Incumbent Read online

  It felt like the most natural thing in the world.

  Chapter 6

  ~ Drake ~

  Josh had thought I was nuts inviting another guy to the game. When I explained I’d done it for Lucy, he laughed at me.

  “You did it for yourself,” he’d said. “Don’t tell me that you didn’t think how awesome you would appear in her eyes by inviting her best friend.” Waggling his eyebrows, he’d added, “Did you get lucky?”

  I set him straight pretty quickly, letting him know my intentions were sincere. All I wanted was for Lucy to be happy.

  In retrospect, I supposed my brother was right. If I had Mason in my corner, it would only help my relationship—or want of a relationship—with Lucy. The getting-lucky part? I was still working on that, but when it did happen, we’d both be lucky. It certainly wouldn’t be a one-night stand or a short fling. My feelings for her ran deeper than that.

  Before Mason left the ballpark that night, he told me I’d better not hurt Lucy, and to give her time. It had taken me aback a little because I’d never want to hurt her, nor did I think I was capable of it.

  The more I thought about Mason’s warning, the more I wondered about Lucy’s past. Did someone hurt her, and if so, why? Who would do that to her? I knew she didn’t have a family, she told me all she had was Mason, so was it her parents who’d hurt her? All I had were questions and no answers.

  Maybe that was what Mason meant when he told me to give her time—time to tell me about her past. That I could do.

  • • •

  The next morning, I headed to the local veterans’ hospital to visit injured vets, but not for my campaign. These visits were personal, and I refused to exploit them. It was important to me to spend time with men and women who were injured as they fought for our country, and were now trying to get back on their feet.

  My father was a doctor and volunteered whenever he could to lend a helping hand, or just to sit and have conversations with the patients. Not all of them were from this area, so they didn’t have regular visitors, and always welcomed our visits. My siblings and I had been coming here for years, and although our busy schedules meant we came at different times now, the visits didn’t stop. My favorite time to visit was during the holidays. There was no better gift than to share your time with someone who needed companionship, especially if they were alone during that tough time of year.

  Speaking to these brave men and women always filled me with gratitude. They’d been through so much, and although they engaged in battle when they were deployed, some of them still battled here—either with their own demons due to PTSD, or with bureaucracy. I made mental notes of their needs and did my best to address what I could. These people had served well, putting our country and our freedom before themselves and their families, and they deserved all the help we could give them.

  For those ready to reenter the work force, I did my best to get them jobs, or at least leads for employment. One woman, Jennifer, had suffered a spinal injury, but thanks to physical therapy she received here, she had fully recovered. She now worked at Josh’s restaurant as a part-time sous chef while she attended culinary school.

  This was the way I was raised. Our parents taught us to help people when we were able and to never be judgmental. It was never a question of why; it was a question of why not.

  • • •

  When I left the hospital, I headed to campaign headquarters for a meeting with Ben. Although my campaign was in its early stages, we’d already rented office space and had set up a headquarters.

  I was early, so I sat at my desk, which was much smaller and less ostentatious than the one in my office on Capitol Hill, and went over my campaign schedule for the coming week. Ben had a packed schedule for me; apparently he didn’t get the hint when I told him I didn’t want to go full throttle into campaign mode until after the primary in June.

  But true to his nature, Ben had a different plan. His heart was in the right place since my most likely opponent and the current forerunner on the Democratic ticket, Fredrik Grissett, was making the rounds. Grissett was known to play hardball. He’d toss his own mother under the bus if it meant getting elected.

  It didn’t help that our high schools had been rivals. He was the quarterback for their team when we crushed them in the state championship in my senior year. Apparently he still held a grudge; according to Ben, Grissett was going to come after me, no holds barred.

  When Ben walked into my office and dropped into the seat opposite my desk, the stormy look on his face gave me an indication of his mood. Frowning at me, he didn’t even say hello before he went on the attack.

  “So, when were you going to tell me you went on a date to the Nationals game?”

