Jay altered the guest list for the fundraiser by adding members of Carter’s family and members of the press. Neil’s team would handle security and the government issued bodyguards.
The formal dinner meant wearing a floor length gown that hugged Eliza’s waist and enhanced her cle**age. Eliza scoffed at the gown at first, and then Gwen reminded her that the fashions she wore would be mimicked. Suddenly her wardrobe needed an overhaul. Assuming the role of Carter’s wife held more responsibility than she ever thought possible.
Even in a room full of gun toting security, Eliza felt naked without her firearm close by. The dress she wore didn’t allow it.
The two of them sat in the back of a limousine en route to the hotel where the fund raising event was being held. The opulence inside the luxury car matched that of the private jet. Neither of which she thought she’d get used to, ever. Carter sat beside her texting Jay and confirming everything was ready for their arrival. The city lights of Los Angeles whizzed past as the driver cut through traffic. Outside the shaded glass, other drivers craned their necks to see if they could catch a glimpse at who was inside the oversized car. In the deep recesses of her memories, Eliza fantasized about living the life of someone who used a limo. That childhood dream always came equipped with a handsome prince who took care of her every whim. Now, here she was, sitting next to arguably the most handsome man she’d ever met, wearing his ring—the one he refused to reveal its cost—and calling herself his wife.
A fluttering spark of happiness took hold inside her heart and spread through her soul. Carter had managed to wiggle deep into her system, so deep it scared her. Maybe their marriage could last. Discussing how long their marriage would last was off subject. At night, when they made love and murmured sexy things to each other, they didn’t utter a word about love. Eliza couldn’t help wondering if there was something else other than the election fueling Carter’s insistence for marrying her. Then again, according to the polls, he needed a wife. Outside of a divorce, while a man held the governor’s office, there hadn’t been a bachelor voted into the seat.
He was as noble as any knight. Since he felt responsible for her past exploding around her, and her cover being blown, he wouldn’t be the kind of man to walk away, not without a reason. And as long as her past sought to catch up with her, he would be there. As much as she wanted to feel guilty for holding him hostage in this marriage, she couldn’t. Not after the passion they’d shared since they’d married. Yet, she couldn’t help worrying. What happens when the honeymoon is over? She winced at the thought.
Maybe the honeymoon won’t end. The last time she’s been this optimistic, her parents had been alive. Everything good in life comes to an end. She hated how her thoughts went there and tried to push the good thoughts away.
Carter had stopped clicking away on his phone and captured her hand. “Are you okay?” he asked.
“I’m fine,” she said a little too quickly.
“Are you sure? One minute you were smiling, the next you looked upset.”
She squeezed his hand as the limo rounded the corner to the bright lights of the hotel. “I’m wondering how all of this is going to unfold.”
“So, you’re nervous?”
“A little.”
The car stopped and the driver jumped out to open their door.
“I’m right here.”
She offered him a smile as he stepped out of the car and helped her to her feet.
A half a dozen cameras snapped pictures as they walked into the reception hall of the hotel. Neil stood to the side of the hall, and a guard walked behind them. Everyone wearing a suit and standing alone appeared to be some kind of security. Soon those security guards faded into the background as their hosts approached her and Carter.
The Hollywood power couple shook Carter’s hand as he introduced Eliza. The starlet greeted her as if they were old friends, which helped Eliza avoid being star-struck. After kissing both her cheeks, Marilyn offered a million-dollar smile Hollywood paid dearly for. “We had to add four extra tables after the announcement of your marriage made the papers. Tom and I are delighted that you’ve made this your first public appearance.”
“We appreciate your hosting us.”
Marilyn was even tinier in person. Even with her four-inch heels the petite woman barely made it to Eliza’s shoulders. “It’s an absolute thrill.”
Carter shook Tom’s hand and echoed Eliza’s sentiment. “I hope the extra security wasn’t a hassle.”
“Not at all. Once we heard your uncle was joining us, we understood the need.”
Eliza held back a chuckle.
Tom and Marilyn led them into the dining hall where the party had already begun. Eliza scanned the room for a familiar face and didn’t realize she had latched onto Carter’s arm until he patted her hand. She instantly relaxed her hold. When had she become so needy? Showing any fear in this environment could prove lethal, yet as they passed a mirror, she noticed the doubt in her eyes.
Suck it up, Eliza.
Carter stopped a waiter with a platter of champagne and handed her a glass. He leaned in and whispered in her ear. “You look like you could use this.”
She did. A couple of cool sips of liquid courage and her body relaxed.
“Mrs. Billings?”
She hesitated and then realized that someone was addressing her. “I’m Jade Lee, and this is my partner Randal.” Jade Lee, as in the most sought after fashion designer in Hollywood and probably a perfect size zero. Man, doesn’t anyone eat around here?
“Pleased to meet you.”
Jade complimented Eliza on her dress and asked who made it. Eliza hadn’t a clue. That was the kind of thing Gwen would have remembered. Jade laughed off Eliza’s lack of knowledge and suggested she stop by her studio sometime for a private showing.
They talked a little about fashion and even the weather. It wasn’t long before Eliza found herself a few feet away from her husband. Everyone knew her name, and because movie stars hosted the party, Eliza knew some of theirs. In a short time she’d forgotten about the security watching over them and played at being the perfect political wife.
On occasion, someone would ask where her husband stood on the hot political buttons that fueled the election. Jay had already coached her on what to avoid. Instead of offering Carter’s views, she told them something far nobler. “Carter will represent what the voting public wants. Isn’t it the governor’s job to represent his people and not dictate to them?”