Page 79 of Magnetic God

“I’ve missed you, too,” I admit. Stepping aside, I say, “Come in.”

He does, pulling his bag behind him. When the door closes, he spins to face me.

“Please say I can kiss you, Angel.”

I nod and his mouth is covering mine a moment later. We kiss like we haven’t seen each other in months. Maybe I’m wrong for allowing this, but I just can’t say no. Not when it comes to Brooks.

We finally pull away, both of us panting.

“We need to talk.”

“There’s something I need to tell you,” I say at the same time. My heart falls. “What do we need to talk about?”

“You first.”

“I’ll go first as long as you swear your news isn’t bad.” At his confused look, I say, “If you’re ending things with me, just do it now.”

“Fuck no. I meant what I said. I’m not letting you go, Angel. And the news isn’t bad. Not for us, at least.”

“Okay.” I exhale. “Senator Ryans knows about us.”

His eyebrows lift. “Walt Ryans?”

“That’s him.”

“I don’t understand.”

I motion for him to follow me to the living room because this is going to take a bit to explain, and I want to be comfortable. Once we’re seated, I tell him everything.

“I checked my recording system. He wasn’t kidding when he said I’d find nothing but static.”

Brooks has taken the news surprisingly well and says, “What I don’t understand is why he thinks you’re planning Grant’s wedding? Grant isn’t seeing anyone, and, even if he were, he’d have to get it approved by the Elite Members first.”

I crinkle my nose. “That’s such a barbaric and antiquated rule, by the way.”

“Agreed.”

“As an Elite Member, is that something you can change?”

“Funny you should mention it, because, yes, I can change it.”

There’s a gleam in his blue eyes that has me smiling.

“Brooks?”

“Yes, Angel?”

“What are you up to?”

“Well, I guess it’s my turn to speak.” He stands. “I saw Grant Carter in DC a few days ago. He gave me some advice that made a lot of fucking sense, which I’m sure he’ll never let me live down.”

“Advice?”

“On what I should do about you.”

“Me?”

He smiles. “Yes, you. That brings me to my confession. I arrived in Dallas last night.”

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