And I just planted my face in my hands as the entire class joined in on the chorus so loudly the entire school probably heard.

SIXTEEN

TYLER

Two days later and I was still thinking about her. What the hell was wrong with me? The luncheon was the day after tomorrow, and I couldn’t wait. I hoped she wasn’t going to chicken out, because it would throw off my entire fucking day.

I pulled back the pen, noticing I’d been retracing notes I’d already made as I sat at the head of the conference table, vaguely aware of Stevenson, one of my vice presidents, updating everyone on distribution figures from the last quarter.

I wasn’t even listening.

Every time I sat still, my head would drift back to her. Her body, her lips, her hunger… She was driving me crazy, and I knew right then and there that I hadn’t lied to her.

I might actually have a crush.

And I dropped the pen to the table, knowing that was the last thing I needed.

Easton Bradbury was beautiful, educated, and strong. She was built for challenges. But she was also complicated, difficult, and moody. She wouldn’t make friends easily.

Even if she weren’t my son’s teacher – even if I weren’t about to enter a campaign, knowing that going public with a love interest could put me further under the microscope – Easton could still fuck me up.

Damaged people were survivors, and they survived because they always put themselves first. Self-preservation demanded it.

I didn’t like realizing I might not be the first one to walk away.

I had to enjoy her for what she was and not let her mean more than that. She was fun company, good in bed, and a welcome distraction when I had time for one. And I had every confidence I was the same for her.

Other than that, she needed to be pushed out of my head.

I came back, refocusing on the table in front of me. “All right,” I said, cutting off Stevenson midsentence. “Everyone go to lunch. We’ll continue this later.”

I didn’t wait to see if anyone had any questions before I got up and moved back into the main office to continue the work that was doubling before me, no matter how many hours I spent at it.

Everyone slowly drifted out while I got on the computer and started reviewing messages from Corinne.

There was a stockholders’ meeting in the evening, but I was going to send Jay in my place, and some new contracts to delegate to regional vice presidents.

Jay was right. I couldn’t handle everything myself. With the campaign – and the Senate, if I won – I was going to have to learn how to hand off more work to others.

Then I looked around, seeing that my brother had left the meeting. Picking up my phone, I speed-dialed him.

But Corinne walked in. “Mr. Marek? Ms. McAuliffe is here to see you,” she said.

“Five minutes,” I commanded.

She nodded, knowing that it was her job to come in and scurry out whoever I needed gone, so I could get on with my day.

Corinne walked out, and Jay picked up his phone.

“You just told us to go to lunch,” he pointed out, knowing I needed him back here.

“Not you,” I shot back. “I want to be out of here by four, so get back in here.”

“Four?” he blurted out, but I hung up the phone without responding.

I never left the office that early, and he knew it. But slowly I’d started to try to manage my time better. I could take a break, eat dinner with Christian, and then work in my home office while he went to his room to do homework or over to a friend’s house.

I began clicking on the messages on my computer when I saw Tessa stroll in, a casual smile brightening her face and her beige suit jacket and handbag hanging in her hand.

She was dressed in a burgundy blouse and a beige pencil skirt, and as usual, she had a relaxed sway to her hips and determination in her steps, as if she were always comfortable, no matter the room or the company.

Such a contrast to Easton’s stiff posture and the black curtain that seemed to hang over her eyes.

I don’t want anyone else to have it while we’re doing this, okay?

I inhaled a deep breath and hardened my jaw.

“Close the door,” Tessa instructed Corinne a few feet behind her, turning her head only enough to be understood but not enough to see her.

Corinne shut the door, and Tessa tossed her things onto one of the chairs opposite my desk.

She smiled. “I thought you were away on business,” she said sweetly, but I knew she was scolding. “Or perhaps detained with no way to communicate.” She circled the desk, making her way to me. “Or maybe you lost my number and, knowing how anti–social media you are, you didn’t think to tweet.”

Twitter? Was she kidding?

Tessa and I were never the type to check in with each other, and while I knew she was playing it cool, it was unlike her to show up at my office without calling.

Or put herself on my side of the desk, interrupting my day. That was what I liked – or did like – about Tessa. She respected our careers, and she didn’t get territorial.

Not like Easton. I started to smile at the thought of her but stopped myself.

“Tessa —”

“I’m seeing someone?” she interrupted, finishing for me. “Is that what you’re going to say?”

I sat down, watching her as I ran my finger over my lips. I knew what was coming.

She looked at me, all business, calm and levelheaded. “Here’s the thing, Tyler.” She sat down on the edge of my desk, crossing one leg over the other. “I don’t care. Her, me…” She shrugged. “You get two for the price of one. Which works for me, because I don’t want anything more anyway.”

And then she leaned in, running a finger down my light blue tie. “But I don’t want to lose what I already have,” she clarified.

I looked up into her eyes, wondering why she was really here. A few months ago she’d insisted on having our lunch date in my office, but we’d never eaten. She’d walked in, pulled up her skirt, and straddled me in my chair.

And while I’d enjoyed it, I was simply wondering now if the five minutes I’d told Corinne to give us were up yet.

I let out a breath and cocked my head. “You haven’t been waiting around for me to call,” I challenged.

“No,” she allowed, pulling back with a smile. “But I would’ve canceled any plans I’d made if you had.”

I grinned, appreciating her candor. She was useful, and I’d rather keep her on my side if I could. We’d enjoyed each other, and there was mutual respect for the other’s position and connections in the city.

But the thing was… I’d never craved her.

And I no longer wanted her.

It’s not that I was callous or that I thought women were disposable. I only involved myself with women who knew the score and wanted the same thing as me.

Easy fun.

Now everything felt different.

Because of Easton.

Her sharp tongue spouted words that cut, but it also tasted like a cool lake on a hot day.

I remembered her whispers in my ear, waking me up Wednesday morning before she slipped a leg over my stomach and climbed on.

I inhaled a sharp breath, refocusing on the current situation.

“It turns out,” I confided, “maybe I do want to complicate my life a little.”

Her eyes widened, and she smiled big. “Dish,” she demanded.

I let out a bitter laugh. “Not a chance.”

“It’s off the record,” she assured me, holding up her hands in innocence.

“You’re never off the record.”

“Oh, come on.” She waved a hand at me. “You’re bound to take her to dinner sometime. The press would kill to see someone unknown on your arm. You can’t hide her away forever.”

That’s exactly what I wanted to do. If anyone found out, we’d be done, and I wasn’t ready.

I let out a sigh. “I can do whatever I want,” I replied, aware I sounded a little cocky.

She pursed her lips in a plotting smile. “I’m intrigued.”