"I do, Senator. I have a legacy to keep up."

"You do," she replied. Then she looked at me, who'd been sitting there silently and trying not to be too distracted with the other thoughts in my head. "And who is this lovely young lady?"

"This is my beautiful girlfriend, Taylor First. You know of the First US Trade International."

"I'm very familiar with that name. Some of our best historical treasures in the White House and Smithsonian were obtained through them."

"Thank you," I said, beaming. I didn't realize how prestigious my small family business was and it made me feel proud to be a part of it. Growing up, I didn't really paid attention.

After Senator Wilson left, Chase called the waiter over to get the bill. He leaned in to me. "We can't seem to get any privacy in this restaurant. I should have told you this place was the hub of politics and heated debates. I had thought you knew that so I didn't question your choice."

"I chose it because I saw it once when I went to the Smithsonian," I said.

"With Salvatore?" Chase asked with a frown.

"No, to drop off some doc.u.ments for my father. It just seemed like a good place to meet."

"Let's continue this conversation further," Chase said. "I wish you would have let me drive you, Taylor."

"I know, but..."

"You wanted to be cautious. I understand and I also know the perfect place we can go for a bit of peace and quiet."

"That would be nice, Chase. Where is it?"

"The front seat of my car," he replied.

My eyes must have widened because he added, "I promise to be a perfect gentleman."

"Okay then," I said.

We walked out to his car and I saw that he had the Lexus LS600 sedan, a sleek, black, beautiful machine that had power written all over it. It was the ultimate DC car.

I was breathing in deeply, trying to gain the courage to tell Chase about Salvatore, but it was so hard. He took my silence as an opportunity to talk.

"You know, when I asked you to go to Harvard, I know that it was sudden and selfish of me. I thought you would want to go and it would be a great opportunity for you. If you have doubts, I don't want you to go. It's just that we both worked so hard in high school to get there-as a team. I keep thinking I'll wake up and you'll be there, but you aren't. That's why I missed you so d.a.m.n much this past year. It was so hard to adjust to. I am committed to you, Taylor; all the way. For me, there isn't anyone who can fill that void."

"It seems like you did a very good job," I said, not wanting to let him off the hook.

"It's not the same and you know it," Chase justified. "I put this all around good guy role on to fit into all these roles my parents and their friends want from me. I had to join the right fraternity and do stupid things guys do to fit in. That includes parties with sororities where you end up drunk, sleeping with any girl just to keep up. It's bogus and all of it is going to stop, Tay. I'm going to refuse to do all those things and be the kind of decent guy you deserve for a boyfriend. You are what matters to me, not the others. Not my parents or frat brothers, none of them. I love you so much. I always have and it's more than s.e.x related. That's incredible, of course, but it's not everything. No other man will ever be able to love you and provide for you like I will."

"Chase..."

He cut me off once again and continued talking.

"Did you know that my mother and your mother are already talking about grandkids? I know it is early, but the scare your mother had with your father's heart attack made her realize, them realize, how much they wanted to see you get married and have children."

Chase blew out a breath and I was holding my breath.

"Tay, I know it's a lot of pressure. But if it'll make you happy and it'll make your parents happy, I will do anything to make that happen for you and for them. Anything."

"And you? Will it make you happy?" I asked softly, now captivated by his words.

Chase grabbed my hands and began to kiss the tops of them gently. "I can't imagine a future without you, Tay. Yes, it would make me happy, too."

I realized in that moment how much was riding on Chase's and my relations.h.i.+p. Did I love Salvatore enough to throw away the dreams and aspirations that our parents had for us? I didn't know if I could do that and for once in my life I was so happy that he didn't ask what I was feeling because I wasn't sure that those things made me happy-at that moment.

My phone rang and I saw that it was my mom. "Just a minute. I better answer."

"Sure," Chase said.

"Hi Mom...dinner with Chase...sure, okay...I'll ask." I covered the receiver and asked if he wanted to go over to the house. My parents were eager to see him and he shook his head enthusiastically. "We'll be there in about a half hour, Mom. Yes...see you then...bye."

