Thank the stars, he’d worn his boxer-briefs to bed. The man was way too tempting to her peace of mind. Not her typical type but that didn’t stop the fantasizing. He’d popped into her dreams like a magical genie, and they’d…they’d…
Heat collected in her cheeks. Luckily, he was a heavy sleeper. Unlike her older brother. Once she’d created space between their bodies, she started shaking, and it wasn’t with fear.
She liked him.
Ashley bit back a groan. Only she could make a relationship difficult. Josh was doing her brother a favor. The ex-soldier was marking time until he decided his future.
The truth—with the campaign at full-tilt plus her constituent duties, a man was the last thing Ashley needed. Men were demanding. Men were possessive. Men were plain hard work. At least, that was her latest experience. Oh! She’d missed telling Josh about her relationship with Charles. The man bore a grudge and was still sore at her for winning the nomination for the Manurewa seat when he’d been confident it was his. Perhaps she’d better mention him to Josh. Although, she doubted Charles would stoop to breaking into her home.
A quick glance at her watch told her to hustle. She had a lot to do today, and dreaming of the impossible was a waste of her day.
She wasn’t Josh’s type. Too serious, one of her previous boyfriends had told her. Too busy, another had declared. Too organized. Lacked spontaneity. She sighed and rolled out of bed to hit the shower. Time to roll on with the political campaign—the part of her life she could control.
After a quick shower, she realized two things. One, she’d forgotten to organize her clothes the previous night. And two, she refused to wear the lingerie her intruder had pawed through. Ashley wrapped a towel around her body—thankfully a large one—and scuttled to her bedroom. She poked her head around the door.
Josh was awake and speaking on his phone. Of course. His gaze tracked to her as she hovered in the doorway.
“Just a sec, Louie.” Josh quirked his lips, his humor reflected in his ocean-blue gaze. “Would it help if I closed my eyes?”
“Yes, please.” So polite when her stomach churned with excitement. That sensual gleam in his expression made her feel special.
“I’ll keep them closed until you tell me.” His cheeky grin pushed heat through her body.
She swallowed, saw his eyes were closed and rushed toward her wardrobe. What could she wear? If she’d been thinking clearly the previous night, she could’ve washed the underwear she’d had on that day. Somehow, she’d have to find time to purchase lingerie today. Meantime, she’d go commando and wear trousers. She shuddered, thinking of the infamous legs episode. Definitely trousers.
She remembered a camisole top and a bra. She’d put them on a drying rack in the laundry. Panties too. Triumphant, she grabbed a rose-colored merino jumper and black trousers before retreating to the laundry.
Her drying rack was empty, her lingerie gone. She stared at the white plastic frame. Her intruder had stolen her laundry too? Muttering under her breath, she stomped back to her clothes where she’d left them in the spare room. She pulled on the trousers and maneuvered the jumper over her head before surveying the result in the half-mirror. The slacks fit well, but any fool could see she was braless.
Ashley checked her watch and muttered again. She needed a scarf or something to hide her chest.
“I’ve made tea,” Josh called. “Should I pour it to go?”
“Yes, please.”
Josh appeared and stared at her, blue eyes so full of heat she froze.
“What?” A defensive note filled her question.
“You look gorgeous.”
“The intruder took my underwear from the laundry. I don’t have any,” she wailed. “I need a scarf to divert gazes from my boobs.”
“Where are the keys for Frog’s car?”
It took Ashley a beat to make sense of the question. Oh! Matt’s car. “They’re in the pantry on a hook. Won’t be long. I need to fix my hair and put on makeup. And find a scarf,” she muttered.
“Leave your hair loose,” Josh suggested, his grin slow, hot, and very male. “It’s beautiful. You look sexy.”
No! She wailed inwardly. That wasn’t the right image to project. Ever since the legs incident, she’d attempted to downplay her appearance. Yes, she’d been lucky in the gene department, but that wasn’t beneficial for politics. Her skin was excellent, and her smile worked for her. But she wanted people to appreciate her brain, not her outer shell. Politicians required smarts. People-skills. They had to think on their feet, communicate concisely. That was what she wished people to remember. Her hard work. Her dedication.