  And that tone of disapproval is exactly why I didn’t tell you, I thought.

  “How did you know I did that? Are you having me followed?” I chuckled, but was only half kidding and more than half curious.

  “No, but I did watch it on TV. In the sixth inning when the ball was hit to center field, I saw you sitting between Josh and the schoolteacher.” He glared at me. “Do you know how lucky you are that the announcers and the cameraman didn’t realize it was you? You can’t just go on dates without getting a background check.”

  My head snapped toward him. “No. No background check. I’ve told you before, I want to be the one to find out about her. Can’t you understand that?”

  I clenched my teeth as I bit back my anger. Ben was like a dog with a bone. He’d most likely run a check anyway, if he hadn’t already started.

  “Senator, with all due respect, how well do you know her?” When he saw the look on my face, his expression gentled, as well as his tone. “Look, Drake, I know you value your reputation, or you wouldn’t always have Gretchen posing as your date at events. So tell me, why during this election year you want to take a chance?”

  Because she’s worth it.

  I rubbed the back of my neck. “Just for once, let me handle things. What do you think she’s done? Gone to jail?” Knowing he only had my best interest at heart, I took a cleansing breath before adding, “Thank you for your concern, Ben. If I need anything, you’ll be the first to know.”

  Ben nodded without saying a word. That was all the confirmation I received, but it was enough for me to know he understood—or he better have.

  After we went over the schedule for the coming week, finalizing a few future events at my office and the logistics that went along with them, I headed home.

  My brownstone was in the Capitol Hill district, which made my daily commute a breeze. But now that I had an interest in the Northern Virginia area, I wished I’d moved there instead.

  At the thought of Lucy, I grabbed my phone and called her. With each unanswered ring, the pounding in my chest strengthened. Her voice was sweet on her voice mail message, and I waited for it to end so I could leave mine.

  “Hi, Lucy, it’s Drake. I had a great time at the game, and I hope you did too. Call me when you get a chance.”

  I tossed my phone beside me on the couch and leaned my head back, resting as I turned on the TV and tuned it to SportsCenter.

  About twenty minutes later and just before the Top 10 Plays segment, my phone rang.

  Lucy.

  “Hey there,” I said, and instantly second-guessed myself. Who answers the phone like that, you idiot? But when she let out a cute giggle, I mentally sighed in relief.

  “Hi, Drake. I meant to call you earlier to thank you for the game last night. I had fun and really enjoyed meeting your family. They’re wonderful.”

  Her enthusiasm seemed genuine, and it warmed me from the inside out. Family was the most important thing to me, and if the person I was interested in didn’t like mine, it would be a deal breaker.

  “I’m glad to hear that. They really liked you too.”

  She sighed. “I’m glad.”

  “So, since everyone likes each other, how about coming with me tomorrow to my parents’ house?”

 
; When she said nothing for a moment, I tried again.

  “My family gets together every Sunday to have an early dinner together. We’re all so busy, but that seems to be the best time for all of us. It’s relaxed and informal, and I’d love for you to come with me.”

  After another small pause, but not too long for me to worry, she said, “I’d like that.”

  “Great. I’ll be at your place at noon. And, Lucy?”

  “Yes?”

  “I’m turning my phone off so you can’t call to cancel.” I chuckled, and she matched it with a laugh.

  “Fine. No canceling. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “’Bye, Lucy.”

  “Drake?” Her sweet voice made me want to keep her on the phone all night. Or better yet, to go to her place and spend all night there.

  “Yes?”

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  I hung up and went back to watching ESPN until sleep claimed me.

  • • •

  Sunday promised to be a beautiful sunny day. Since I normally woke at the crack of dawn, I went to early Mass before changing and going for my morning jog near the Washington Monument. I loved this city and the amount of history it held.

  But as my feet pounded the pavement today, all I could think about was getting to Lucy’s. When tourists began to fill the streets, snapping pictures here and there, I pulled the brim of my cap down low and made my way back home.