I got out of the Lexus and into my car, glad to have a bit of time to process the unexpected confessions that had come from Chase that evening. They seemed to come from the heart and that was really quite touching to me, but what was I going to do. The mess that I was in couldn't be fixed with words. I had to take action and choose. But who?

Chase followed me the entire way back to my parent's home and the minute we walked into the house he was greeted with a hug so warm and inviting from my mom that you would have thought he was the prodigal son returned home after many years. My mom clearly adored Chase, as well as my Dad. He lit up and shook his hand, patting him on the shoulder affectionately, and then they began to talk away, sharing information about business, the Summer Harvest-which was quickly becoming a panic spot for me-and a variety of other things. I listened attentively, sitting at Chase's side and playing the good girlfriend, but my eyes kept darting around through my peripheral, nervous that Salvatore was going to walk into the house at any moment. That would have been horrible and I didn't think either of us would have been able to hide our emotional responses if that happened well enough to fool everyone.

Thankfully Chase looked down at his watch and commented that he best be going so he could turn in early. He had some important meetings in DC with Senator Emerson in the morning to finalize his intern details. We all walked him to the door and my parents quickly left, leaving me standing there in front of him and he took full advantage of the fact I couldn't throw a fuss. He planted a soft and tender kiss on my lips that lingered just long enough for me to feel it there after he pulled away. Then he smiled and left.

I went to my room, freaked out and unsure of what to do. I'd really made a mess of things and that was cemented when Salvatore snuck into my bedroom and gave me a sweet kiss goodnight on the lips.

As I drifted off to sleep I didn't think my heart could have been torn in any more directions than it was at that moment.

Chapter 18.

For the next days I was so distracted that it didn't go without being noticed by Salvatore or my parents. I wished everyone would just leave me alone and worry about themselves. I was stressed out and it seemed to suck all the joy right out of me. The Summer Harvest had finally come and I was trying to get ready, but nothing was going right for me. I didn't like my hair, my make-up, or even my dress. I knew I was just being overly critical, but I couldn't shake the bad feelings I had. Oh yes, and then there was the fact that my mom had insisted that Salvatore come, too, because he was like family. Obviously Salvatore was more in the know than my family, but it was so wrong to expect him to put up airs because of the lies I was living in.

When Salvatore said he wanted to go to the Summer Harvest I thought it was really brave, knowing what he'd have to deal with. When I had a chance I walked over to him and whispered, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I want to spend as much time with you as I can before I leave in a few days. These last days you've been different and I think it's because you're nervous for when I leave, too," he said.

That was partially true, but the reasons I was so nervous extended far beyond that. I knew that if Salvatore caught wind of anyone saying something about Chase and I getting married some day that it would be impossible for him to hide the pain. How did I come home one day this past summer a pretty good girl and turn into a player seemingly overnight because I l.u.s.ted for one man and still kind of loved another?

Although he'd already planned on going, Salvatore received an unexpected invitation to go to the Summer Harvest as well. It was a courtesy because of his parents now being business partners with mine. I knew it made sense that he would meet the Senators that were on the Trade Committee, too, but it was so much for me to take in. And a burden you placed on yourself, I thought.

Finally feeling like I was ready and with a bit more composure than what I'd had, I walked out of my bedroom and into the kitchen, where everyone was waiting to go. It took only one look from Salvatore for me to realize that I'd been overly critical of myself. The way he looked at me said it all and there was no denying that he felt I was the most beautiful woman in the world-the only woman. I saw him graze over me, from head to toe, and smile.

As for Salvatore, he looked like he came straight out of a GQ magazine. His tuxedo was amazing, one of the designs of his family's collection, and he was so distinguished looking. It actually took my breath away and I had to pause for just a second to recompose myself. The feelings of s.e.xual urgency that came so often when he was in my presence came again, regardless if my parents were there or not.

"You look stunning," Salvatore said.

