Instantly, my gaze found Agent Davis’. He was staring at us from across the lawn, and again, my body tingled. Fuck, he was hot with his short dark blond hair and chiseled jaw, and as we stared at each other, I wondered what color his eyes were behind his sunglasses.
“Nah, nothing like that.” I chuckled softly, still eyeing Agent Davis. “Don’t think that would go over well with my father, but my brother is into poker. I’m sure I can find us a place to lose some money and have a great time with some beers.”
“Who are you staring at?” Tyler asked.
I turned my attention back to my best friend. “Agent Hottie.”
He snorted a laugh. “Who’s Agent Hottie?”
I motioned with my head in Agent Davis’ direction. “The one over there who I’m sure has muscles for days under his black suit.”
Both Tyler and Hayden turned their heads, and when I glanced too, Agent Davis wasn’t looking at us anymore. It was probably for the best.
“He’s not bad,” Hayden said. “But not as hot as a student I used to teach.”
I snorted a laugh as Tyler tilted his head with an “aww.”
Man, they had it bad for each other.
“Okay, you two. We need more alcohol.” I downed my drink and went back to the bar.
* * *
As the nightwore on and the drinks flowed freely, I found myself increasingly caught up in the celebratory spirit. The alcohol only fueled my desire for Agent Davis. I couldn’t help it. I hadn’t been in his presence for such a long length of time before, and I caught myself searching for him in the crowd the entire night.
With a playful smile on my lips, I stumbled over to where he was standing, his stare firmly fixed on the surroundings. “Hey, there, Agent Hottie,” I slurred, leaning against a nearby tree for support. “Protecting democracy never looked so good!”
He turned his head to face me, a mixture of surprise and amusement flickering across his face. He was no longer wearing sunglasses, but I still couldn’t tell the color of his eyes. He arched an eyebrow, his professional facade momentarily faltering. “You’re quite something, Mr. Donnelley,” he said, his voice tinged with a hint of laughter.
“Oh, you haven’t seen the half of it,” I replied with a wink, my words slightly garbled. “And let me tell you, you’re rocking that suit, but I’d much rather see you out of it.”
He chuckled, trying to maintain his composure. “Well, thank you for the compliment. But as much as I’d love to engage in playful banter with you, I have a job to do.”
“Aw, come on.” I pouted jokingly, leaning closer to him. “Don’t be such a downer. Live a little. I promise I won’t give you any more trouble …” I looked him up and down. “Well, maybe just a little.”
He cracked a smile. “I’ll keep that in mind, Mr. Donnelley. But for now, my duty is to keep you and your family safe.”
“Nothing is going to happen,” I stated as I eyed the crowd. Everyone was getting ready for the fireworks, and I was looking for my own, but in a totally different way.
“I’m on duty, sir.”
I was tempted to reach out and touch him, but I refrained because I wasn’t sure if he’d tackle me to the ground.Then again …
Taking a deep breath, I said instead, “Fair enough, but remember, if you ever decide to ditch the suit and tie, I’ll be here waiting to show you a good time.”
His smile grew wider, and he inclined his head in acknowledgment. “I’ll try to remember that, Fallon. Enjoy the rest of the party.”
I pushed off the tree, a huge-ass grin on my face as I realized he’d called me Fallon and not Mr. Donnelley.
As the night continued, I danced and laughed, my thoughts occasionally drifting back to the enigmatic Secret Service agent who had momentarily succumbed to my charm. Maybe one day he wouldn’t be protecting my father and I could make my move again. The question was: would it be as soon as November, or would it be in four years?
2
RHETT
Four Months Later– Election Night
Senator Donnelley’sfamily and campaign staff filled the large hotel suite as they watched the election results pour in. When the polls had closed on the East Coast a couple of hours ago, everyone’s sole focus became set on whatever information they could glean from the non-stop news coverage.
