Jude’s expression turned serious. “I fell in love with you because you’re a fighter, Ray. You’re passionate and strong and tireless. Never change.”
“I don’t plan to. I’m talking about you backing down so we never go to bed pissed at each other.”
He flipped me onto my back in an instant, leaving me staring up at him breathlessly. “You think your husband is a man who backs down?”
“Not really. But maybe, if properly motivated…” I grinned and bit my lip.
“Oh, you don’t even know, do you?” He arched his brows in question, grinning back at me. “Nothing motivates me like our fights do. You’re the only woman I’ve ever known who can put me in my place.”
“And don’t you forget it.”
He scoffed. “I put you in your place a lot more often.”
When I opened my mouth to protest, he silenced me with a long, slow kiss. I savored the feel of his weight on top of me, his hands pinning my wrists to the mattress.
When he pulled his lips from mine, he murmured, “I’m never giving up our makeup sex.”
“Ma’am?”
I look up and see our server standing next to the table. He gestures at the Amex in my hand.
“Would you like me to take care of your check?”
“Oh.” I shake my head, returning to the now. “Yes, thanks.”
I pass him the card. Andre returns to the table just as the server is walking away.
“Oh, hey, I was gonna get that,” he says, giving me a look.
Liar. I’ve had half a dozen lunches or dinners with him, and every time, he goes to the bathroom when it’s time for the check to come and then pretends he planned on paying it.
“No, it’s my turn.” I wave a hand and smile.
Andre returns my smile, probably feeling chivalrous. “So, how’s Jude doing? Looks like Tyson’s running him ragged.” He sits back down across from me.
“They’re very busy, but it’s good. Jude’s got the endurance for campaigning.”
“Probably not as much fun as when he ran against you, though.” Andre quirks a grin at me.
“But now his former opponent is on his team.”
Andre shakes his head. “I still don’t know how you guys do it. You must have someinterestingdinnertime conversations.”
“Always. But I can honestly say that being married to Jude has made me a better person. I see things differently now.”
“You guys have one side of your bedroom painted red and the other side blue, though, right?” Andre teases.
Our server returns with our check, and I thank him and open the folder to sign.
“Honestly?” I smile at Andre across the table. “Our bedroom is gray and purple. Gray because things are never black or white, and purple because that’s what you get when you mix red and blue. Those are our two favorite colors.”
Andre cocks his brows in surprise. “Really? That strapping, tattooed, muscled, gun-toting Republican likes purple? I might have to leak this to the papers, Mrs. Titan.”
I laugh at the comment from the man who got his start on my father’s staff. “Jude’s not ashamed. He mentions it at campaign rallies. We’re all about bipartisanship and compromise. Team Purple.”
Andre stands, extending his hand to me for a handshake. “The Lancet Foundation is lucky to have you. Let me know how my caucus can help this quarter. You know you have our full support.”
“Wonderful, thank you.”