"Yes, truly beautiful, Taylor," my dad added.

"Thank you both so much."

My mom clapped her hands together. "This is going to be such a wonderful night. Let's get going."

"Okay, the party can't start without you, darling," my dad said to her. I smiled at how sweet he was, always giving her cute little comments with a slight sarcastic edge. He knew, as well as I knew, that my mom just didn't want to miss a bit of the action and ensure she could talk with as many people as possible. Some people did speed dating, but my mom did speed networking.

Walking out to the car in the garage, we all got in and Salvatore and I both seemed determined to keep our distance in the back seat so we didn't accidentally brush against each other and send any sparks flying that couldn't be put out for a long while.

When we arrived at the club and after the valet took our vehicle, we walked into the room that the event was being held in. It was so beautiful and had been transformed under the instruction of Chase's mother and the help of a whole lot of decorators and party planners. The already rich walnut wood that made up the ceiling, wanes coating, and trim work was brought to life by cream colored columns that were placed in front of them every ten feet or so. On the columns were tall vases of tall, white long stemmed roses with bits of greens scattered in them. The tables had arrangements with roses and candles on them that were absolutely perfect because they accented everything beautifully. It truly was a magical place-almost like walking into a fairytale.

"h.e.l.lo," Chase said, walking up to us as we looked around. "I'm so glad you're here."

"Hi Chase," my dad said.

Chase shook my dad's hand, then hugged my mom, and then hugged me and gave me a tender, lingering kiss on my lips. I immediately looked to Salvatore and it was his turn.

"Sal, how you doing?" Chase asked, extending his arm.

I don't know if anyone else noticed it aside from Chase and I, but Salvatore's body posture stiffened immediately, but he took his hand and shook it confidently.

"This is going to be an incredible night...a night full of wonderful surprises," Chase said.

"We can't wait," my mom said. "Oh, there's..." Then Mom was off to the races and Dad followed shortly thereafter, seeing some people he wanted to talk to in the corner.

There had never been a more awkward trio than Salvatore, Chase, and I, although you'd never have guessed it from Chase's confidence. We walked around and he made sure he was holding my hand the entire time. Salvatore stood on the other side of me and we began to introduce him to everyone at the party as we went along. Not a girl in the room, under eighteen or even older than me, could hide the fact that he was absolutely scrumptious, an Italian morsel that they'd like to dig their teeth into. Well, he's my morsel, I thought. I don't care if I'm being selfish.

Eventually Salvatore had enough of being the third wheel to Chase and I, remaining with a group of people he'd begun talking with. I kept looking his way to make sure he was okay and nearly every time I did I caught him glancing at me, too. I could see that the night was hard for him, but he was determined to master the situation. As if most things he did weren't impressive enough, that gesture was definitely amazing.

Chase seemed to have a lot of things going on himself that evening. I smiled at how attentive he was to me and how he didn't go for more than a few minute without giving me a kiss on the lips, squeezing my hand a little tighter, or making some comment that involved "us" rather than just him. Every time he did those things he seemed to have a knack that Salvatore would be watching and less than pleased. Yes, I knew that because I was watching Salvatore, too. Did Chase know that?

"Honey, I'll be right back," Chase said.

"Okay," I said. He kissed my cheek and then walked up to the stage and took the microphone in his hand.

I was panicked, hoping that this announcement wasn't what I speculated it was. That would be horrible-too much for me to take.

"Thank you all for being here. It's time to make a very special announcement, one that I want you all to hear about at the same time," Chase began.

Everyone was quiet and he smiled, knowing he had their attention. "I'd like to call my mother to come up and help me out."

I breathed a sigh of relief. Surely his mother wouldn't help with a proposal. I watched as she walked up onto the stage, so eloquent with her silver, smooth, bobbed hair, black c.o.c.ktail dress, and multiple gemmed rings on her hands.

"h.e.l.lo everyone. I am thrilled to announce the first recipient of the Summer Harvest Trade and Commerce Scholars.h.i.+p, Ms. Taylor First. It covers full tuition to Harvard for four years."

