“So you two are dating, Senator!”
It wasn’t a question so Clay ignored it. Glen moved to Georgie’s side, protecting her from the press of reporters.
“Senator Barron, is it true you’re forming an exploratory committee with an eye on the presidency?”
He flashed his patented Barron smile with its hint of dimple toward the reporter. “No. I am not forming a committee.” He paused, waited two beats and his voice penetrated the shouted follow-up questions. “I’ve already formed it.”
That statement was like throwing a two-ton boulder into a small pond. Ripples ran out in concentric circles and the crowd was shocked silent—for about ten seconds. Ten seconds that were long enough for Clay, Georgie and Glen to make it into the building. The reporters would have to go through security checks to enter, giving them time to escape into the elevator and up to Clay’s office.
In the elevator, Glen kept his expression neutral as he faced the doors, his back to Clay and Georgie. Clay could feel the waves of curiosity wafting from her, but she didn’t say a word. Every staffer knew the elevators and stairwells contained security cameras. The trip to the second floor was quick and as the elevator doors slid open, Glen stepped out, on guard and alert. Only after he scanned both directions in the hallway did he motion them out.
Clay and Georgie were ensconced in his office, the door shut with Ev and the rest of his staff on the other side, before Georgie spoke.
“You’ve already formed an exploratory committee?”
Did she sound hurt? Clay reached for her and led her to his couch. He sat down but had to tug her hand to get her to join him. “Yes.”
“Oh.”
Yeah, definitely hurt feelings. “Sweet pea? Look at me.” When she didn’t, he cupped her cheek and pressed until her head turned. “And that committee has nothing to do with those idiots my father hired. You, Boone, Hunt and a few other people I trust, including my brothers, comprise the committee.”
“Me?” Her voice quivered slightly.
“Of course, you. You’re my communications director.” He leaned closer and dropped a soft kiss on her mouth. “And more. I trust you, Georgie. And I value your opinion. I did even before we...” He trailed off without finishing. After another gentle kiss, he added, “Before we became involved.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah, oh. I’m not doing anything without consulting the people I trust, and you’re right there at the top, Georgeanne. Okay?”
When she smiled, her eyes lit up and Clay realized he liked being the one to put that expression on her face. Off balance at the idea, he shelved it. Things were happening too fast to stop and consider why. Later. He’d deal with his emotions later.
Thirteen
Georgie couldn’t breathe and her vision was fuzzy around the edges. Pushing through the heavy glass doors of her doctor’s office, she walked blindly down the street. No. No, no, no. This wasn’t happening. When the nurse had called two days ago to say she needed to come in to discuss the results of one of her tests, Georgie figured it had to do with her blood sugar—her dad was diabetic—or her blood pressure. A lump in her breast had been what she least expected. Today the doctor had performed a biopsy and was sending the tissue off for further tests. She kept walking, head down, fighting tears.
“Ms. Dreyfus? Ms. Dreyfus!”
She ignored the urgent voice calling to her. She didn’t know where she was going, what she was doing. This. Could. Not. Be. Happening.
“Ms. Dreyfus. Georgie!” Glen grabbed her arm and tugged her to a gentle stop. “Georgie, the car’s back this way.”
She looked at him and wondered for a moment who he was. Then she remembered. She nodded, numb and barely breathing. “Glen. I-I’m sorry. I-I got distracted.”
“Hey, are you okay?”
“I... Yeah. I’m fine. I’m...fine.”
Her bodyguard was still holding her arm as he led her back to the SUV parked at the curb. He settled her into the front passenger seat and buckled her seat belt when she made no move to do so. She watched him pass in front of the vehicle, his phone to his ear.
As they pulled up in front of the Russell Building, Hunt was waiting on the sidewalk. He opened her door and helped her out.
“Georgie? What happened?”
Finally emerging from her fog, she focused on him. “I’m fine. Really. Just. Fine.”
“You don’t look fine, hon. I’m gonna have Glen take you home.”
She felt the blood drain from her face. “No. I...no, Hunt. Please. I’m fine. Really. I have too much to do today. I... Clay’s speech for this weekend. And...stuff. Yes. I have stuff to do. Okay?”