Page 214 of State of Suspense

Oh Lord, the man was going to make her swoon!

“Why?”

“God only knows, my darling, but I can’t help but want you with every fiber of my being.”

Nicoletta leaned in, drawn to him like she’d never been to anyone, ever.

He met her halfway, his lips connecting with hers, sending a shock through her system. “Is there any chance you might want me, too?”

“Yes, I want you.” Despite the insane attraction, she still feared his motives. “But I need to know something, and you have to tell me the truth.”

“Of course.”

“Are you with me because my son is the president?”

His expression reflected pure shock. “No, Nicoletta. That’s not why I’m with you.”

“I’m afraid it doesn’t make any sense to me after what you just witnessed, that you’d still want me…”

“I can’t help but want you. From the first second I laid eyes on you, I knew you were going to change everything for me.”

“I was in an orange jumpsuit with no makeup.”

“Orange never looked so good to me.”

“You’re crazy,” she said, laughing.

“About you.” He linked their fingers. “I know today was terribly disappointing for you, but I hope you know you have me and my family and the chance for a whole new life, if that’s what you want.”

“It is, but only because that new life would be with you.”

“Perhaps if your son and his wife see you living your best life, they might one day want to be part of it.”

“Perhaps.”

He stood and gave her hand a gentle tug to bring her to her feet. “What do you say we get busy living that best life?”

“Right now?” she asked with a coy smile.

“Right this very second.”

Chapter Thirty-Six

“Did we break our own record?” Sam asked Nick when they were in The Beast on the way back to the White House.

“I think we might’ve. Twice in forty minutes is impressive, even for us.”

Sam had forgone a seat belt so she could snuggle up to him. “Which of the agents is most likely to write a tell-all book about the horniest first couple in history?”

His low grumble of laughter made her smile. “I’d put my money on Brant. It’s always the quiet ones.”

“Nah, he’d never do that to you.”

Nick’s secure BlackBerry rang with a call. “Gotta take this.”

Sam sat up so he could retrieve the phone from his pocket. “It’s Terry. Hey, what’s up?”

Nick put his arm around her, bringing her back to rest on him where she could hear the other half of the conversation.

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