I smile at the production assistant attaching a microphone to my collar. He’s sneaking a peek at my boobs, but I’m too distracted to care.

Jude Titan is under my skin, and I just met him less than five minutes ago. I knew he was attractive, but I didn’t realize he’d be so…magnetic. My libido was in overdrive as I spoke to him, torn between staring at his inked, muscled forearms and his intense, dark brown eyes.

I close my eyes for a couple seconds to ground myself.

Focus, Reagan. Find your focus.

It’s critical that I be on point during this first on-camera encounter with Jude. I can’t stumble over my words because I’m distracted by his looks.

It’s not just his looks, though. There’s something else. He’s not at all intimidated. He’s got swagger in spades, and it’s really sexy.

We’re sitting in club chairs, my Republican opponents on either side of me. The station’s anchor is sitting on a stool off to the side. He looks up from his notecards at us.

“Thirty seconds, guys,” he says. “You ready?”

“Ready,” Jude says.

I just give a confident nod, my mind tied up with how sexy Jude’s voice is. I sneak a glance at him and notice him checking out my legs. I meet his eyes for a brief second to let him know I saw, and he winks.

Winks.

Cocky bastard. My heart is thundering in my chest as the station’s producer counts down the final fifteen seconds to on-air.

My father’s advice rings in my ears… Stick to the issues, don’t let it get personal. Never let yourself turn defensive. Keep him on the run—always stay a step ahead.

The news anchor gives us all a polished smile as he speaks into the camera. He reads everyone’s bio, and only Sonny Solomon’s is lacking. Jude Titan’s military credentials are impressive, I reluctantly admit to myself.

“I’m just like you,” Jude says into the camera when it’s his turn to introduce himself. “I’m a regular guy who’s fed up with politicians only looking out for themselves. Our country is at a crossroads, and I want to be part of moving us in the right direction. I’m a proven leader, and even though I’m just getting into the race, I promise you I won’t be outworked. I’ll tour our great state by bus to meet people and find out what you’re looking for in a senator, rather than telling you what you should want.”

Well, shit. That was a strong open. Game face in place, I introduce myself when it’s time.

“I’m Reagan Preston, and I serve as a State Representative for the 92nd District. I cut my teeth in the House, working hard on issues that matter to our state. Issues like educational reform and tightening gun laws while preserving the rights of gun owners. I grew up watching my father work tirelessly as a senator for our state. That alone certainly doesn’t qualify me for the job, but I hope you know that service is in my blood. Making our state and our world a better place is all I’ve ever wanted to do. Please reach out to me or my staff and let us know what you’re looking for in your next senator.”

Sonny Solomon’s intro is…well, a little bit sad. He talks about his experience as a prison guard and says he’ll be “on guard for the state of Illinois” when elected. He laughs heartily at his joke, but no one else does.

“All right,” the news anchor says, looking at Jude. “Mr. Titan, can you tell us what made you decide to throw your hat in the ring, so to speak?”

“Sure. I feel strongly about defense spending, our foreign policy regarding wars, and taking care of our veterans. But I also felt like I had to run when I saw Senator Preston speaking on TV one day, basically saying he looks forward to handing his seat off to his daughter. He doesn’t get to decide who will be our next senator—the people do.”

And here comes my inner attack dog.

“I resent your treating a Senate seat like a belt notch,” I say crisply. “I’ve dedicated my life to public service.”

Jude gives me an amused smile. “What, in the couple years since you finished law school? How much debt are you in from that, Representative Preston?”

I narrow my eyes at him just slightly. “I’m grateful my parents were able to fund my education. Trust me, I don’t take it for granted. The cost of education in our country is out of control. Educational reform is at the top of my priority list.”

“Mine too,” he says, his dark gaze locked on to mine. “For my buddies who are six feet under because they served our country to help pay for their educations.”

Damn it. I’m getting crucified by this guy.

“I’m deeply grateful for their service—and for yours,” I say sincerely.

“Then don’t call this run a belt notch, Representative Preston. I’m more of a public servant than you ever will be, and I resent your family treating a Senate seat like it’s supposed to be passed down from one generation to the next like a fancy house in the Hamptons.”