  Just after noon, I picked up Lucy at her apartment. We were on our way to my parents’ house when I noticed her staring off into space as she twirled the ends of her hair between her fingers.

  “Would you like to listen to some music?” I asked.

  “I’m sorry, what?” Her hands dropped to her lap as she turned toward me.

  Not thinking twice about it, I placed my hand on top of hers and curled my fingers around her palm. “Is everything okay?”

  “Yes, it’s just I’m a bit nervous. Will your whole family be there?”

  “I’m not sure who will be there. Usually, it’s me, Gretch, Josh, and Jack. My other brother, Dane, isn’t around too much.”

  “I had no idea your family was that big.” Her right hand crept up, and she went back to twirling her hair.

  “I’m the oldest, then there’s Jack, Dane, Josh, and Gretchen.”

  “Poor Gretchen, surrounded by big brothers. That had to be rough. Honestly, I can’t imagine having siblings, especially so many.”

  “You’re an only child?”

  She looked at me with sadness in her eyes and nodded.

  Had she always wanted a big family?

  “Well, when you’re with the Prescotts, you’re one of us.” I gave her a quick wink before I pulled into my parents’ driveway. Their large brick home was situated on a beautiful lot in Vienna, Virginia. It could look intimidating from the outside, but my mother decorated the inside to feel warm and welcoming.

  As I took her hand to help her out of the car, my eyes drank her in. She looked beautiful in her black slacks and sleeveless cherry-red top. I couldn’t help but notice the fine hairs on her arms stand up as I took her hand in mine.

  Once the door was closed, I cupped her face with my hands. “You look nervous.”

  “I am.”

  “Do you like me, Lucy?” I stared at her beautiful brown eyes that had a hint of bronze in them in the sunlight.

  After inhaling a swift breath, she said, “Yes.”

  “Good, because I like you a lot, and I know just the way to relax you.”

  Her eyelashes fluttered against her cheekbones. “How do you plan on doing that?”

  Our lips met, and I slid my fingers into her silky hair. When a soft moan escaped her, I deepened the kiss. Our tongues met for a moment before I ended the kiss and gave her a peck on the lips.

  Resting my forehead against hers, I asked, “Feel better now?”

  She nodded, her face flushed.

  I grabbed her hand and chuckled as she swiped her thumb under her lower lip. “Good, because I feel fantastic.”

  Inside, laughter erupted from the kitchen, and I couldn’t help but be happy.

  “There you are!” a voice called out behind us. “I thought that was you I heard drive up.”

  My mom stepped into the foyer to embrace me. She loosened her grip on me and turned toward Lucy. Mom’s smile and warmth were contagious, something I’d always admired about her.

  “You must be Lucy.”

  “I am. Hi, Mrs. Prescott.” Lucy extended her hand, but my mother pulled her in and gave her a quick squeeze. “Please, call me Tina.”

  Gretchen came in to join us. “Hey, you two.” She gave us both a kiss on the cheek.

  “Hi, sis. Who else is here?”

  “Josh is out back grilling, and Jack is supervising.” Gretchen laughed, and I joined in.

  When I looked at Lucy, her brows were drawn together as she looked between us.

  “Jack is the world’s worst griller,” I explained, “but he’d never admit it.” She smiled, but I thought seeing was believing. “Let’s go out back.”

  Sure enough, Josh was standing in front of the grill on the large fieldstone patio out back, while Jack kicked back in a chaise lounge nearby. They were both having a beer and debating baseball stats, but when Jack saw Lucy, he stopped talking.

  Immediately, I wrapped my arm around her shoulders. Jack might be my brother, but he was also a man, and he certainly wasn’t blind.

  “Hey, Lucy!” Josh wiped his hands on the towel he had tossed over his shoulder and gave her a swift kiss on the cheek. “I’m glad you made it this time. You look beautiful.” He looked at me. “You’re not too bad yourself, for an old man.”

  “Why don’t you go back to grilling?” I shot back, and Josh laughed.

  When Jack stood and strolled toward us, I made the introductions.

