Electing Love (The Collins Brothers Book Three) Read online

  “Forget the election. A sex tape can be proven false.” He came to sit beside her on the bed and petted her hair. She gazed at him as he twirled a strand of her hair with his finger. “Besides, you’re the best part of this. And I told you we were going to be targets politically. I’d guess this costar wanted his name in the papers. If anyone uses this against you, give me their name.”

  “Until you, no one cared one way or the other about me.” She shook as she sat up and curled into his side. “I can’t let you down. I’ll find someone to hire to prove the tape is a vicious lie.”

  “We’ve more important things to worry about than some guy in California.” His hand on her back gave her strength. “We’re spending the day at my parents’, Nicole. Let’s get over there for breakfast and I’ll call Barnie.”

  She threw her legs over the side of the bed and stood again. Then she leaned down and kissed his cheek.

  If she ever saw Philip, she’d run the no-talent, fame-seeking jerk through the heart with a fork. No one should mess with Gerard’s chances, let alone someone she hardly knew.

  ***

  Gerard drove into his parents’ driveway and she pushed down in her seat to avoid looking at the mansion. The press had gathered on the sidewalk and snapped pictures. She didn’t want to see his mother right now. As they passed the gates, someone came up to the window to get a shot of her. She covered her face. “Gerard, let’s leave. I don’t want to go in there.”

  “We’ll tell them it wasn’t you on the tape and leave it there.” He parked near the house and turned the engine off. “Mom will be your biggest ally.”

  Her face heated. “I don’t see how.”

  “No one here has a right to judge. But we need to find out what Liam will tell us about the Boroni family.”

  She glanced over her shoulder to see if she could spot a bus stop. She cringed and turned around. She had no escape options, so she stepped out of the car.

  He waited for her. She shoved her hands in her pockets, closed her eyes, and hoped to vanish into thin air.

  Her wish didn’t happen.

  He came beside her and placed his hand on the base of her spine. At the step to the door, he massaged her. “Relax. It’s my family. They won’t hold a lie against you.”

  His fingers were warm, and his touch helped. She nodded and stepped forward. As the door swung open, she ensured her arms stayed at her sides as she went inside. “Let’s talk about your next debate in a few days. Are you prepared?”

  “No.” He opened his hand, and she took the offer.

  “I’ll help you run your lines.”

  His mother called from down the hall, “Gerard. Nicole, over here. Lock the door. I made us breakfast.”

  She shouldn’t be here. Nicole inched back like she’d run out the door. Her head felt lighter. “Tell her I’m not hungry.”

  “Be still, Nicole.” He massaged her back again, and she took a deep breath and walked with him into the dining room.

  His entire family sat around the table. Nicole felt like she danced on flames. They must all believe her one of the Hollywood sex-tape crowd now. She fiddled with her hem and kept her head low.

  The men stood as they walked in. She swayed on her feet and stepped closer to Gerard. He then cleared his throat and said, “The sex tape is a fake. No one is to embarrass Nicole asking her about her former costar.”

  She hoped the earth swallowed her. The silence clung in the air. She took a breath and met everyone’s gaze. “I don’t know why anyone would want that kind of publicity.”

  Liam dropped his napkin on the table. “So you don’t have that sun and moon tattoo on your back?”

  “Wait? What?” She gulped. Evidence it wasn’t her. She breathed easier. “No, I don’t.”

  “Nicole doesn’t have any tattoos,” Gerard said. “See, Nicole, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.” Then he nudged her forward. “Let’s sit now.”

  The tension in her body dissipated and hunger surfaced. She squeezed Gerard’s arm as she sat down. “Stella would have snickered and giggled as she replayed the whole thing every time she saw me.”

  Kate called out, “Our sisters can never meet.”

  Gerard shrugged. “We stick together in this house.”

  Gigi passed a plate of food in Nicole’s direction and smiled. Nicole stared at all of them. She had never seen a family quite like this one. Her heart lifted higher in her chest.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Gerard

  During breakfast, Gerard caught Liam’s gaze a dozen times. They needed to speak. What happened had to be an isolated incident. The dinner winded down and Nicole floated over to speak to Kate, and his mother and Gigi went to join them.

