Page 19 of Extra Witchy

“We’re fine,” Leanne said.

Trev had nothing to add, apparently. She dug into her enchiladas, letting him mull over what she’d said. It was important to know when to push and when to provide breathing room. Now it was time for the latter.

Finally, he murmured, “What if you meet someone you actually want to be with?”

“What ifyoudo?” she countered.

He laid down his fork with a sober mien. “Let’s not pretend I’m a catch. Don’t do that.”

“Look, I realize you have self-esteem issues, and we’ll work on that. Understand that you fit uniquely into the life I’m trying to build. Do you think it’s easy to find a guy who’d even contemplate being a househusband and taking the back seat while I launch a political career?”

He blinked. “I didn’t even consider that.”

“Then start. As it happens, I have a Trev Montgomery–shaped hole in my life, and I’m trying to get you to fill it.” After the words came out, she heard the filth, but she didn’t back off what she’d said. Instead, she followed it with a wink. “I know how I come across, and it won’t poll well with voters unless you mitigate my image. In a regular relationship, all kinds of things can go sideways. I need someone who will stick around, period.”

He was silent for several long moments, staring at his burrito. “Well, historically, I’m not the one who leaves, even when things go really, really wrong.”

“That’s why you’re my man,” she said. “Sure, it helps that you were willing to step in with Junie, no questions asked. But logic suggests that if we do this, I can have the life I’ve always secretly wanted.”

“You didn’t answer my question,” he said.

“About meeting someone else?” She sighed quietly. “Okay, all cards on the table. I don’t look for relationships anymore. I have sex with people, but I haven’t tried to find a partner since Malcolm left, and I have no plans to start. I care about getting into politics. That’s it.”

He studied her for a long moment. “I’m not looking either, but we should have an understanding in place before we get carried away.”

“Then…we agree to keep communication open, and if at some point you meet someone special, tell me. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. I promise I won’t cheat, and I’m open to keeping things flexible. I can keep listing benefits, but…what do you say, Trev?”

A smile broke over his face, crinkling his eyes. “I might be out of my mind, or maybe you’re just that good at talking, but this…sort of makes sense? Whatever, point is, you’ll be a great politician and I…would behonoredto be your third husband.”

***

Trev was so startled when Leanne launched out of her chair toward him that he almost tipped his over.

Thankfully, she caught him and bestowed an amazing kiss while the older couple at the back of the restaurant looked on with disapproval. Until she pumped the air with her fist and crowed, “Yes! He said yes! We’re getting married!”

At once, the censure melted into congratulations, and the owner of Pablo’s, whose name was Enrique, amusingly enough, sent them free flan in honor of such an auspicious occasion. Trev still couldn’t believe he’d agreed to this, but even as he went over the terms in his head, nothing about the agreement worked out badly for him. She was willing to sleep beside him and have sex, and he got free health insurance, plus time to get his shit together. In return, he just had to cook and clean. At least he’d have something to do with his day now.

Later, there would probably be photo ops, but she needed to get the backstory in place first. In a way, he admired how methodical she was being, chasing her goals with a single-minded capability that he envied. When she surprised him by offering a bite of flan, he ate it without hesitation, and the elderly couple made “aww” noises. PDA was more acceptable in newly engaged couples, he supposed.

Wonder if Sarah will think I did this in reaction to her wedding invitation.

“What will your friends say?” he asked.

“Oh, they’ll all think it’s a reckless, terrible idea—that I’ve fallen into an ill-advised infatuation and that our relationship is destined to crash and burn.”

“Whoa. Will they say that to your face?”

Leanne laughed and shook her head. “Not a chance. They’ll pretend to be supportive, not realizing I can tell the difference, and be braced to pick up the pieces when it all goes horribly wrong. At least, that’s how it always was before.”

“What’s different?”

“You are,” she said with a cheeky grin.

“Seriously.”

“I have disparate goals this time. In marrying you, I want to realize my political dreams. I’m hoping we’ll become friends who cooperate well as housemates and who also enjoy having sex with each other. That’s the extent of my ambition on the home front.”

In all honesty, it didn’t sound bad to Trev at all. When she put it that way, he could fully get behind being her husband. If she wasn’t expecting some deathless, perfect love, there was little chance he could fuck it up. Companionship? No problem. Good sex? Awesome.

---