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“Figure out dinner.”

“Room service.”

“I love a sad burger. You don’t have to stay for this.” She kisses me again, and I look around.

I’m not sure what the decorum is. This is a work event, and, on paper, she’s a hookup. It’s bad enough I used Jerrod to pick her up. She interrupts my thoughts with a gentle touch to my wrist.

“Seriously. Go, do your job. I’m capable of leaving if I’m bored or busy. Don’t compromise for me. I didn’t for you.” And just like that, she calms my neurotic shit down.

“You may be the sexiest woman I’ve ever met.” I kiss her on the forehead as the light goes down.

“Break a leg.”

“It’s not a performance.”

“Then break a podium.”

I exhale and walk on stage.

17

Tess

Alex is so freaking brilliant. I can’t take my eyes off him. He’s the brightest object in any room, and I’m like a moth to his flame.

He strides towards me. “I have a quick game plan meeting with the staff.”

Mikey Day rushes over. He’s a frenetic ball of energy. He’s vibrating. He’s so jacked up from the day. He’s a touch shorter than me, but his personality is definitely larger than I could ever be. His floppy, light brown bangs frame his quizzical face. He grabs my hand and twirls me around. “Distraction. My God. It’s fucking Tess McGuire. Prolific writer of hot sex scenes and modern courtly romance.” He hugs me. “We don’t have time to get into it, but we have people.” I don’t know what to make of this man who seems undeniable.

“What people?”

“In common. And I need to say thank you.”

“For what?” I ask.

“If you weren’t so good in bed, I’d never have become close personal friends with the senator. It’s your fucking fault, and I love ya for it.” He’s boisterous, smart, witty, animated, and infectious.

“You’re very welcome!”

“Seriously, I’d be in a flyover state. They don’t like me in those places.”

“Shut up, dude,” Alex scolds.

“Smart guy talk for ‘don’t spook her.’” Mikey kisses my cheek and scampers off.

Alex rolls his eyes and pulls me out of view. “There’s nothing to be done about him.”

“It’s flattering you talked about me.” I go up on my toes, and he snakes his arms around my waist.

“Did you talk about me?”

I play with his tie. “I called one of my brothers.” I focus on his tie.

“One?”

“I have two, but only one is a fan.”

“You GLOATED!” He pulls me closer. “Why the hell am I so taken by you?”