Not her stupid legs or face.
She stomped into her bedroom and brushed on mineral powder and a layer of mascara. A plum lipstick finished her look for the day. Yes. Perfect for her visit to the local school this morning.
Ashley found a cream scarf covered with polka dots in various shades of pink and twisted it into position around her neck. Better. With a black jacket and her black leather ankle boots, she was ready for anything.
Josh was waiting for her in the kitchen with her go-cup, her handbag, and laptop bag ready for her to scoop up. He gave a whistle. “No one would guess you’re not wearing underwear.”
Ashley gasped and tugged at her jersey hem. “You are not a gentleman.”
“Nope,” he said cheerfully. “I’m your beloved fiancé. Give me your hand. No, your left one.”
While she hesitated, he produced a ring from his pocket.
Ashley bit her bottom lip, realized she was chewing off her lipstick and held out her hand. He took it between his callused ones and slid the diamond solitaire onto her ring finger.
“Thank you. It’s beautiful. I’ll take good care of it,” she said.
“You’re trembling. Don’t worry. I’ll be with you every step of the day. No one will hurt you while I’m watching over you.”
“Thanks.” She let him think he’d guessed the reason for her shakes when it was him, his touch that toppled her off balance and the idiotic part of her that wished this was a real engagement. “Have you ever been engaged?”
“No. You?”
“My first time,” Ashley said. “I’d better get moving. If I miss putting an hour in at the office, it throws off my day. My first meeting today is at a school. I’m reading a story to the kids and meeting the parents and teachers for morning tea.”
“I rang a garage to tow your car. Nikolai suggested the guy who does his vehicle repairs. Is that okay?”
“Thank you. I hadn’t got that far yet.”
“Frog’s car started without a problem. Louie will drop around this morning, so I’ll drive you to work and come back to let him inside. His quote won’t take long since I have a good idea of what you need. I’ll be back at your office before you head off for your school meeting.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re very welcome, sweetheart.”
During the ten-minute drive to the office, Ashley pondered over what she’d tell her assistant and the volunteers who worked with her consistently. She wriggled, and her mind slid to underwear and her lack of. “With my luck, the local ladies’ magazine will investigate VPLS today.”
Josh took one hand off the steering wheel and squeezed her knee. “Don’t worry, no one will notice you left your lingerie behind this morning. Besides, I thought visible panty lines were undesirable.”
Ashley couldn’t prevent her small start of surprise at the tingles that ran from his hand and spread up her thigh. “How do you know about VPLS?”
“I have a sister, remember? I learn random factoids from Summer. She’s a librarian and a research whiz.”
Ashley nodded. “Our engagement announcement is worrying me. People’s possible reactions.”
“It’ll be fine. Stick to the story and divert anyone who questions you with policy. You gave me details of past boyfriends. Tell me about your workmates.”
“They’re friends. I trust the
m.” She’d mention Charles later when they had more time.
“Yet telling them you’re engaged makes you nervous.”
“They’ll wonder why I haven’t mentioned you.”
“Tell them it was a security issue. That’s not a lie.” Josh indicated a right turn and pulled up in front of her office. “What time will you leave to go to the primary school?”
“Quarter past nine?”
Josh nodded. “I’ll be here.” He leaned closer and kissed her. A quick press of lips before he returned to his seat.
She blinked, raising her hand to finger her tingling lips. “Why did you kiss me?”
Josh chuckled. “I’m your fiancé. People will expect us to show affection. Come on. I’ll walk you inside before I meet with Louie.”
“You don’t have to escort me.”
“I want to make sure no one is loitering where they shouldn’t be.”
“It’s three steps to the entrance.”
In lieu of an answer, Josh opened his door and rounded the vehicle until he reached the passenger side. “Come on, sweetheart. You have work to do.”
