During the pinnacle of applause at Mercer University in Macon, I lean into the microphone to finish the speech with my campaign slogan’s proclamation, “Georgia needs new blood!” The students explode into cheers while their administration stands nearby, observing the scene with wary eyes. They’re from the old world and they like things the way they are. For the well-established, stirring things up is never welcome.

But I don’t give a shit.

I wave and step back from the podium to let Senator Rothdale compete with that. When I heard he’d be giving a speech after mine I was pissed off. But then I decided to use my anger as fuel. My speech was better for it.

I can see from his eyes that my reception amongst brand new voters such as these kids, has thrown him. I don’t think he took me seriously until now.

Like a seasoned veteran of success, he smiles and steps out to soak up the applause as if it's for him.

Impressive…and annoying.

I have no choice but to keep walking offstage…where I pause in confusion.

What the hell is she doing here?

It’s been weeks since that crazy flight from Boston, but she's the last person I've had sex with. That was partially from my busy schedule, but if someone held a gun to my head I would admit it's more than that. There were three nights since that sex-filled plane ride where I could've called someone from my list, but when I started to dial I stopped.

What happened between me and this stunner who's staring at me with those smoky-charcoal eyes of hers, was way hotter than anything my list could've offered.

My sexual appetite wasn’t craving what I knew would be mediocre sex. It was craving her, who I had no way of getting ahold of.

And yet here she is.

Well well well.

I guess this is my lucky day.

Smiling in surprise I walk up to her. She cuts me off before I can ask what she’s doing here.

“Mr. Cocker, I’m Jaimie Rothdale. The Senator’s daughter and campaign organizer. It’s nice to meet you.”

My mouth slackens in horror, and from habit alone I am able to shake her hand. I've been sucker punched in the nuts. Glancing over to the University’s faculty who are within earshot, I lick my lips and try to gather my sanity.

What. The. Fuck.

Did she plot that whole day to lure me in?

Jaimie really was her name?

And she’s just going to shake my hand with that cold fucking look on her face and act like we’ve just met?

“It’s…nice to meet you, Ms. Rothdale.”

“We enjoyed your speech.”

I repeat under my breath, “Jaimie Rothdale. Jaimie Rothdale. Jaimie Rothdale,” while trying to unveil what’s hovering behind the edges of my memory. Her head tilts. Suddenly it hits me. “Did you go to high school with me, junior year?”

Her eyes flicker with surprise. “I did.”

“I remember you. It was well known that the Senator’s daughter had come to Atlanta. You kept to yourself, if memory serves. Sat next to me in Mr. Cooper's class. But you sure as hell didn't look like this." I give her a slow and deliberate toe to head inspection.

Her face flushes, but she covers it with a feminist righteousness, which I wouldn’t mock…if it weren’t for her fucking me in a janitor’s closet. “My looks are not an appropriate topic, under the circumstances."

On a low chuckle, I walk away from her, replying coolly, “No, I suppose they aren’t.”

Growing more furious by the second, I grit my teeth all the way out into the sunlight, dying for some fresh air. Mindful of being watched I stare into the college parking lot, trying to get my head back on my neck.

She lured me in, then sideswiped me.

I know how it was in high school.

I know how popular we were.

When I told her my name at that airport bar, she knew exactly who I fucking was and she played dumb. “Shit,” I mutter, raking my hands through my hair.

Even before it was announced to the public, people in Washington knew I wanted his seat in the Senate. Which means her father knew. And since she's organizing his campaign, that means she knew.

She fucked me knowing I was about to be on the ballot.

Was she trying to learn my strategies?

Learn who I was so she could beat me?

Or did she do it just to throw me off my game when we inevitably ran into each other again.

Whatever it was it was brilliant.

Diabolical and fucking brilliant.

I hate her.

Exhaling violently I walk back inside, straight up to her. She turns around with an unreadable expression. She's gorgeous, and lethal.

"Nicely played, Jaimie.”

"Excuse me?"

Faking a smile so that anyone watching will think I'm saying nice things to her, I keep my volume private. "Don't play innocent. We both know you’re sly. I'm on to you now. I won't be made a fool of again.”

Her lips part and my gaze drops to them remembering how often I made the mistake of kissing her. Behind me, on stage, her father's speech finishes but I can't hear what he’s saying. The fury inside of my chest is white-hot. As he approaches us I turn on my heel and head to the auditorium to do what I do best.

So they think they can beat me?

Fuck them.

I'm going to charm the people.

Stand back and watch me work.