“I should cancel,” Ashley said. “Go with you to the medical center.”
“No, please. You’ll lose all the impetus you’ve gained this morning. You have an important job to do, and even though I wish you could, you can’t hide away and let this guy win. Gerry and Nelson will watch over you,” Josh said, praying like hell they did keep her from harm. “Every cop is searching for this guy. As long as you pay attention to your surroundings and follow their instructions, you should be safe enough tonight. I’ll join you as soon as I can.”
Still Ashley hesitated, her face pale and worried. Her gaze kept darting to his arm.
Josh nodded, understanding her shock and hesitation because she wasn’t used to this sort of thing. “I promise I’m fine and well enough to watch dragon movies with you.”
Ashley straightened, obviously coming to a decision. She reached up to kiss Josh’s cheek. “He wants to scare me. He’s succeeded. I’m terrified, but you’re right. People are counting on me. I have a responsibility to my party and my colleagues. I’m willing to follow any instructions the DPS give me. You too. This bully mustn’t win.”
“Go you, sweetheart.” Unable to resist, Josh stole another quick kiss. He pulled back and smiled, wishing he could drag her off to bed or spend a quiet night with her. “I’ll meet you at the party.”
“You should stay at home.”
“No. Nelson and Gerry are skilled policemen. They’re efficient, but I gave Frog my word I’d look after you. I keep my word.”
“This is selfish of me, but I feel safe when you’re around.”
“Josh!” Nelson shouted.
“See you soon, sweetheart.” Josh grabbed his wallet and stuffed it in his pocket. At the last minute, he jogged along the passage to get a clean T-shirt. “Give ’em hell with your speech.”
10 – Seduction and Sin
“Will Josh be okay?” Ashley asked after he left in the cop car.
“He will,” Nelson assured her. “He’s a tough soldier. Don’t worry. Right, this is what we’re going to do. Gerry will back up the vehicle. Once we’re positive it’s safe for you to leave the house, I will come to collect you. Under no circumstances are you to leave our sight when we’re at the cocktail party. Tell us if you exit the room, even if it’s a trip to the restroom. One of us will be with you at every moment.”
“I understand,” Ashley said.
“The other thing. If anyone asks about the shots fired here, tell them you know nothing. We have officers checking into the incident, but we want to keep your stalker in the dark. Going forward, we’ll maintain silence about him.”
“Why?”
“Because he shot at Josh and intended to kill him,” Nelson said bluntly. “He’s made a statement, which tells us he won’t stop. We can’t be sure if it’s publicity he wants or if he doesn’t care who he hurts to get to you. We want to keep him off balance. We’ll also take a look at your schedule. You need to shake it up, so your stalker isn’t positive where you’ll be.”
“That’s going to irritate the press.”
“It’s not our job to placate the reporters.” Nelson quietly observed her, his stance wide and open. Alert. “We’re here for your safety.”
Ashley nodded. “Can I tell the senior party members what’s going on? I’ll need some of them to cover for me if I can’t go to the meetings and functions they’ve organized.”
“Give me a list of who you’re telling and make sure everyone understands they can’t discuss your daily location with anyone who rings for details.”
“That will prove difficult. We share our itinerary with our support staff.”
Nelson fell silent. “How about this? Choose one politician and combine your schedules. Each day discuss between yourselves who will cover which function.”
Ashley scowled. “No, you know what? This is stupid. I can’t let a stalker derail my planned program during the run-up to election day. I have a full schedule, as do other party members. It will cause chaos trying to shuffle everything. I’ll continue with my scheduled functions. And on that note, I’m going to be late if we don’t leave soon.”
“Wait here.” Nelson disappeared.
Ashley blew out a shuddery breath. She picked up her clutch bag and pulled on her evening jacket. Josh had to be okay. In that moment, she realized she cared for him. Along with relying on his presence, Ashley enjoyed his company and eagerly anticipated each day with him at her side. She inhaled and exhaled again. Despite Matt’s warnings about Josh, she’d come to appreciate her fake fiancé. The idea of growing their relationship appealed to her. Enticed her. Made her inner woman whisper a plea for her to take action. If Josh was on the same page as her, she’d happily offer her body and enjoy the heck out of the interaction.
Half an hour later, Ashley entered the Edwardian Hotel. Only delayed by five minutes.
“Ashley.” A gray-haired woman hurried forward.
“I’m so sorry I’m late.” Ashley held out a hand and offered an apologetic smile. “I hope I haven’t kept everyone waiting.”
