Her lips purse when she finally drags her eyes back to mine. “Fine. Where are you staying? I’ll try to sneak out.”
I exhale, relieved she finally agreed. “I’m at the Plaza.”
“Fuck,” she mutters and covers her face with a muddy hand. “Me too.”
My smile is unstoppable. “Serendipity.”
“Poor planning,” she tells me as she shakes her head.
“What’s your room number?”
“I don’t remember.”
“Text me the number after you’re cleaned up, and I’ll come by.”
“No!” Her eyes grow wide. “We’ll have to find somewhere else to meet.”
“Fine, come to my room,” I tell her. “It’s 407.”
“Ugh,” she grunts. “I think I’m in 409.”
I wiggle my eyebrows, and a sly grin creeps across my face. “You know what my room has?”
“What?” She rolls her eyes and sighs.
“A connecting door.”
“Oh fuck,” she groans. “It can’t be.”
“Come on.” I lift my chin and smile wider. “It’s perfect. No one can see us if we don’t even have to leave our rooms to see each other.”
“Fabulous,” she says in a snarky tone.
“Reagan!” Lexi yells and is coming toward us fast and furious. Her eyes are bouncing between us. “Jude.”
“Hey, Lexi. It’s good to see you again.”
“It’s always a pleasure,” Lexi says and touches her neck just over her pulse. “Going to get dirty in there?” She motions toward the arena behind her.
“I’m looking to get dirty later, but not with a pig.” I glance at Reagan, but she doesn’t seem amused.
Lexi’s mouth opens and closes as her eyebrows furrow. “Well… Um…”
“I’ll let you ladies go. Reagan.” I nod to her and then wave good-bye to them as I walk away.
I don’t even have to look to know that Reagan is shooting daggers at me with her eyes. Their whispers are too quiet, but I clearly hear my name. Wandering through the gates of the arena, I wipe the mud from my palm and toss my handkerchief into the nearby trash can.
“Jude. Oh my God, it’s Jude Titan,” a woman yells and catches the attention of a small crowd about ten feet away.
“Hello,” I say and dip my head, preparing myself for the rush of the people as they scurry in my direction.
This is becoming the norm. I can’t move freely without being spotted after appearing on television more and more lately. Carl has my face prominently displayed in every television ad. He said I have a face that shouldn’t be hidden. Someone else might be offended he’s using my looks to gain the female vote, but after getting Kurt’s letter, I don’t care what it takes to win. I’ll do it.
Except for Reagan.
I’d never do anything to ruin her that involved me. Our kiss will never become public knowledge, even if I’m losing in the polls the night before the election. She’s my hardline. I’m honorable in that way… Others, not so much.
I stick around until I shake every hand and answer the questions of the people who have gathered around. Although I’m trying to keep my mind focused on my responses, all I can think about is Reagan. I smile every time I picture her covered in mud.
