Chapter 16
Teresa’s eyes blazed with anger as she looked at Jackson. “What were you thinking? I told you she was bad news! You think those cameras showed up by accident?”
“No,” Jackson said. “But I don’t think she had anything to do with it.”
She rolled her eyes. “You slept with her and now you think she’s just an innocent woman who wants nothing more than the best for you.”
“I never said I slept with—that doesn’t matter. Look. This picture shows two people going to breakfast. We haven’t done anything wrong and it has nothing to do with my campaign.”
Teresa slid her iPad over to him. On the screen was the QC After Dark blog’s story about him and Liza. “Look at the comments.”
Jackson was surprised at how many people had latched on to the story, had opinions about his sex life and were just cruel to Liza. “You’re going to have to make some kind of statement,” Teresa said. “See how you go from hero to sex addict in twenty-four hours?”
“Sex addict? Really?” Jackson said with a chuckle.
“That’s what the voters will see. You’re single and you can’t control your libido—why should they trust you in Raleigh? All anyone you rub the wrong way will have to do is stick a pretty girl in your face and boom !”
“You’re overacting right now.”
“No,” she said as she began to pace. “You’re underacting to the fact that people judge your every move. Oh, look, here’s an update.” She shoved her phone in his face, showing him a news alert from Channel Nine. “Guess who was seen leaving your residence? Now there is no doubt that you two are sleeping together—at least in the public’s eyes.”
“So, what are we supposed to do?” he asked.
Teresa, for once, was at a loss for words. Walking over to the TV in the corner of the conference room, she turned the power on and they watched the mid-morning newscast. Of course, there was a breaking news alert.
“Though the primary election has been pushed back, it is not quiet in the campaign for North Carolina’s new senate district. Video emerged this morning showing two rivals heading to breakfast. Liza Palmer, a public relations expert and until recently a member of Robert Montgomery’s political team, and Jackson Franklin, the other democratic candidate running for the senate seat, were seen together at a Charlotte restaurant. Montgomery released a statement this morning saying that Palmer had been released from the campaign and was trying to team up with his opponent to share inside information about his campaign,” the anchor said. Robert appeared on the screen.
“I thought Liza Palmer was a friend. We’ve known each other for years, but it seems that she has fallen into the trap of power. She decided that she wanted to play the game of seek and destroy. I was hoping that my opponent, Mr. Franklin, would honor our pledge of a clean and positive campaign, but I see that he has dishonored what we agreed to by teaming up with a vindictive and vengeful woman. Is this the kind of person we want in the General Assembly? We have too many people in Raleigh who don’t keep their word to protect, serve, and put the citizens first. Sending Franklin there to represent this new district would be like keeping the status quo in place.”
“Turn it off,” Jackson said as he fumed.
Teresa shut the TV off and took a seat beside Jackson. “I’m sure you and Liza had an innocent breakfast. Now, how do we convince the public of that?”
“Knock, knock,” Liza said from the doorway.
“Oh, great!” Teresa exclaimed, then headed to the window. “Why are you here?”
“Calm down,” Jackson said, trying not to smile at the alluring woman standing in his doorway. She looked ready for action in her pink business suit and white heels.
“Teresa, let me say that it is an honor to finally meet you in person. I simply wish it was under better circumstances,” Liza said as she strode over to her. Teresa ignored Liza’s outstretched hand and closed the blinds.
“Again,” Teresa said, “why are you here? I’m sure you know the media will be all over this nonstory.”
“I’m here to offer my help, as I offered to Jackson before.”
He shook his head. “I don’t want your kind of help, Liza.”
“Even with him all over the news painting you as the liar when we have concrete evidence that he is?!” Liza shouted.
“What evidence?” Teresa asked.
Jackson shook his head at Liza. “No.”
Ignoring him, she pulled out her phone and showed Teresa the scandalous photos of Robert and the woman in his office. Teresa shrugged. “We can’t do anything with those pictures. That’s actually between him and the woman he plans to marry.”
