“Mr. Titan,” the news director says, grabbing my attention. “You can take a seat next to Representative Preston.”
I take my seat and don’t dare glance in her direction.Don’t do it. Don’t do it. No. Fuck.God, the way her calves look when she sits with her legs crossed. I can almost feel them squeeze my head like a vise when I’m licking her.
“Mr. Titan,” the news reporter asks, but I don’t hear her because I’m too busy fantasizing about Reagan. “Mr. Titan.” Her voice is louder this time and breaks my trance just as I was about to taste her.
“Sorry, Margret. It’s great to be here.” I can hear the strangled quality in my voice and I pray it isn’t as noticeable to the television audience.
“Let’s begin,” Margret says into the camera.
I take the opportunity to glance at Reagan. She’s staring at my forearms and slowly running her tongue across her bottom lip—the bright pink color calling to me. When our eyes meet, she blushes and I feel my heart flutter.
Maybe I’m not the only one having impure thoughts. This can’t go on. We can’t be attracted to each other. Politics is one of the filthiest businesses. There is no remorse, no room for sensitivity. It is brutal and unrelenting. I have to remember that even if I want to sink into her until the end of time—she’s off-limits.
But what’s that phrase…keep your friends close, but your enemies closer? The Godfather may be right.
Chapter 4
I smileat the production assistant attaching a microphone to my collar. He’s sneaking a peek at my boobs, but I’m too distracted to care.
Jude Titan is under my skin, and I just met him less than five minutes ago. I knew he was attractive, but I didn’t realize he’d be so…magnetic. My libido was in overdrive as I spoke to him, torn between staring at his inked, muscled forearms and his intense, dark brown eyes.
I close my eyes for a couple seconds to ground myself.
Focus, Reagan. Find your focus.
It’s critical that I be on point during this first on-camera encounter with Jude. I can’t stumble over my words because I’m distracted by his looks.
It’s not just his looks, though. There’s something else. He’s not at all intimidated. He’s got swagger in spades, and it’sreallysexy.
We’re sitting in club chairs, my Republican opponents on either side of me. The station’s anchor is sitting on a stool off to the side. He looks up from his notecards at us.
“Thirty seconds, guys,” he says. “You ready?”
“Ready,” Jude says.
I just give a confident nod, my mind tied up with how sexy Jude’s voice is. I sneak a glance at him and notice him checking out my legs. I meet his eyes for a brief second to let him know I saw, and he winks.
Winks.
Cocky bastard. My heart is thundering in my chest as the station’s producer counts down the final fifteen seconds to on-air.
My father’s advice rings in my ears…Stick to the issues, don’t let it get personal. Never let yourself turn defensive. Keep him on the run—always stay a step ahead.
The news anchor gives us all a polished smile as he speaks into the camera. He reads everyone’s bio, and only Sonny Solomon’s is lacking. Jude Titan’s military credentials are impressive, I reluctantly admit to myself.
“I’m just like you,” Jude says into the camera when it’s his turn to introduce himself. “I’m a regular guy who’s fed up with politicians only looking out for themselves. Our country is at a crossroads, and I want to be part of moving us in the right direction. I’m a proven leader, and even though I’m just getting into the race, I promise you I won’t be outworked. I’ll tour our great state by bus to meet people and find out what you’re looking for in a senator, rather thantelling youwhat you should want.”
Well,shit. That was a strong open. Game face in place, I introduce myself when it’s time.
“I’m Reagan Preston, and I serve as a State Representative for the 92nd District. I cut my teeth in the House, working hard on issues that matter to our state. Issues like educational reform and tightening gun laws while preserving the rights of gun owners. I grew up watching my father work tirelessly as a senator for our state. That alone certainly doesn’t qualify me for the job, but I hope you know that service is in my blood. Making our state and our world a better place is all I’ve ever wanted to do. Please reach out to me or my staff and let us know what you’re looking for in your next senator.”
Sonny Solomon’s intro is…well, a little bit sad. He talks about his experience as a prison guard and says he’ll be “on guard for the state of Illinois” when elected. He laughs heartily at his joke, but no one else does.
“All right,” the news anchor says, looking at Jude. “Mr. Titan, can you tell us what made you decide to throw your hat in the ring, so to speak?”
“Sure. I feel strongly about defense spending, our foreign policy regarding wars, and taking care of our veterans. But I also felt like I had to run when I saw Senator Preston speaking on TV one day, basically saying he looks forward to handing his seat off to his daughter. He doesn’t get to decide who will be our next senator—the people do.”
And here comes my inner attack dog.
