“Is that allowed?”
A hearty laugh escaped his lips, before hereplied.
“Well, there’s nothing in the Senate rulebooks, that I know of.” He jibed. “You’re a widow. I’m unattached.We’re two consenting adults. I’m speaking of a platonicrelationship right now for the time being, until we see, ifsomething can grow from what I feel is building between us.”
How could she say no to this man? Why wouldshe want to? Every moment, every day she has spent in his presence,were by far, some of the best, ever in her entire life.
Besides, Florence simply adored him, and ifher Aunt held him in the highest regard, she need not have to worryfurther. The question was, was she ready to open her heart and takea chance on love again? As she looked deeply into those cobalt blueeyes of his and felt the caress of his hand on hers, she was lost,and smitten, and mesmerized.
“I won’t hurt you, Jessica. On my honor, Iwill treat you with the greatest respect and kindness.”
She sighed deeply this time. Her head wasagreeing with her heart and blasting out the words, “SAY YES, YOUDAMN FOOL!”
I’m trusting you, Lord. She silentlyprayed.Trusting,that this man you brought into my life,is, for those reasons I’ve only wished and hoped for.
“Cooking classes, hah?” She couldn’t help,but tease.
“That and more,” he replied.
“Then, I would love nothing more.”
His smile told her, that he was ecstatic andhis joy filled her with happiness.
She did not doubt the decision she had justmade. She could see a life with this man, beyond the politics,beside him, supporting him, working with him on future campaigns,if that was to be. Her future looked bright, whether at his side asa member of his executive staff, or known as the man, who stole herheart. Whatever position she was to hold in his life, she wouldwelcome the possibilities.
The waiter approached their table, when Bryanturned to signal him for the check.
“It’s been a long day and we’ve got an earlystart tomorrow,” he offered. “I can either take you back to thegarage for your car, or drop you home and pick you up in themorning. Which do you prefer?”
“Do you think my car will be safe, after whathappened?”
“You’re in an executive staff section that’spatrolled by the Capitol Police on a regular basis. It’ll be fine,and I kind of like the idea of driving my date home.”
“So, you had this planned, as an officialdate all along?”
“Am I bad?” He pouted playfully.
She smiled in return. He was a man a womansimply could never say no too, but she’d keep him guessinganyways.
“Shall we go then?” She answered, rising fromher chair.
He popped up quickly, chuckling lightly, ashe moved around and pulled her chair back out of her way.
She loved the feel of his palm against herback, as he led her toward the entrance. She couldn’t help, butwonder, if he would attempt kissing her goodnight. One thing wascertain though … she wouldn’t shy away … if he did.
---
The drive home to her Aunt’s house was apleasant one, filled with more personal conversation. He prodded alittle about her parents, her relationship with her Aunt, what sheliked to do, and where she saw herself in the next five years.
She didn’t hold back answering and was quitepleased, when he shared her sentiments. He wasn’t guarded aboutwanting a family … four kids exactly … two boys and two girls, ifluck had it. She loved that he had a deep-seeded passion for makingthe streets safe, giving the less advantaged a better chance toimprove their lifestyles, and get the homeless into workableshelters and create opportunities, where they could beself-sufficient once again.
Her Aunt’s house was dark, except for thesconces on each side of the front door, and the security lightsthat went on as they entered the long driveway.
He reached for her hand to help her exit hiscar and did not let go of it, as he escorted her to the front door.She loved the feel of her fingers entwined with us and hatedbreaking the connection, when she searched in her purse for herkeys.
The tone of his voice was warm and seductive,as he asked, “May I kiss you, goodnight.”
Her voice was of no use, as the words lodgedin her throat. All she could manage was a simple nod.
