“Purple dress, remember?”
“How did you—” I began to ask.
“I just did. Take a deep breath. It’s going to be okay.”
Nodding, I let in a long gulp of air and allowed it to fill my lungs.
No matter what happened tonight, I knew that everything would be just fine as long as Jackson was there to hold my hand.
Jackson
The restaurant was exactly the type of place I’d expected a Senator and his wife to dine. Upscale and refined, it was known for its exclusive menu and world-class chef. It was also impossibly hard to get into—unless, of course, one had money.
It was rumored that Douglas Prescott’s wealth was grossly exaggerated. Having been in several confidential meetings with him now, I knew this to be fairly inaccurate. The man was loaded. But wealthy politicians didn’t go over well in an economy where jobs were scarce and prices were sky-high. Even a rich Republican had to do his best to connect with the regular folk, and that was exactly what the good old Senator from Virginia was trying to do.
My opinion on the man was still on the fence, and most of it hinged on how he behaved tonight.
He could wine and dine the American people until he was blue in the face. What he did with his campaign was his business.
What he did with Liv, however, was my business.
I didn’t care that his account meant more to my boss than life itself. I would do whatever was necessary to protect what was mine—even if it meant leaving the position I’d come here for.
I had no idea what to expect as Liv’s hand slipped in mine, and we walked through the double doors of the restaurant.
Would her father be rigid and formal? Or would he break down at the mere sight of his little girl? Would he feel betrayed at the sight of me by her side wondering if I’d known who he was this entire time and never told him anything about Liv?
Honestly, I didn’t give a fuck what he thought of me, but I did care how he treated Liv, and I didn’t want my professional involvement to affect that.
After quickly checking in with the ma?tre d’, we were escorted to a cozy table near the back of the restaurant.
So, the old man had requested privacy for this little reunion?
I wasn’t exactly sure how I felt about that.
I squeezed Liv’s hand, quickly grabbing her attention. “You ready for this? We could still turn around.” I winked.
She smiled hesitantly and rubbed my knuckle with her thumb. “Nervous, counselor?” she joked.
“No way. I’m pumped.”
“Liar.”
When we reached the booth, the ma?tre d’ formally announced us, “Sir, here is the rest of your party. Shall I bring the bottle of wine you selected?”
“Yes, that would be lovely,” the Senator replied.
I couldn’t see him yet. My view was blocked by several plants and lavish floral decorations placed between each booth, obviously creating a feeling of intimacy.
“Olivia,” he greeted, his voice growing noticeably choked. “My Livvy Lou.”
“Hi, Daddy,” she replied.
I’d never heard that nickname, but I instantly loved it. It was endearing and sweet, and it gave me visions of a little girl with long braids climbing trees and piggybacking on her father.
A petite woman with dark chestnut hair and bright blue eyes, brimming with tears stood to greet us. She pulled Liv into her arms and held her tightly.
As they embraced, I got my first glimpse of the Senator outside of the conference walls of my office building. He looked up at the sight of his daughter and wife with satisfaction and obvious emotion. It wasn’t until Liv stepped back to take my hand once more that he seemed to notice anyone else.
“Mom, Dad, I’d like you to meet my boyfriend,” Liv said formally. She snuck a smirk in my direction, no doubt a response to her choice of title for me.
Her father rose from the table, outstretching his hand toward me. “Jackson Reid,” he stated.
“Yes, sir. Pleasure to meet you—again,” I added.
“I hadn’t realized,” he said, gesturing for us to join them at the table.
Liv went first, taking the seat closest to her father, and I slid in next to her.
“I apologize for blindsiding you, sir,” I began.
“Please, call me Doug,” he requested.
Nodding, I continued, “I didn’t want my relationship with Liv to appear as me trying in any way to get the upper hand with you in our day jobs. Considering the situation, I also wanted to protect Liv. I hope you understand my decision.”