Ashley unfastened her seatbelt and exited the vehicle into the circle of Josh’s arms. His lips twitched as if he tried to stifle his reaction. Epic fail. His grin burst out at her swift intake of breath. Heat crawled through her cheeks as her breasts flattened against his hard chest.
Josh kissed the tip of her nose. “You look gorgeous.” He urged her to the entrance. Josh shouldered open the door, the ting-a-ling of a bell signaling their arrival.
“Good morning, Ashley,” Carrie trilled. Today she’d tamed her thick, frizzy hair with straightening irons. Curiosity shone in her brown eyes as her gaze zapped from her to Josh and back. “Who is this?”
“You must be one of Ashley’s volunteers,” Josh said, extending his right hand in greeting. “I’m Josh Williams, Ashley’s fiancé.”
Carrie’s mouth dropped open, and her eyes bulged until she resembled a bullfrog.
“Congratulations!” Sheryl spoke from behind them. “Is this recent?” Curiosity and speculation filled her gaze.
“Why didn’t you tell us you’re engaged?” Robert snapped. “You don’t wear a ring. We didn’t even know you had a boyfriend.”
“Ashley and I met through her brother. I’m ex-army. New Zealand Special Air Service. Since my job is sensitive, we decided it was better to keep our engagement private until I retired,” Josh said.
Ashley smiled, thankful to Josh for answering their questions.
“Oh, you’re wearing an engagement ring,” Carrie cried.
“I’d better go to meet Louie.” Josh kissed her on the lips and brushed his fingers on her cheek. “See you soon.”
Josh strode from her office, and the tinkle of the bell filled the silence that had fallen.
“He’s a babe,” Carrie blurted. “Why don’t you look happier?”
“I had car trouble last night. Luckily Josh had arrived at my place and was able to pick me up. It’s a problem having my car out of commission.” The excuse emerged without a blink. Whoa! She pressed her lips together in case she blurted an intruder had rifled through her lingerie.
“Oh! Let me see your ring.” Carrie reached for her hand and squeaked. She bounced in excitement. “It’s gorgeous. I adore diamonds. You’re so lucky. Congratulations!”
“Thank you.” Ashley smiled at Carrie’s excitement. “I’d better get to work.”
Robert followed Ashley into her office. “The polls are in.”
His voice held disapproval, and that irked her, caused suspicion. Did he have something to do with—no!
She gave her head a hard shake, forced a smile, and sat behind her desk. They’d worked together since the last campaign. He was hardworking and trustworthy.
To ease the discomfort that had fallen between them, she followed Josh’s suggestion and sought refuge in her job. “What do the polls indicate?”
“Not promising for us. The campaign manager is calling the entire caucus to the meeting tomorrow morning at nine.”
“Bother. Can you change my flights? I’d prefer to fly tonight rather than take an early morning flight. I’ll need a seat for Josh too.”
“Of course,” Robert said. “Will you need me to travel with you?”
Again, Ashley’s mind slid to the letters she’d received, and guilt surfaced. But Robert had an opportunity…
“No, I’d prefer you to cover here. Is that okay?”
“Perfect.” A quick grin wiped away his professionalism. “I have a hot date tonight.”
“Someone I know?”
“No, I met him during my morning run. It progressed to coffee, and now we’re going on a date.” Robert’s blue eyes shone with excitement and anticipation.
“That’s great! I’m so pleased for you, and I hope to meet him soon. Anything important in the correspondence today?” Good for him on sticking his toes back into the dating pool.
“No.” His smile faded to a frown, his brow creasing as he glanced at her. “There was something odd, though. Someone delivered a bouquet.”
Ashley’s brows rose.
“The flowers were dead.”
She blinked, unsure she’d heard right. “Dead?”
“Yes.”
Her pulse jumped, started to race. She coughed to clear her throat. “Was there a card?”
“I put it with the correspondence.”
“Thanks.”
Robert withdrew and shut the door, leaving Ashley alone with her correspondence and her fears.