The news anchor tries to interrupt. “Let me just—”

“Excuse me,” I say, my eyes still locked on Jude. “My father is a veteran and a former coal miner. We are a blue-collar family, and we’re proud that other blue-collar families let us be their voice at the state and federal level. I take nothing for granted.”

“Then run on your own merits instead of your father’s.”

“All right,” the anchor says loudly. He laughs nervously. “I can see we’re in for a spirited race. I’m going to give Mr. Solomon a chance to get in here.”

My blood is pumping with the fury I feel for Jude Titan. Our eyes lock and we glare at each other, both refusing to look away. A vein stands out in his neck.

So he’s angry, too. I need to learn how to capitalize on his weaknesses, and hopefully, I’ve discovered one.

“Let’s talk about your views on federal programs,” the anchor says, looking back and forth between Jude and me. “What you’d like to keep, what you’d like to cut.”

I hold my tongue, letting Jude go first. He bites, talking about defense spending and veterans affairs. Prodded for more, he tells the anchor he’s undecided.

When it’s my turn, I talk about educational reform, homeland security, the economic recovery, and my unwavering support for veterans affairs. I own this question, though I’m sure it’s too late. Jude got in some solid punches early on, and those will be the sound bites in tomorrow’s news cycle.

I leave my game face on for the rest of the interview, even managing to shake Jude’s hand and smile at him when it’s over. I can almost feel the burn of his gaze on me as I leave the set.

Lexi’s waiting for me backstage. She wraps an arm around my shoulders.

“You were great,” she says.

We’re still in public, so she has to say that. But I know she knows I got crushed.

There’s a guy standing near us, and he gives Jude a satisfied smile.

“Nicely done,” he says.

“And you thought I’d blow it, Carl,” Jude says.

He looks at me with those searing eyes, so dark they’re nearly black, and my stomach flips with excitement.

How can I be attracted to him after he just ruined me in that interview? My body seems to have forgotten how much I hate him in a matter of sixty seconds.

Jude is looking at me like a wolf studying its prey. His gaze is calculating and commanding. It says, I’m in charge here, sweetheart.

I mouth the word “asshole” and arch my brows in challenge. The corners of his lips turn up slightly, and he arches his brows, too.

“Reagan, I think we should go,” Lexi says.

“Got some babies to kiss?” Jude quips in our direction.

“Actually, I have some poll numbers to celebrate,” I say.

“Pretty tough to poll badly when you’re unopposed in the primary,” he says with a grin.

I roll my eyes. “You think we’re polling Dems only?”

His grin fades. “No, I guess not.”

“Definitely not. It was great to meet you, Mr. Titan, and find out what a true gentleman you are.”

“I’m very much a gentleman, Ms. Preston, but I’m also in this race to win.”

I nod slightly. “You came out swinging, I’ll give you that. I look forward to our next meeting.”

“So do I.” His tone is loaded with meaning, and he sweeps his gaze up and down me yet again.

Lexi actually gasps next to me. I lead the way to the studio door we came in through.

“He was checking you out,” she says in a low hiss. “Who does he think he is?”

“He thinks he’s unbeatable,” I say as we approach the campaign bus. “I’m going to enjoy proving him wrong.”

My other staffers, who were watching the show from the campaign bus, give us grim looks when we step on.

“I know,” I say with a sigh. “Let’s start analyzing the video and digging up every last thing we can find out about Jude Titan.”

“I volunteer to be locked in a closet with him until the election’s over,” my makeup artist, Claire, says, laughing lightly. “Yeah, I’m actually not kidding.”

“Stay away from him,” I say firmly. “We can’t afford for anyone on this staff to be seen cozying up to him.”

“I know.” Claire’s cheeks darken with embarrassment, and I feel bad.

“I get it,” I say more gently. “The guy is easy on the eyes.”

Biggest understatement ever.

“We’re with you all the way, Reagan,” Lexi says. “So it won’t be an easy win. All that matters is that it’s a win.”

“That’s right. We’ll have to double down and fight hard. This means longer hours and fewer days off. If anyone isn’t up for it, I understand, but please speak up now.”

My staffers all look at me silently.

“We’ve got this,” my bus driver, Roy, says.

My tension is forgotten as I smile at my sixty-something driver. He’s not even an official member of Team Preston, and he’s cheering me on anyway.

“Damn right, Roy,” I say, nodding. “We’ve got this.”