“Even after all of the things he said on the news? I heard it on the way over and I don’t think it’s fair that he gets to start these rumors about Jackson and get away with it.”
Teresa folded her arms across her chest. “Let’s be honest, Miss Palmer. This is more about your reputation and not Jackson’s. Tell me what your game is and why I shouldn’t just toss you out of here and have your picture placed with security as someone to keep off the property?”
“I’m not going to lie; I want to clear my name and I also want Jackson to win this seat. Robert is not the man I believed in all of those years ago—hell, even a week ago.”
“And who’s to say that this isn’t a ruse to get Jackson to go negative and prove your buddy right?”
Liza and Jackson sighed in unison. Teresa shook her head. “How sweet. But would you answer my question?” she snapped.
“Do you really think I’d risk my reputation for Robert? What do I have to gain by looking like a lunatic while he’s sitting in Raleigh? I’ve worked too hard to play a game that would cost me everything. And I’d never give up who I am for a man.”
Jackson crossed over to Liza, understanding her outburst, and wrapped his arm around her sagging shoulders. “Liza isn’t the problem,” he said.
“Maybe,” Teresa replied, softening a bit. “I have an idea. The two of you need to have a press conference.”
“What?” Jackson asked.
“The public needs to know that Liza is not affiliated with our campaign. So, we hold a press conference and let everyone know that she isn’t doing all of that stuff that Montgomery said this morning. And it reeks of Nic. I really despise that man. He has a lot of people fooled. But he’s dirty and, Liza, that’s why I thought you were. If I was wrong, I apologize. But if I happen to be right, God help you. I believe in Jackson.” She shot him a look, then shook her head. “And that’s why I’m not leaving this campaign. But the longer we keep quiet, people are going to believe that Robert is right. Liza, this is your forte, isn’t it? Get a statement together and let’s call the media.”
“But I thought I wasn’t a part of the campaign,” she said.
“You’re not, but I’d be a fool not to allow you to use your specific skill set to help us get the focus back on what’s important. The issues.”
Jackson smiled at Liza and dropped his arm. “I guess we have work to do.”
She reached into her oversized purse and pulled out her iPad. “Then let’s get busy,” she said.
Jackson forced himself to ignore the twitching in his groin at the way she said “get busy.”
About three hours later, Jackson had a new admiration for Liza—and it had nothing to do with the curves he knew were underneath that tailored pants suit. She was really good at her job. She’d crafted a statement that didn’t read as if it was canned. It was as if she’d captured what Jackson would actually say. No wonder her clients ranged from professional athletes to millionaire CEOs.
“This is good,” Teresa said as she read over the release. “Too bad you can’t be a part of our team.”
“I have the key for you to win,” Liza said. “But just like Jackson, you believe in truth, justice, and the . . . whatever. I want to help.”
“Darling, after today and what Montgomery went on camera and said, you can’t help us at all.
Unless you want to give a really nice donation.”
Liza sighed and sucked her bottom lip in. Then she looked from Jackson to Teresa. “I want Jackson to win, and if this press statement helps and I need to make a donation, then I will.”
Teresa smiled brightly. “That sounds like a plan, because as good as you are with what you do, Montgomery pissed on any help you could give us. Make sure you make your check out to the Committee to Elect Jackson Franklin.”
Liza smiled sardonically as she reached into her purse and retrieved her checkbook. “Yeah, he made a mess of anything I could do to help you guys without looking like a total stalker.” She made out the check and handed it to Teresa.
“But you want Jackson to win?” she asked.
Liza nodded. Not only did she want Jackson to win, she wanted to spend another night wrapped in his arms with his lips pressed against hers. However, that was none of Teresa’s business.
“If that’s the case, then you should walk away from Jackson,” she said.
“Teresa,” Jackson said.