  Gerard motioned with a tug of his ear to Liam that they should go. Liam stood, and Gerard led him through the kitchen door.

  Nicole squeezed his hand as he left. Her smile caused an electric surge through him.

  Liam held the door for him as they walked into the sunroom.

  As he shut the door, Gerard asked, “What happened last night?”

  “Sebastian is in custody. Every Boroni on the radar is out of commission, but the next week or two is when political favors will get called in.” Liam sat down. “And I spoke to Barnie. Your poll numbers climb when you give a speech on TV saying you are hard on crime.”

  “The sex tape is going to hurt the poll numbers.”

  “I already sent Barnie the FBI evidence that it’s a forgery. I’m sure he’ll call you with a strategy for how to speak in public on that today.”

  Gerard ran his hand through his hair. “I’m marrying Nicole. I don’t want her in danger.”

  Liam nodded. “There is no one on our radar who’s a threat to you or her.”

  Gerard sucked in his breath. “I don’t know.”

  “If I hear anything, I will let you know.”

  “Nicole and her sister are now my priority.” Gerard’s hands clenched. “I need you to be sure.”

  “Fair enough.” Liam inched closer. “We all like Nicole, you know.”

  “Stop.” Gerard shook his head. “We’re done for now. You just keep your criminal investigation to yourself.”

  Gerard turned like the Marines taught him and marched out the door. If he did marry Nicole, he’d want to stay married to her.

  ***

  Nicole’s sexy gaze caught Gerard’s eye. She smiled, and her smell of vanilla urged him to have another taste. He stood closer as she said, “Your mother has the priest coming over. We’re to go upstairs and find proper clothes.”

  This wasn’t the plan. “I don’t have clothes here.”

  Nicole winked at Kate on the other couch. “Kate has samples of next year’s line upstairs for us to wear.”

  “Okay. Father O’Reilly and my mom will have lots to talk about.”

  Nicole stood and held on to the table. “Also, I picked a wedding date.”

  There had three the last time he saw her with a calendar. This was getting real. “When?”

  “This Saturday. We’ll need to do the online Pre-Cana classes for the church as soon as possible. Father O’Reilly can give us the log-in information.”

  He crossed his arms. “No need to rush. We can get married anywhere, at any time.”

  She shook her head. “We’ll spend a few hours on a computer or do it every night as an activity.”

  “We don’t have to do anything because my mother says.”

  She let the table go. “I agree with her.”

  His eyes widened. “You do?”

  “Your mother wishes for a Catholic service, so go downstairs and apply.” She sucked in on her lower lip. He’d agree to anything she wanted. “I’ll find clothes upstairs. Meet me in a minute.”

  “I’ll walk you.” Gerard placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her to the stairwell.

  She deserved better than him, but he’d not let go. “At the next debate, you’ll shine again.” She reached around and hugged him. �
��We’ll practice this time.”

  “I will speak to Barnie and figure out how best to address the lies about you with the press.” He kissed her cheek as she stepped onto the first step. “My mother and Barnie will take less than ten minutes.”

  “Hurry.”

  Her cheeks were rosy. She smiled and glanced away from him. She’d be the perfect wife.

  ***

  Gerard stood on the patio and didn’t move. Nicole stood in a blue dress next to his mother in the kitchen. He fixed the tie she had left for him. Then he coughed and called in, “Nicole, can I speak to you a minute?”

  She followed him to the now empty dining room. “What’s up?”

  “I’m heading into town.”

  She tilted her head. “Why?”

  Thoughts raced through him. He sighed. “I have something to do that will help my campaign.”

  “Is it dangerous?”

  “No.”

  “Okay. I’m clearly overly worried since yesterday’s car chase. I’ll let go. Have fun.” Nicole shrugged and opened the kitchen door. His mother turned to stare back at whatever she whipped in a bowl. Nicole then finished, “The women will wait here. Hurry back to meet with Father O’Reilly.”