5 – Chocolate Biscuits and Good News
Josh returned to pick up Ashley, his mind in turmoil. Frog was right. Someone wanted to scare her, and whoever it was, they didn’t intend to backpedal.
They’d sent her notes.
They’d put water in her petrol tank.
They’d entered her home.
He made a mental note to ask to see the correspondence.
Louie was busy installing a security alarm in Ashley’s home, and the mechanic was fixing her car.
Time to dig into her background, past boyfriends, her work colleagues to see what shook loose. He’d speak with Frog, ask for any further info he had that might suggest the identity of whoever was trying to scare Ashley.
After parking, Josh entered the electoral office.
Sheryl glanced up from her desk where she was folding leaflets.
“Hi, is Ashley ready to leave?”
Sheryl smiled, her eyes crinkling behind her blue-rimmed glasses. “Tap on her door and let her know you’re here. She won’t mind. And congratulations on your engagement. You’ve got yourself a winner.”
“I think so,” Josh said.
Robert exited an office, a sheaf of papers in his hands. On spotting Josh, he stiffened a fraction before stretching his mouth into a welcoming smile. The type a crocodile wore before it snapped its dagger-sharp teeth together.
Josh inclined his head. “Is Ashley ready to go to her meeting?”
“I can drive her while her car is at the mechanics,” Robert said. “You must have other things to do.”
“Nope.” Josh took pleasure in disagreeing because it was no hardship to spend time with Ashley. “We haven’t seen each other for ages. We’re catching up.”
“She can’t afford a distraction.” Robert scowled. “I question your timing during her campaign.”
Pompous twit. “I understand Ashley’s ambitions. We’ve discussed it, and I support her wholeheartedly.” He turned his back on the man, rapped his knuckles on the door and stuck his head through the doorway. “Hey, sweetheart. Just wanted to let you know I’m here.”
“Come in,” she said. “Shut the door.”
Josh took one look at her face and slid into her office. “What’s wrong?”
“I received flowers today. Robert threw them away because they were dead, but he kept the attached card.” She opened her handbag and handed him a green card.
I know what you did.
<
br /> Josh lifted his head to study Ashley’s pale face. “Any ideas who might’ve sent the flowers?”
She shook her head. “No. According to Robert, they were on the doorstep when he arrived.”
“We should install security here too,” Josh said.
“I want people to feel welcome. Security cameras everywhere do not signal hospitality to the people who live in my electorate.”
“Whatever you think. Louie might have something to blend into the background. A less obvious camera, its position unknown to staff and visitors. Think about it. Ready to go?”
“Yes.” Ashley stood and grabbed her handbag. “I’m looking forward to this. By the way, I’m flying to Wellington tonight. I asked Robert to book you a ticket.”
“I’d better pack then. What will we be doing in Wellington?”
“I’ll be in a strategy meeting. You’ll have to amuse yourself for two hours.”
“Where is your meeting?”
“At the Condor Hotel. It’s near the Beehive.”
Josh had gone on a school trip to the Beehive, the colloquial name for New Zealand’s parliament buildings, and knew the area well. “Do you have everything you need?”
“Do you mind going to Wellington?”
Josh winked at Carrie who was unashamedly eavesdropping on their conversation. “We can hold hands on the plane and catch up.”
“Ashley needs to study the notes sent to her, ready for the Labor caucus meeting,” Robert said, his voice stuffy.
Josh rolled his eyes. He’d be checking on Robert. He had an entire list of names to review and with Summer’s help, he’d ferret out anything suspicious. This latest note suggested something from her past. He hated to upset Ashley with his prodding, so he’d contact Frog again and hope his friend wasn’t away from base.
The press ambushed them as they arrived at Wellington airport later that night.
“Ashley, the Labor party is behind in the latest poll out this morning. What do you think is going wrong with your campaign?” a reporter demanded.
Josh's Fake Fiancee (Military Men Book 5) Page 5
