Page 46 of Where There's Smoke

I laughed, but it was forced. “I…don’t think I could do that. Kick you out so I…” I shook my head and watched myself pick at the waffle with my fork. “Thanks, but no.”

“Are you sure?”

Oh, it was tempting. I wanted Anthony bad enough I was willing to abandon tact and common sense to have him, but…no. I wouldn’t sleep with him at home while she was there, and I sure as hell wouldn’t kick her out of here. This was uncomfortable enough without adding a “don’t knock if there’s a scarf on the doorknob” clause to our arrangement.

“Well, if you change your mind, just let me know.” She looked at her cell phone. “We still have some time before we have to go. I’m going to run to the gym downstairs and get in a quick workout.”

I opened my mouth to speak but hesitated. Her eyes narrowed just enough to tell me she heard loud and clear what I didn’t say. We’d had this conversation enough times, we both knew the script.

Are you sure you should be working out after—

Jesse, back off.

I’m just worried about you. I don’t want you to get sick or—

I’m fine. Back off.

I’d back off, she’d work out, and I’d spend the whole time hoping to God she didn’t pass out.

Simone changed into her workout clothes and left the room. Alone in the silence, I sat back in my chair and pushed the cold waffle away. I didn’t eat any more. At least that meant my breakfast didn’t end up going the same way hers had.

After that appearance together in San Diego, two in a row on the California side of Lake Tahoe, and a rally in Oakland, Simone and I once again had separate itineraries for a few days before we’d both return to LA for the primary. She flew out early in the morning, and I went straight from the airport to three back-to-back events. Rallies, dinners, speeches, interviews—I couldn’t even keep track anymore.

“You know, everything on this campaign trail is starting to blur together,” I said to Anthony as I drove us down the coast in the dark after yet another event.

“They tend to do that.” Anthony dropped his phone into the console between us and sat back in the passenger seat. “And it’s just going to get crazier after the primary.”

“Great. Assuming I win the primary, right?”

“You’d damn well better win it. I didn’t work my ass off for you to lose this early in the game.”

I glanced at him. A few weeks ago, that look might have made me gulp and fidget, but I just rolled my eyes and looked at the road again. “Well, at least Ranya will be back by the time the primary is over.”

“Don’t know why you let that girl take vacation time,” he said in a playfully stern voice. “How dare she?”

I laughed. “Yeah, tell me about it.”

“Better she goes on vacation now. After the primary, you’re gonna need her.”

“No shit.”

“How are you holding up for now, though?” he asked. “I mean, in general, and with her being gone?”

I shrugged. “I’ll manage. I’ve still got you to keep me in line and tell me where to be.”

“Yeah, but I am not your assistant. Make no mistake.”

“True. My assistant has a sense of humor and brings me fried chicken from time to time.”

“Ugh.” Anthony shuddered. “Sense of humor? Check. Fried chicken? You’re on your own.”

I clicked my tongue. “Man, what good are you?”

“I’m keeping your campaign in some semblance of order.”

“Order? This is order?”

“Just be glad you don’t have a chaotic campaign to compare to this one. I assure you, your campaign is running smoothly and flawlessly as only a Hunter-managed campaign can.”

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