She squeezed her temples. “I don’t know how to explain this to either of you. Whatever is blooming here—It. Can’t. Happen. Not right now. If Liza didn’t know Montgomery, I’d be all for it. Wouldn’t care who you spent your time with. But you were Robert’s cheerleader for a long time. This isn’t going to look good and it will lead to a lot of questions that take the focus off the issues. The public is easily sidetracked by bullshit like this.”
Jackson and Liza exchanged perplexing glances. Silently, they told each other that last night hadn’t been a one-night stand. But how would they see each other when the media would be on their tail?
Jackson wanted to pretend that after today’s statement things would return to the issues and his personal life would be his to have again. But he wasn’t that naïve. He knew that every reporter in the state would be looking for a chance to find him and Liza together. That would be breaking news. Then there was Liza’s business and reputation to consider. She’d worked too hard to allow rumors and innuendos to bring her down. Jackson wanted to proclaim what she would mean to him after getting to know her better. But was that the public’s business? Hell no. What he wanted to share with Liza was something that didn’t need to be publicized on the evening news. She touched him in a way that he hadn’t felt in years. And what was most important, he felt as if she was a woman he could trust. Then again, he’d felt like this before and come home to watching the love of his life riding another man as if she had graduated from the school of Bronco Billy.
“Seems like we’re going to lead the five o’clock broadcasts. So, we have a couple of hours to work everything out,” Teresa said as she looked from Jackson to Liza. “I’d love it if you two just didn’t look at each other like you wanted to head straight to bed.”
Jackson wondered if it was that obvious. “I’m going to get some coffee,” he said. “Can I get either of you ladies anything?”
Teresa crossed over to Jackson and tapped him on the shoulder. “I’ll get the coffee, you two do whatever,” she said, then headed out the door.
Jackson turned to Liza and smiled. “I guess we have to avoid eye contact,” he said.
“When the cameras are around, yes. But I think we’re alone now,” she replied with a wink. Jackson crossed over to her and drew Liza into his arms.
“Then let’s do this thing we’ve been wanting to do since you walked in the door.” He brought his lips down on top of hers and kissed her slow, long, and deep. Her tongue danced with his in a sexy tango that made him harder than concrete. He cupped her bottom, pulling her closer as their kiss deepened. Liza nibbled on his bottom lip and Jackson moaned. Her mouth was magical. Just the thought of some of the things her mouth did last night made him even harder. Pulling back before he took her right there on the table, Jackson stroked her cheek. “You know this complicates things.”
She sighed. “I know. I guess we’ll always have last night.”
“And tonight. I just don’t want you to think that every time I invite you out and you end up at my house I’m trying to take advantage of you.”
“After all of this, you want me come over tonight?” She shook her head. “Jackson, if you want to win this election, you and I can’t . . .”
“My personal life has nothing to do with the election. And that’s one of the reasons why I never would’ve used those pictures of Montgomery and that woman.”
Liza sucked her teeth. “You’re giving voters way too much credit. People don’t separate private and public anymore. Once you decide that you’re going to be a politician, you give up privacy. From what you post on social media to the woman you want to spend the night with.”
“Liza, I’m not a teenager hiding from his parents. If I want to see you, I will. And I do want to see you—every inch.”
She trembled with desire as he brought his lips to her ear. “And,” he said, “you’re going to come over in something as alluring as that jumpsuit you wore last night. I like peeling your clothes off.”
The heat from his breath almost made her want to peel her clothes off right then, to hell with the media, the rumors, and everything else. She wanted Jackson with every fiber of her being. “I could take a cab over. Because I don’t want to do anything that would cost you an election that you deserve to win.”
Before Jackson could respond, Teresa returned with the coffee. “Is all the sexual tension gone now? I just saw Channel Nine’s truck pull up. Remember, we’re telling them that you two aren’t involved—politically. Anything else would just be a lie.”
Jackson winked at Liza, then straightened his tie. “We’re good.”
