She rolled her eyes. “That’s an understatement.” Sighing, she peeked out again and turned back to face the man who’d become her everything—and needed to become her nothing ASAP. She rubbed her fisted hand across her chest over her heart, surprised at how much the decision she’d come to this morning—after a solid week of harassment—hurt.
Clay’s expression sharpened and he stepped closer, arms reaching for her. “Sweet pea?”
Despair washed over her and Georgie threw up her hands to keep him from touching her. “Listen to me, Clay. I care for you, but I care even more about you. I’m still your communications director, which means I’m your employee. That dang reporter outed us and look what’s happened. We can’t go anywhere together without getting hounded. You’re the front-runner for the nomination, even without a formal declaration. You will be the next President of the United States. We can’t play at being...a...a thing any longer.”
“A thing?” Clay’s voice dropped into the bass range, his displeasure evident in his tone and expression. “This is no game, Georgie, and our relationship is not a thing.”
Her heart fluttered at his intensity. Clay Barron had a reputation on the Hill—most eligible bachelor. She’d seen the women he dated. This...thing between them was only a fling. It had to be. Even if walking away broke her heart.
She wasn’t the right woman for him. She wasn’t a starlet, supermodel or debutante. She was plain ol’ Georgie Dreyfus with drab brown hair, thick glasses and muddy green eyes.
Clay grabbed her shoulders and gave her a gentle shake, the careful action totally at odds with the stormy expression on his face. “I’m not going away, Georgie. This is something real. At least to me.”
His gaze searched her face, probing all the way into the place she hid her deepest secrets—especially her feelings for her boss. She swallowed and fought the urge to fall into his arms. “This won’t work. We won’t work.”
Clay stared at her, his expression smoothing to that of the polished politician. “Oh...?”
He pinned her with his gaze, waiting for a reply. She blinked several times and ignored the ding on her phone. Clay didn’t. He lifted her hand and removed her phone. He read the text and replied.
“Hunt’s two blocks away.”
“Oh. Right. Time to go.”
The corners of his mouth curled up but the smile wasn’t friendly. “This conversation isn’t over. And we are far from done.”
Before she could recoil, he had her wrapped in his arms and pressed against his chest. “I say when we’re done. You got that?”
“But...why me? How can you be with someone like me?”
“Ah, sweet pea.” His voice mellowed as he stroked her back. “Why wouldn’t I be? You’re sweet and funny and warm. You’re beautiful. And the best damn speechwriter on the Hill.” His eyes twinkled as he said that last bit. “So. Are we clear, sweet pea?”
She blinked up at him. “About what?”
“About us not being done. A real thing. Yeah?”
“Oh, yeah.”
“Kiss me, darlin’.”
“I can do that.”
“So why aren’t you?”
“Oh, yeah.”
Clay laughed and cupped her face so he could kiss her deeply. He only released her mouth when her phone dinged again.
“Time to go.”
“Uh-huh.”
Clay helped her into the backseat of the SUV then urged her to scoot over so he could join her. She didn’t stop blushing until the vehicle rolled to a stop in front of the Russell Senate Office Building. A gaggle of reporters surged forward. Glen was out of the SUV before Hunt put it in Park, but he didn’t open the rear door.
“Slide over, Georgie. I go out first.” Clay tugged on her hand as he maneuvered in the tight space. She did as she was told without comment. “And I’ll do the talking.” At that, her expression cleared and her mouth opened. He took advantage and kissed her, his tongue sweeping through her open lips. With reluctance, he broke off. “Yes, you’re my communications director, but in this instance, I’m doing the talking. You with me?”
“I...yes. Of course.”
“Good. Now, big smile for the cameras.” He winked and nodded to Hunt, who opened the driver’s door and stepped out. Seconds later Glen opened the back door and Clay emerged onto the sidewalk. He met the barrage of shouted questions and whir of cameras with a smile firmly fixed in place. Then he moved away just enough to give Georgie space to come out of the SUV. He offered his arm, with elbow crooked, and she accepted his offer after a moment’s hesitation. Her slim fingers slipped between his arm and side, curling over his forearm.