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She’d been on both her high school and college swim teams. Maybe she hadn’t been the fastest competitor, but driven by a fierce desire to catch her father’s attention, she’d worked harder than most. All in vain, of course, because it wasn’t as if he’d ever attended a meet. Eventually she’d accepted that their lack of a relationship was her father’s loss not hers, and she’d learned a valuable lesson in loyalty. Never would she let anyone down. If she gave her word, she would move heaven and earth to keep it.
Which brought her to the file on Preston Rhodes. Tomorrow she would show JT what it contained. With the stockholder meeting approaching and his father still holding all the cards, if they had the chance to discredit him, they needed to take it. But was JT ready to destroy the last member of his immediate family?
Violet left the pool and grabbed a quick shower in the pool house before returning to the master suite. Dropping the damp towel on the floor, she climbed naked between the sheets. Convinced she’d left and returned without waking JT, she was surprised when his arms snaked around her waist, drawing her firmly against his side.
With his face buried in the crook of her neck, he murmured, “You smell like chlorine.”
“Impossible. I showered before coming back here.”
“It’s barely detectible, but there.” He pressed his lips against the pulse in her throat. “I wouldn’t have thought you’d have enough energy for a swim. I guess I’ll have to do better at wearing you out.”
She laughed at the sting of his nip. “I didn’t swim. I waded. It isn’t always about burning off excess energy. Sometimes it just feels good to hang out and enjoy the scenery.”
“Is that what you were doing tonight? Enjoying the scenery?”
“And thinking.”
“About what?”
She hesitated, unsure she wanted to disrupt JT’s good mood. “About the upcoming stockholders’ meeting and the shares we still need.”
JT stopped kissing her neck and lay very still. “I don’t want you worrying about that. This is my battle to fight, you’ve done enough.”
“This is my fight, too.” Although she was certain he was merely trying to protect her, Violet bristled. “Don’t shut me out. I can help.”
“My father. My problem.”
“We’re married. Our problem.”
“It’s a paper marriage.”
“Don’t do that,” she told him, an ache building in her throat. “Don’t shut me out.”
He heaved a sigh and rolled away from her, coming to rest on his back. She pursued him across the mattress, sitting up so she could peer down at his face. His eyes remained hard, but his hand scooped her hip, thumb moving rhythmically against her waist.
“You never stop pushing, do you?”
She set her left hand on his chest. His grandmother’s ring snared the dawning light drifting in through the open window. They both stared at it.
At long last she asked, her voice scarcely rising about a whisper, “Do you want me to?”
They both knew what she wanted to know. Did she take off the ring and walk away from the marriage? Or did she stay and did they both commit to making their relationship grow and strengthen?
“What you’re asking from me isn’t easy.”
“I know.” Relief made her dizzy. He hadn’t immediately challenged her bluff. “But we’re a good team and we need each other.”
“You need me?”
“Don’t sound so surprised.” Being with him she felt a part of something bigger than either of them could ever be alone. “I’m not as unselfish as you believe.” She laid her cheek on his chest and snuggled against his side. “You make me feel safe and secure. I know I can count on you.”
“You never seem as if you need anyone’s help.”
“I may be everyone’s cheerleader, but once in a while, I appreciate it when someone has my back.” She lifted her head and met his gaze. “I like it when you’re that someone.”
“You know you will always be able to call on me for anything.”
She gave him a wistful smile. It wasn’t a passionate declaration of love, but it was a heartfelt promise he would never betray. And she accepted at this moment it was everything he was capable of giving.
* * *
In close proximity to the kitchen, an extensive covered patio contained a barbeque pit, a seating area with fireplace and flat screen television and a table that seated eight. Unless he was entertaining, JT rarely used the space. Most often he ate a quick meal in the kitchen before heading out to the hotel or the barn. But since Violet had moved in, he’d spent a fair amount of time enjoying all the amenities.
