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“My brother’s bachelor party is on Saturday night,” Brendan explained with a strained smile.
He’d been responsible for organizing the party. But when he pictured the twins’ high school and college buddies, mingling with Ian’s gym friends and assorted cousins, partying was the last thing on his mind. There were personalities in the mix that he already knew wouldn’t get along. Throw alcohol on top of it, and it would be like tossing a lit match into a pool of tequila.
“What about Corinne?” Brendan asked. “She’s the legislative director. It’s her job to meet with constituents.”
“Corinne will be traveling with me to Connecticut. I know you understand the issues at stake. You've been with me for so long, you could take any job in this office. I put you in Comms because you asked for it, but I have faith that you can do anything. We all pitch in where we're needed. And on a staff of hard workers, I know you especially go above and beyond.”
Which is why I deserve a vacation,Brendan thought.
Stopping in the lobby, Wilson turned to face Brendan, resting his hands on his shoulders. “These are important meetings, Brendan. For us and for our home state. Some of these people we’re dealing with, let’s just say, they’re difficult. Some of them are coming in angry. I’d ask Phil to take them on, but he’s already out this week.” Phil was Wilson’s Chief of Staff. “There’s no one else who can handle this as well as you. Your family will understand — they have to.”
Brendan’s stomach churned. “I appreciate the opportunity, Senator. Believe me.” He forced a hearty laugh. “Any other time, you wouldn’t have to ask twice. But this is my only brother, my twin brother. Melanie would do a good job—”
“Mel is high-strung. She’s a great worker, but she doesn’t have your touch. You walk into a room, and suddenly everyone’s at ease, like magic.” Wilson chuckled, but his expression quickly turned serious. “I need you to do this, Brendan.”
He looked at Brendan expectantly, clearly telegraphing that he was waiting for Brendan’s signature catchphrase,Consider it done.
Brendan kept his voice calm. “Let me talk to my family.”
Wilson looked disappointed, but he squeezed Brendan’s shoulders. “You do that.”
As soon as the senator returned to his desk, Brendan ducked into one of the private restrooms. Locking the door, he leaned against the wall. His chest rose and fell jerkily, and sweat broke out on his forehead.
So this is a panic attack. Now I know how it feels.
For three years, he’d back-burnered everything for the sake of his career. He’d taken on more than his share of the work and put himself forward as much as possible.
But he couldn’t miss this rehearsal dinner. There was already so much distance between him and Ian, and Diana would be devastated if he wasn’t there. Hell, even Sonia was shelving her distaste for big events to show up. His absence would be a glaring hole.
Turning to face the wall, he planted his hands on the cool plaster and tried to take deep breaths.
Sonia.
Somehow this felt like her fault. Not the conflict, but this fucking reaction. Brendan O’Brian didn’t have panic attacks. He didn’t freak out; he didn’t lose his cool.
Until this woman stirred up all his shit. He hadn’t seen her or spoken to her since Monday night. After their encounter, he needed to recover.
But he’d never recover, would he? All he thought about was Sonia.
And there was that text she’d sent last night, the one he’d seethed over:Are we seeing anyone else right now?
Palming his phone from his pocket, he dialed.
“Hello.” Sonia’s voice was a cool challenge. His cock responded instantly.
“Where are you?” he asked roughly.
He heard her quick intake of breath. “I’m outside the library. I just came from a dance class. I’m about to dig into yet another grant proposal.”
This was chatty for Sonia. She didn’t usually volunteer more information than he asked for.
“Are you still in your dance clothes?”
“Yes.” She sounded curious and a little wary.
“Get on your knees.”
“Like…now?”