“I’m going to check my makeup,” Liza said. “Where’s the bathroom?”
Teresa headed for the door. “I’ll show you.” As she and Liza walked out of the conference room, he wondered how he was going to keep his feelings for Liza under wraps.
When Liza walked into the restroom to touch up her lipstick, she hadn’t expected Teresa to follow her. “Miss Palmer,” Teresa said, “I want to believe that you don’t mean any harm to Jackson.”
“I don’t.”
Teresa threw up her hand. “Whatever this is that’s going on between the two of you, if the media or your former friend find out about it, it’s not going to end well for Jackson. He has some good ideas and he’s in this for all the right reasons.”
“I know,” she replied. “I really want the best for him.”
Teresa folded her arms across her chest. “Then stay away from him, at least until the election is over. I mean, if you really care.”
“I just said the same thing to him,” Liza said. “But, Teresa, he made me see that whatever we do has nothing to do with the election and as—”
Teresa rolled her eyes. “You do this for a living and you know that this is not going to be a secret in Charlotte. It’s a slow news cycle and then there is Nic. He’s going to be looking for anything to bring Jackson down.”
“I have what you need to bury Robert.” Liza sighed and dropped her head. “Teresa, you’re right.”
“And that picture of Robert, as disgusting as it is, can’t come from this campaign. Then we are no better than they are.”
“True. It’s just a little sad that he gets off scot-free and Jackson has to live in a bubble.”
“That’s the life of a politician. But everything done in the dark comes to light. Montgomery isn’t going to win, because he’s running for the wrong reasons.”
Liza leaned against the sink. “And you really believe that?”
“I’ve been running campaigns for twenty years now. Aside from our current governor, I’ve seen a lot of power-hungry candidates get torn down because of their greed. Your friend—sorry, ex-friend—won’t be any different. The truth will come out and voters will make the right decision. Now, fix your lipstick and hold on to your feelings until the election is over.”
Teresa walked out of the bathroom and Liza wondered if she shou
ld take her sage advice.
Chapter 17
When Liza walked into the conference room, she saw all of the local stations had made it to the press conference and there was even a camera from a TV station from Raleigh. People love a scandal, she thought as she stood beside Jackson, forcing herself not to look at him. But being this close to him made her insides quiver. She thought about how she’d spent the night in his arms. Somehow, they would have to make it through this press conference and go their separate ways. She stole a glance at him as he chatted with a perky blond reporter. Liza wanted to roll her eyes. But why? Was she jealous? How was she laying claim to a man who was about to be off limits to her?
“We’re ready to begin,” Teresa said. “Mr. Franklin has a debate to prepare for and I’m sure Miss Palmer has her business to run.”
And Blondie needs to get behind the camera and out of Jackson’s face, Liza thought as she plastered a plastic smile on her face.
The cameramen hoisted their cameras on their shoulders and the reporters piled their microphones in the middle of the table. All eyes focused on Liza and Jackson. She’d never been nervous in front of the media, but today her heart was beating like an African drum.
“Good afternoon and thank you for coming so that I can address a nonissue,” Jackson said, flashing his trademark smile. “I want to thank Robert Montgomery for pledging to run a clean campaign and thank him for doing so, until today. It was sad to see my opponent on television this morning and listen to the half-truths and innuendos. Were Liza Palmer and I in the same restaurant for breakfast? Yes.” Jackson paused. “But, how many other people were in that restaurant this morning? To imply that there is a vast conspiracy against him is ludicrous. Was everyone in the restaurant plotting against him? I know that we have a debate coming up and people may not be paying attention to the election right now, but let’s focus on the issues. Do we really want to send a man to the General Assembly who jumps to conclusions without all of the facts? How is that any different from the people we have in office now? I look forward to debating Mr. Montgomery on the issues and not whom I have breakfast with. It is clear that Miss Palmer and I had breakfast together. Who can resist The Original Pancake House?” Jackson laughed and so did the reporters.
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