  He nodded and stormed out the front door. He flew like something demonic would grab him and hold him down.

  Outside, he ran his hand through his hair as he stared at his cars. His stomach dropped. The bullet holes in his baby-blue Aston martin meant she was injured. This car had been his teenage dream, but now she had to go to the dealer.

  The sporty two-seater represented his single, carefree days. With the damage, it was time to go and buy a new car.

  As he opened the car door, he froze. His imagination rushed through an image of Nicole, his wife, and two of their children in the yard. He shook his head to clear his vision.

  He’d not tell Nicole his dream. He started the engine, and as the car purred, his shoulders tightened. Nicole might choose Hollywood in the end, and not him.

  He turned onto the main road.

  The hum in his brain stayed focused on the election. He might win. Nicole was the only woman he’d want as a wife.

  He tapped the wheel. Politics and the need to help people ran in his veins. This car screamed “bachelor who sped through life.” He gritted his teeth.

  It was time to take control and change.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  Nicole

  Nicole agreed with every wedding suggestion Father O’Reilly and his mother came up with. She kept the list on a notepad, and she flipped the page. She had never once dreamed about a wedding as she grew up. Truthfully, she’d never once thought about anything as a teen except a big escape.

  She stared at Gerard’s mother as she animatedly discussed ribbons. Her own mother would have not had a clue.

  Kate waltzed through the door with two women. They all stood. Kate said, “These two are my designers. They need Nicole’s measurements so we can make the dress overnight.”

  “Sounds great.”

  Kate stood with her arms flat on both sides of her, like she was joining the Marines. “Yours will be custom made. We’ll attend to everything, but if we could get a picture of you in the dress, we’d appreciate it, Nicole.”

  Nicole walked over to her and squeezed her arm. She’d worn designer clothes at many red carpet events and mentioned who she wore. Kate would be family if the wedding worked out. Nicole smiled. “Okay. Perfect, as long as I get to see the designs.”

  “We have a portfolio of drawings ready for you.”

  Her future mother-in-law said, “We have to discuss the church decor.”

  Perhaps Nicole ought to discuss how she intended to be Gerard’s wife with Gerard. The priest and Margaret had no idea. Nicole swallowed. “I’m good with whatever you decide.”

  His mother’s eyes misted. “Thank you.”

  Nicole’s heart lifted as she walked toward the steps with the designers.

  Halfway up, Gigi walked into the living room and called out for Nicole, “One minute.”

  Nicole walked down the steps. “Yes.”

  Gigi nodded and held out the phone in her hand. “The menu needs your approval, and we need you to pick out the cake flavor fast if they are to bake anything bigger than three tiers in a few days.”

  “I don’t know. I haven’t eaten cake in years.”

  Kate’s hands went to her hips. “What about chocolate? Do you eat it?”

  Nicole’s head bobbed back and forth as she stared at all of them. They all ate sweets. She stared at the ceiling. “I’ve not had a bite in forever.”

  Gigi sighed. “Do you hate sweets?”

  “No.” Nicole stared at all of them. “The camera adds pounds… That sounds awful.”

  His mother read the list Nicole had made a minute ago, and asked, “Want to pick Gerard’s favorite?”

  Nicole nodded. “Sounds perfect.”

  Margaret shrugged and told Gigi, “Gerard likes chocolate peanut butter cake and red velvet.”

  Nicole swallowed. “Can you add chocolate pretzels to the order? I used to love them together.”

  “Done.” Gigi picked up the phone. “I’ll order both, then. Each layer can be different.”

  Nicole pinched her nose. Everyone was trying to help. She went upstairs and stared at the designs as the women measured every inch of her skin.

  Kate bounced into the room and asked, “Did you pick a design, or should my people go back come up with more ideas?”

  Nicole picked the one that clung to her chest, but then exploded with lace and silk. She’d be a queen. “I like this one.”

  Her assistant back in Los Angeles would have said, “No, we have to pick one that’s more formfitting. Show it while you have it.”

