Page 37 of Celebrity

“And?” It was like pulling teeth to get a straight answer.

“And now he’s decided that you would make the perfect candidate for president. He is on a mission to convince you to run.”

“What?” I exclaimed and looked out the window again.

Sign after sign had “Kumar for President.”

Well, hell, why didn’t I skip the senatorial election and jump right into becoming a presidential candidate?

“Stop looking at me like that, Jacinta Ellen Camden. The presidential election isn’t for two and a half more years. Outside of being born in the United States, I’m not qualified. I’m neither old enough nor have the experience.”

“Well, that didn’t stop our current president. I’m not talking about his age, by the way,” Veer interjected, resulting in a glare from Jacinta. “What? He’s a real-estate tycoon with no political knowledge prior to running for office. At least Sam knows the law.”

I shook my head. “This is not the time for a debate between Mr. Liberal and Ms. Conservative.”

“I’m not a liberal, I’m an independent,” Veer countered.

Jacinta snorted. “Same difference.”

“Hey, I take offense to that. I’m an independent, too.” I gave an exaggerated scowl and wagged my finger at Jacinta. “Plus, you’re the one who just went through a whole pitch to get me to run for Senate.”

“Whatever. You never let me have any fun,” she grumbled with a smirk on her face.

That’s when I realized she had orchestrated the conversation to keep my mind off the paparazzi until we passed through the compound’s gates.

“You think you’re so clever.”

“You’re not the only child prodigy in the car. And for the record, I wasn’t referring to you, Veer,” Jacinta said as the car pulled up to her house.

“God, I love this house. It’s the perfect combination of Southern plantation and modern architecture.” I gazed up at the two-story mansion Jacinta called home.

“If you hadn’t hooked up with my brother and moved up to Seattle, we could have lived here together.”

The mention of Devin made my stomach fill with anxiety and desire.

Just like Clint had said, that man had me twisted inside and not knowing what I wanted.

“Speaking of Devin. Where is he?” I tried to keep the hope I felt from my voice but failed miserably.

Jacinta lifted a brow and then answered, “He was in some meetings with Dad. Something about planning out his future. Oh, to be a fly on that wall, when Dev handed Dad his ass. One day my father will realize he has no say in what his children decide to do with their careers.”

“What are you talking about?” The only thing I knew about Devin’s last conversation with his father was that he’d told them about me.

“For a married couple, y’all need to talk more instead of banging each other’s brains out.”

“Shut up, you’re such an ass.”

“Takes one to know one.”

“Ladies, if you’re done acting like children, I suggest we table any more discussions about politics and media. There are eyes and ears everywhere. The house won’t be secure as long as all the extra staff is here. Then even less so when all the guests arrive.”

“Jaci, how many people did you invite? I know you are trying to hobnob with the political elite but you usually keep it to a minimum.”

The door opened and she slipped out as she responded. “I did what was necessary.” And headed toward the side door of the house.

“Well that clears up absolutely nothing.” I scowled at Veer.

“Don’t look at me. She’s your best friend.”

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