Me: Rally down south.
Jude: I hear you hired The Barber.
Tom’s known in political circles as Tom “The Barber” Harbor because he cuts off opponents. I wonder if Jude is intimidated that he’s on my team now. I also wonder how he got the news so quickly.
Me: Are you spying on me?
Jude: Always. Don’t forget it. Tom’s a perv, so steer clear of him.
Me: He’s not a personal fav of mine, but I need help.
Jude: I wish we could both get what we want. I want to win, but there’s a part of me that hates you having to lose to make it happen.
Me: I’ll be okay either way. I’ve gained a new perspective.
Jude: So after the election, can we start seeing each other?
I shake my head and smile.
Me: November’s a long way away, Titan. And the race only gets tougher from here. You may hate me by then.
Jude: Never.
Me: So you want to crush me and then date me?
Jude: Something like that.
Me: You sure it’s not just the thrill of the forbidden with your political opponent?
Jude: I’m sure. I’ll make a Republican out of you yet. ;)
Me: Never.
Jude: I like your fire. And I’ll always respect you, even when we don’t agree.
I soften inside as I read the words.
“Reagan?” Tom says, pulling me out of the moment. “We’re just about there. Can you finish up whateververy important workyou’re doing?”
Again with the condescension. Tom’s such a dick. I roll my eyes and look back down at my phone screen.
Me: Will you still want to date me after the election if I win?
Jude: Hell yeah.
Me: Okay. Because I plan to. Game on, Titan.
Jude: Game on. And let’s FaceTime later.
Chapter 19
I haven’t even hada chance to change out of my suit and enjoy a drink before Carl comes barreling into my room in a panic. He’s pacing, pulling his hair, and ranting to the point I can’t understand a word he’s saying.
“What?” I ask, staring at him over the rim of my drink. “Calm down, Carl.”
The man’s going to have a heart attack any day now and end up in an early grave—everything stresses him out.
He stops in front of me and fists his hands at his sides. “They did it,” he huffs out, barely able to stand still.
