Page 70 of Fire

“So I’m guessing you know about his dad’s affair?”

“No, but it wouldn’t shock me to learn that he had one.”

“Oh, I’m sure he’s had several, but this one was with a campaign staffer? And he also got caught. Not very stealthy, those Prices.”

I stare at him blankly. “What? When?”

He gives me a pensive gaze. “Uh, well, the band was just starting to make a name for itself, so maybe two years after I graduated.”

“That would have been a year for me.” And exactly one year into med school. Right when things started to get serious between Tanner and me. “Why didn’t he ever tell me? It seems like something you would share with your girlfriend, right?”

“I don’t think Edwin was even supposed to tell me,” Hendrix confesses. “He heard it from his dad and just couldn’t help himself when it came to that sort of thing. He loved spreading others’ misfortunes, and at the time, it sounded like Senator Price was on the outs, but he must have cut some sort of deal or got people to look the other way, because the truth never came out.”

This news settles uneasily in my gut. I didn’t start dating Tanner until after I stopped tutoring him, and even after that, he kept things casual. I knew his reputation, so I didn’t think it would become anything more. But then, something changed, and almost overnight, he wanted to be exclusive.

I thought I was special.

I thought he was special.

But maybe it was just a lie.

Chapter Twenty

ZARA

I try to convince him I’m feeling better, and we should try to make our dinner reservation. “I can just throw on a dress,”I tell him.“And if I’m quick with my hair and makeup…”

But he’s having none of that.

“Stop trying to make me happy by saying what you think I want to hear, Zara. Tell me whatyouwant, even if it’s a little time alone.” His gaze is purposeful. “I’m not some spoiled little man-child that’s going to take it as a personal affront if you need a few hours to yourself.”

I snort. Man-child. That’s one way to describe my ex. He definitely whines like one.

“I want—” I stop and take the time to think about it. What do I want? As sweet as he is for offering it, I know the last thing I want is for him to leave. “I want room service,” I finally say. “Specifically, a burger. With lots of french fries.”

He laughs. “Anything else?”

I press my lips together, feeling heat crawl up my neck. “I really want a bubble bath.”

He clears his throat, trying so hard to be a gentleman as his eyes dart around the suite, looking at anything but me. “Yup. We can do that. For you, I mean. Anything else?”

“Ice cream,” I answer, wondering if I’ve ever seen anything as adorable as a blushing rock star.

Thirty minutes later, I’m staring at a feast of food that is spread out on the small table in my lavish suite. “I distinctly remember asking for a burger. Not the whole damn menu.”

He shrugs, like it’s not a big deal that he just dropped a small fortune on this meal. “I wanted to make sure I had all my bases covered, in case you didn’t like the burger.”

“All the bases are fully covered, Hen.” I wonder if he likes it when I call him that. I look over and see a tiny smile curling his lips, and I think I have my answer. “I think there is enough food to feed everyone on this floor.”

He shakes his head, dropping into one of the dining chairs. “Nuh-uh. I know who else is on this floor, and those fuckers aren’t setting foot in this room. They’d never leave, and this is the first night I’ve had you all to myself in days. So…” He waves a hand at the mountain of plates. “Eat up, Cupid.”

“I sure hope you’re helping,” I say, taking the seat next to him.

He places a hand on my thigh and gives it an affectionate squeeze. I feel butterflies in my stomach, and I swear, I’m blushing. “Do you think I ordered all this to sit back and be a spectator? Fuck no. I’ve got my eye on that wrap over there.” He points to what looks like a Caesar chicken wrap. “And that lobster mac and—” I swipe it off the table before he even finishes his sentence.

“Dibs,” I declare.

“Did you just call dibs? Are we back in the middle school cafeteria?” He laughs.