  Nicole held her breath and waited. Kate stared at the design and smiled. “Perfect. I’m on it.”

  Nicole exhaled.

  Kate put the files in a black bag and handed it to one of the women taking measurements. Kate then stared into Nicole’s eyes. “Why don’t we go to lunch in the village to get away from this for an hour? The details are decided and we have people to do their jobs, so it’s time to relax.”

  Nicole nodded. Today she’d speak to Gerard about how she wanted a real marriage. “Yes. Let’s do that.”

  Kate flung the door open. “Meet you downstairs.”

  Nicole dressed fast. She turned the strap of her shoes behind her ankle and raced downstairs.

  Gigi nodded as she spoke on the phone. “A chocolate buffet will be perfect.”

  She hung up. “Chocolate is the closest thing we have to food that induces happiness as well as sex.”

  Nicole closed her eyes and remembered M&M’s, the colors, and the milk chocolate texture. She’d given that up to star in movies. “Okay, deal. Let’s go.”

  Outside in the afternoon sun, the tension eased out of her. She followed as the group piled in Gigi’s luxury black SUV. Nicole jumped in the back seat with Margaret. “Did you make all the arrangement with the priest?”

  “Done.”

  Gigi started the car. “We kept bombarding you with questions, but now we’re done.”

  As the car reversed out of the driveway, Margaret crossed her legs. “Are you in love with my son?”

  The hum of the engine was the only noise in the car. Nicole’s entire face felt tight. She had no answer. Everyone stared at her and tension racked in her spine. She blinked and then said, “He’s the best man I’ve met.”

  “Good enough answer for now.” Margaret stared at Gigi’s head. “We’ll clear this up soon enough.”

  From the mirror, Nicole witnessed both of the women in the front raise their eyebrows.

  “Did I tell you how Conall and I married?” Margaret asked as she turned to stare at Nicole.

  Nicole shook her head. “No. How did you meet Gerard’s father?”

  “We went to school together, so I met him before I knew about any of that emotional stuff your movies stir
up in a woman.” Nicole smiled.

  “Like Sean and me,” Gigi called from the front seat.

  Margaret continued, “I thought he was the perfect man for me, until he moved to New York, and never called. I thought he ditched me for some fancy life.”

  “That’s horrible,” Nicole said.

  Margaret then smiled and shrugged. “It wasn’t true, though. My father didn’t want me with him and ensured I never heard from him.”

  “So what brought him back?”

  Margaret reached out and took her hand. “I was to marry someone else. Conall showed up to pay respects to me, but when I said I loved him, he demanded we marry instead.”

  Nicole answered in a hushed voice, “We’re getting married because my heart believes we should.”

  “Good.”

  Nicole lifted her gaze. “I’m not following a rulebook, just my instincts.”

  “That’s normal,” Kate added.

  As Gigi passed the main square, Nicole’s spine tingled near the realtor’s office. “Can we can stop in the realtor’s office after lunch? I’d like to check in on the real estate contract.”

  Gigi answered, “Okay.”

  In the front of the car, the women talked again. His mother smiled at her, and Nicole decided to text Gerard. We’re in Gigi’s car, heading to lunch in town. See you soon, Gerard.

  She tucked her phone in her pocket book. He was the best man she’d ever met. That her hair that now stood on its ends was just a flashback to yesterday’s car chase.

  ***

  “Slut.”

  Nicole’s ears rang the second she stepped into the exclusive restaurant. She gritted her teeth, and hoped she’d misheard the word. She glanced around the room, but couldn’t figure out where that hateful female voice came from.

  Margaret took her hand and squeezed. “This way.”

  Kate and Gigi flanked her. Nicole’s heart seemed to grow. Gerard’s family gathered around her like they were her human shield.

  “We don’t have to stay here.” His mother tapped her heels together and stared at the staff and the patrons. “The place looks like it’s falling apart anyhow.”

  “I’m fine.” Nicole patted the woman’s arm. Her own mother wouldn’t have protected her like Margaret tried to. Nicole smiled. “This place is beautiful. Let’s follow the hostess and get a seat.”