Page 39 of Dirty Secret

CHAPTER 14

Max

"Isn't it a small world." Senator White's bushy mustache twisted in amusement.

Despite what the man thought, I was not naïve. I was not just a simple plumber or only a man who worked with his hands. I could understand wit and strategy, but unlike a politician, I didn't use it against people.

I held his gaze. "Not the world, Senator White, just small people."

Based on the cough that exited Heidi's father's mouth and the look of surprise on his face, I suspected he wasn't used to people challenging him. My words were a surprise to him. Maybe he wasn't as smart as people made him out to be.

"Wow, Dad, really? Do you honestly expect us to believe you had no idea this was Max's ex-wife's father?"

I could hear the bubbling anger in Heidi's voice and I had never been prouder. Her father had manipulated her for far too long, and it was about time she called him on it.

His hazel eyes refocused on the woman I loved.

Love? Did I really love Heidi?

Taking in the silky teal top and the black skirt that hugged her body perfectly, she was the picture of perfection. Even her long, blond braid that draped over one shoulder was stunning—elegant and simple at the same time.

But that's not love. If she were a hundred pounds heavier or had scars covering her face or was in a wheelchair, I would still believe I was the luckiest man in the room that she would defend me.

My love for Heidi wasn't any of those superficial things—it held everything she was and everything she hoped to be. My heart was helpless in succumbing to all the good, the bad, and the dirty that was Heidi.

"How could I possibly know that, Heidi? I've never met Mr. Brighton until now. I didn't even know he had been married or had a child, uh, I mean—"

Heidi's eyes lit up like a five-year-old running down to find presents under the tree on Christmas morning. She was beautiful when she was triumphant.

"I knew it. Admit it, you only invited Mr. Willis here to scare Max away." Heidi's finger dug into her father's chest. He winced but didn't stop her.

"Perhaps, this isn't the place for this, Heidi?" Heidi's mother rested her hand on her daughter's shoulder. As she did, her daughter tensed, and I wondered if it wasn't just manipulation they had done to their daughter over the years.

I had to get her away from these people.

"I agree with your mother, Heidi. Maybe we should just go." I was fed up with her parents' manipulation. They were too stupid to notice, but it was plain to see by anyone in this room how they treated their daughter. It sickened me that her parents were blind to all that was wonderful in Heidi.

Heidi made it clear that she never wanted to come here. As much as I wished to tell her parents what I really thought of them, this wasn't my home and Heidi deserved to be happy, not stressed from anything that might come out of my mouth.

The argument was best left for another time.

"This is between me and Max," Mr. Willis straightened his back as he spoke to no one in particular. "And Senator White didn't reach out to me, Ms. White . . .. I was the one who contacted him."

All heads turned toward my ex-father-in-law except mine. Why was I not surprised that he went after Senator White? Maybe because the man craved power and wanted nothing more than to destroy my life. Somehow, he discovered I was dating Heidi and saw his chance to screw me over.

"If you wish to speak with me, Mr. Willis, why don't we step into another room. No need to ruin the party."

Mr. Willis' eyes scanned the room, and I wondered for a moment if he would take me up on my offer to discuss things privately.

"That won't be necessary, Max. It's ancient history. This is a party, let's enjoy it." Mr. Willis was all smiles for everyone but me.

I rolled my eyes once he turned to move away into the crowd. Now that he was in front of important people, he was all talk. Usually, he wouldn't hesitate to tell me off, but how would that appear to the senators and attorney general?

Something didn't feel right, though. Why would he contact Heidi's father, get himself an invitation to the dinner party, and not do his best to humiliate me?

"See, Heidi. Mr. Willis is nothing but a man interested in causes. Causes that could help the country. He contacted me to see if I would help with his cause. Much like I helped you with your plumbing situation last month." Heidi's father waved his hand between me and his daughter.

"I need another drink." Heidi lifted the drink from my hand and gulped it down. "Looks like you need another drink too, Max."

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