Page 19 of Capitally Engaged

“I’m good if you’re good.”

Preston nodded and his eyes roved around the room as we continued to spin in place on the dance floor.

“You know what would really convince the senator if he did still have doubts,” I said slowly.

Preston’s eyes returned to mine. “What’s that?”

“A public display of affection.”

Preston’s eyes widened. I should stop this train of thought, even though I’m the one who launched it from the station. That interaction with his brother mixed things up inside me enough.

“More than slow dancing in a crowded room, you mean?”

I nodded, not able to stop my gaze straying to his lips.

“Oh,” Preston said, his shoulders rising with a big breath in. “You’re not wrong. A kiss would certainly help with the legitimacy of our relationship.”

“I’m up for it if you are.” At this point, I wanted to feel his lips on mine more than I wanted to protect my boundaries. Seeing him grapple with hurting Hayden made me want to reassure him, to comfort him. Apparently, through his mouth.

Preston laughed. “What every guy wants to hear.”

Nonetheless, Preston’s face moved incrementally closer to mine, my eyes fluttering closed, waiting and anticipating...

“Sorry to interrupt, but Preston, I need to speak with you.”

Preston and I jerked apart.

“N-Now?” Preston stuttered.

“Yes, now,” the senator said, his tone indicating his displeasure with Preston’s question, but at least he realized he couldn’t go full asshole mode with so many people around. “Raymond Olson is here and just had a cancellation for tomorrow morning onPolitical Pulse. We need to shorten tonight’s speech to fit the talking head format.”

“Got it,” Preston said. “I’ll be right with you. I want to get Jax situated to get home first.”

The senator’s mouth formed a thin line as he looked over at me, seeming displeased he no longer had immediate and unfettered access to my fiancé. “Fine, I’ll see you in five minutes.”

Without a parting word, the senator turned and walked away, directing his attention toward a group gathered on the side of the dance floor.

“I’m not sure your boss likes me too much...” I said, fidgeting, not meeting Preston’s eyes after our almost kiss.

“Nah. Well, that might be true, but honestly, he doesn’t like anyone, so try not to take it personally.”

I laughed. “Good, I’d be worried about securing a job with him otherwise.”

Preston pushed his glasses back up on his nose. “I’ll take care of it. I’ll lay the groundwork tonight as we’re talking. That we’re having to work tonight for a TV spot opens the door for needing a Comms Director person nicely. Now, let’s get you a car home.”

“I can handle it,” I said, pulling my phone out of my purse and starting to call up a ride share app.

Preston’s hand landed on my arm. “I know you can, but what kind of fiancé would I be if I just let you wait outside on your own?”

“You don’t have time for that.”

Preston put light pressure on my lower back to get me moving. “Maybe I’ll make the senator wait for me for just a bit longer. Might give him a complex. Could be fun.”

I laughed. The more I learned about Preston’s personality, the more the layers I discovered surprised me. He was more than an uptight, perfectionist I discounted him for when we met. Learning more felt dangerous.

We walked to the front of the hotel and waited in comfortable silence, me watching the car’s progress on my app, Preston looking around, taking in the bustle around us.

Finally, my car pulled into the drive.

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