  “Lucy, this is my brother Jack. Jack, this is Lucy.”

  As my brother took in Lucy’s beauty, a sense of possessiveness consumed me. Jack and I had always had the same taste in women, and sometimes they’d flip-flop between us. But that wasn’t going to happen this time.

  “It’s great to meet you,” he said, and I was pleased when they just shook hands.

  Mom and Gretchen came out the back door with platters of salad and other side dishes, and placed them on the oversized picnic table on the patio. We all sat down as Josh plated the steaks he’d been grilling.

  Turning to Mom, I asked, “Where’s Dad?”

  “He was called to the hospital. There was a multiple-victim car accident, and he had to go in.”

  We were all used to him being called away, so it wasn’t anything new to us. I was just disappointed because I wanted Lucy to meet him.

  The food was delicious, as usual. Conversation at the table flowed back and forth, mostly between my family as we ate, and we were all sitting back in our chairs taking a break before dessert when my mom turned her attention to Lucy.

  “So, is your family from Virginia, Lucy?” Mom smiled, but Lucy’s back stiffened, and although she formed a tight smile, it didn’t meet her eyes.

  “No, I moved here for college and decided to stay.”

  “Where are you from?” Jack asked, always the most inquisitive one.

  I’d been down this path before with Lucy, and it wasn’t a comfortable one for her. Biting my lip, I glanced between them, not sure what to do. Although I wanted to know more about her, I didn’t want her to feel uneasy.

  Lucy took a sip of her water and released a shaky breath. I didn’t think anyone else noticed, but I did, and it worried me.

  “I was born in Colorado.”

  Jack leaned forward, interested. “I did some business there in Denver. What a beautiful city. It was as if I was driving into a postcard every day.”

  Lucy nodded, but kept her answer short. “Yes, it’s a beautiful state. The weather was a bit unpredictable, though.”

  She reached for her water glass again, and
Gretchen grinned mischievously.

  “Is it true if you have sex in Colorado, you’re inducted into the Mile High Club?”

  Lucy’s eyes widened, and she choked a bit on her water.

  “Gretchen Margaret!” Mom’s scolding voice said it for all of us. Even though my mom was biting back a smile, the rest of us just stared at our baby sister.

  “Settle down, boys, it’s a valid question.” Gretchen rolled her eyes at Lucy. “They treat me like a teenager.”

  “I think it’s sweet.” Lucy finally smiled. “I’m an only child, so I never had any of this.” She waved her hand to indicate me and my siblings.

  Deciding it was time to rescue Lucy from the inquisition, I stood up. “Can you excuse us, please? I’m going to show Lucy around.” I offered her my hand, and she looked up at me with gratitude in her eyes.

  As we made our way through my parents’ home, I brought Lucy into the library, my mom’s pride and joy. Dark cherrywood shelves covered three walls from floor to ceiling, but the fourth wall was all glass and overlooked the yard and pond out back.

  “Wow, this is stunning.” She ran her hand along one of the two wingback chairs that faced outside. “I don’t think I’d ever leave this room.”

  When her eyes met mine, something inside me ached with yearning. It was as if there was a vacancy in me that I wanted her to fill.

  “It seems as if you’ve intrigued my brother Jack.”

  “Did I?” A cute crease formed between her eyes.

  “Let’s just say I’m glad I met you first.”

  She grinned and walked toward the window. I stepped up behind her and placed my hands on her shoulders, touching my chin to her hair as we took in the view.

  “So, tell me what you like in a man.”

  Her cheeks turned a pretty shade of pink as she glanced at me from the corner of her eye. Tilting her head a bit, she considered my question.

  “Someone who is well read,” she said slowly, frowning in thought, “understands the world revolves around more than just the bottom line, and that people can’t be bought.”

  Turning to face me, she added earnestly, “There are a lot of people in the world who don’t see the good in others. That’s the problem with our society. When people let social status dictate who someone should have in their life and who should be shunned, that causes division. History has taught us that not everything is cut and dry.”