My jaw dropped and my dad was next to me, whispering that Chase had his parents pull some strings to get it for me.

Chase's mother spoke. "This scholars.h.i.+p is based on academic achievement as well as business ac.u.men outside the school environment. Taylor First is a stellar recipient and one that will be hard to live up to, I might add."

Everyone clapped and I smiled and nodded, completely overwhelmed by the scholars.h.i.+p, which was definitely a huge deal, and also a bit thrown off by being in the spotlight like that.

Chase came down from the stage and I walked over to him to thank him and he hugged me tightly, whispering in my ear. "I want to get out of here. Let's go to the lake house."

I bit my lip. "I'm sorry, I'm not ready for that yet, Chase. Plus, I can't. I'm with someone else." The words had finally come out and now there was no turning them back.

Chase backed away and stared at me. I could see how surprised he was at the rejection and then at the words "with somebody else."

"Who?" he hissed at me. Before I could answer he did. "Salvatore."

I nodded and Chase breathed in deeply, like he'd just been sucker punched in the gut and had lost his breath. "You know he's going back to Italy soon. It won't work. It's just a summer fling."

"Can we talk about this somewhere else," I said.

Chase grabbed my hand and we went to a small conference room that was acting as a coat room.

Once in there, I felt better being out of everyone's sight and also nervous to have this conversation with Chase. I had no idea how he'd act or react and this wasn't the ideal place to break such news.

"Salvatore. Are you serious or a fool?" Chase said.

"Yes, I'm serious," I replied. "It's more than a summer fling and I have really deep feelings for him. He does for me, too."

Chase's fist clenched up and I thought he was going to punch a hole through the wall that I was leaning against. "I never trusted him staying over at your house. I knew this would happen. How could any red-blooded man resist you under the same roof? I should have insisted to your parents that Salvatore stay at my house. But now...I can't lose you to him, Taylor. I won't." Then he sneered. "He's underage, you know?"

"No, he's eighteen," I said.

"But he's still in high school or whatever the Italian equivalency is."

"He's graduating next semester," I said. I was shaking inside, but remaining composed on the outside in case anyone saw us having our rather intense conversation.

"You're his teacher and he's your student. It's scandalous, you know," Chase countered.

"The only reason you're saying that is because you don't want Salvatore and me together, Chase. You know it."

"I'm saying that because I know what would happen if you two were together," Chase said. "I may be a frat boy, womanizing type to you in your mind now, but I'm not stupid, Tay. Neither are you. Salvatore is not of the same background and mindset as we are. Everyone expects us to be together because we are perfect together."

"Not so perfect," I said, putting my head down and suddenly feeling defeated.

"Fine. Tell your parents and tell mine. Let's see what happens and how everyone reacts. I want to help you before you get too carried away and throw away your future on a whim. I understand you may think that you have feelings, but you were also on the rebound, feeling low, and he took advantage of it. Of course he was willing and able to make you feel better. What guy wouldn't be? However, when he goes back to Italy and you let it be known that you were with your student and someone other than me, you might find yourself and your family scandalized. I know you well enough to know that you can't handle that."

"I'll take my chances," I retorted, feeling anger mixed with guilt welling up inside me.

Chase was getting ready to say more and then his head turned. I looked up and Salvatore was standing there and he was clearly angry.

"Hey look, it's the girlfriend stealer," Chase said in a condemning tone.

"She's no longer with you, Chase," Salvatore said. "She's with me and I suggest you stop touching her now."

"I can do whatever I want as long as she doesn't stop me, which she hasn't once. Like it or not, Tay didn't stop me from kissing her or touching her all night tonight because she wanted it."

I was horrified by what Chase said and stung by the fact that his words were true. I put my head down and heard a ruckus. When I looked up I saw Salvatore had flown on top of Chase and was punching him. Chase responded with a few punches to the ribs of his own. In a second, a crowd had formed around and I was horrified, absolutely horrified.