Page 25 of The Liar's Reckoning

Next thing I know, he’s right up on me, his chest touching my shoulder and his voice low, close enough to my face that the heat of his breath warms my cheek. “I was the captain of my debate team. I know how to have a conversation and argue different points of view. The problem here, Silas, is that you won’t say what’s actually on your mind. So quit talking around it and make your point. I’m a big boy. I can handle it.”

I slide my gaze around to meet his. “Why haven’t you set something up with Katia?”

“I can’t afford you.”

I glance down at his mouth. “And if you could?”

“Then you’d really think I was stalking you.”

“Do I sound like I’d mind?”

“Up until this second, yes.”

I’ve had those pretty lips around my cock.“I wouldn’t.”

His eyes narrow like he’s trying to see inside my head. It’s taking a lot of willpower not to grab him by the sweatshirt and drag his body against mine, slot our legs together, and get one or two good grinds in. It’s so hot between us. That night wasn’t a fluke.

I just wish he weren’t such a—whatever the hell he is. Republican. Senator. Husband. Daddy’s boy. His looks are probably all he’s got going for him, but I’m hooked. “You might want to take a step back,” I warn him.

“Why’s that?”

“Figure it out, Senator.”

He smirks and backs off half a step. So, maybe he’s not completely clueless.

I suck in a fresh breath of air. “You want to run or what?”

“You sound like you hate me.”

“I’m not sure I don’t.”

“I kinda like it.”

I snort. “Of course you do.”

I take off at a jog, and he somehow manages to keep up.

“You were nicer at the Plaza,” he tells me after a few minutes.

“I was being paid a lot that night to be accommodating. It’s not my nature. I’m from Queens.”

“And working three jobs to take care of your mom.”

“That doesn’t make me a sweetheart or some kind of hero. It’s what needs doing. Where does your family live?” I ask.

“TriBeCa. But I grew up in Greenwich Village. They split their time between here and the Hamptons.”

“Of course.” I can’t believe he had the nerve to say he couldn’tafford me and then all that in the span of a few minutes. “How are you and Avery settling in?”

“She’s loving it,” he says, fighting for breath.

I slow to a walk for a few minutes so he can get used to the pace. He adds, “Already making tons of friends through her Pilates classes.”

“And you?”

“My home office is all set up. I spend a lot of time in there on the phone trying to get ready for the legislative session. I’m not sure what to expect. And there’s a lot of reading and catching up to do. The campaign took over my life for a while. I’m glad I don’t have to do that again for another five years.”

“Is this what you always wanted to do? Politics?”

---