanks. I’m going to take off now. I need to finish packing.”
“You’re the best, Mace.” Lucy smiled back at him and watched a moment as he threaded his way out through the reporters. Then looking up at me, she asked, “Drake? Are you okay?”
Her voice was like a warm blanket on a cold morning. And I hoped to be spending all my cold mornings here on out with her.
“Yes. But I’d like you to come with me. There are some people I’d like you to meet.”
“Okay, but I should probably return Jack’s car first.” Her rosy lips curved into a smile.
“Probably. Do I want to know which car it was?”
“The SL Roadster. It’s a great car,” she said, her eyes shining.
I chuckled and gave her a squeeze. “Yes, and it’s his baby. Let’s get it back to him.”
? ? ?
After we dropped off Jack’s car and left him a note of thanks, she got in mine and we headed toward our destination. Curious, I asked, “How did you know about the press conference today?”