“Do I want to know?” He grinned, daring her to confess to childhood antics.
“I never had any. My last summer here I went out back with Eddie Flores, but I chickened out and ran back inside. In hindsight, I’m glad.” She didn’t mention that he’d had bad breath which had been the catalyst for her escape, but it had caused her to save her first kiss for a long-term boyfriend in high school.
Joel’s eyes spread wide. “Eddie Flores, the notorious congressman playboy?”
“One and the same.”
His demeanor changed, shoulders slumped. “I feel completely out of my league here.”
“Don’t. Politicians and their kids are just like us, but with more sets of issues.” She wrapped an arm around his. “And you’re a good man. You're honest, compassionate, generous, and real. In the measures that count, you exceed them all.”
“So do you,” he whispered in a low and husky voice that sent pleasant shivers through her.
Her breath caught, and it took several seconds for her to speak again. “Would you like to see the stables?”
“Sure.”
She made a right turn onto a different path. Several hundred feet later she heard footsteps approaching, fast and determined.
Joel reached out, putting a protective hand on her arm.
Had he noticed his instinctive move?
“Don’t go any further,” a stern voice commanded.
In slow motion, she and Joel turned around to see camp security and a secret service agent approaching them.
“Ms. Frey?” The security guard asked.
“Yes.” Her insides trembled. “Is there a problem?”
The secret service agent stepped forward. “I’m afraid we’ll have to ask you and your friend to leave the camp property immediately.”
“Why? I went through all the proper protocol.” She should have followed their instructions without questions. She knew where it would lead, but had to hear it. Needed Joel to hear, so he knew the ramifications of any involvement with her.
“Ma’am, the worker up front didn’t realize who your father is.” The agent had the decency to at least look apologetic. “By association, your presence puts our campers at an unnecessary risk and safety is our top priority.”
She swallowed and forced her head to remain held high. “I understand. I’ll leave now.”
“Thank you for your cooperation.” The agent tilted his chin toward the security guard. “He’ll escort you back to your vehicle.”
Shamed to her core, all she could do was put one foot in front of the other until they turned in their visitor badges and stood by Joel’s truck.
“I’m sorry.” Joel brushed a hand against her cheek after she sat in the car.
Too embarrassed, she didn’t speak or say a word. Couldn’t even find a tear to shed.
Joel took a seat in the driver’s seat without another word. He drove down the single path coming in and out of the camp.
After they’d left the property, the tears came in an unexpected torrent. Her body wracked with the sobs she’d held in for weeks, and anger built anew at her dad. It wasn’t fair.
Without preamble, Joel pulled off the road and unbuckled his seatbelt. Slid over to her as close as the center console allowed and took her in his arms. “They don’t define you, nor does your dad’s actions. You are Cassidy, a beautiful daughter of God.”
“It hurts,” she mumbled through her cries.
“I know, sweetheart, and I’m so sorry.” He stroked circles on her back until she regained composure.
When the tears subsided, she took a tissue from her purse and wiped her eyes. “I’m sorry for falling apart on you.”
“Don’t be. You had every reason to.” He sat upright but kept a hand on her. “Are you going to be all right?”
“Eventually.” She drew a long, calming breath. “Thank you for being with me.”
“My honor.”
“This is my life. Because of my dad, I also wear a scarlet T for treason, even though I’m innocent.” She tried to warn him in not so many words that involvement with her would only lead to trouble. “I’m an instant liability.”
He squeezed her hand a final time before driving back on the road. “Not to those who matter.”
