Chapter Ten

“I wish they’d find something else to talk about,” Eden said.

Jen looked away from her computer screen and at her coworker. Before Jen’s promotion and move to her own office, she’d sat in the cubicle next to Eden’s. Back then it’d been common for them to chat during the day. Despite Jen’s move to a real office with four walls and a door, they still visited with each other. At the moment, Eden stood at Jen’s open door, a paper coffee cup from Ambrosia in her hand.

“Who would stop talking about what?” She’d been working on the same project all day, and a short conversation with Eden would be a nice break for both her brain and eyes.

Her coworker walked inside and sat down at one of the chairs near the desk. “The silly special election in Massachusetts. No matter what news site I check, there’s a story about it. I don’t live in Massachusetts and don’t care who wins. There must be something else important the reporters can find to write about.”

Jen might not live in Massachusetts, but she had strong feelings about the upcoming vote. On one hand, she wanted Brett to win. She knew how important it was to him. At the same time, she knew a win would also mean he’d relocate to DC for at least part of the year. She didn’t know how such a move might affect them. They hadn’t discussed it, but if he won, he might end their new relationship. Even if he didn’t, distance could put a strain on even time-tested relationships. With theirs being so new, the stress might be too much. When she considered that, she hoped Brett lost to Ted Smith in the primary. Unfortunately, those thoughts always kicked her guilt into action, making her feel like the worst girlfriend alive.

“And it’s not just on the news and all over the internet. Last night I saw commercials for all the candidates multiple times while I was watching television. Seriously, if you have to show so many, put them on Massachusetts stations,” Eden said.

She’d stopped watching regular television a long time ago because of all the commercials. Now she either set her DVR to record her favorite shows, allowing her to fast-forward through the commercials, or she watched shows on demand. Perhaps her friend should consider doing the same thing.

“New England’s a small area. People often watch stations from other states. I’m not surprised they’re all playing the same commercials,” Jen said.

Eden pushed her eyeglasses on top of her head. “The media is only doing it because a Sherbrooke is running. If anyone else were going against Ted Smith, the coverage would be much less. And if after the primary it ends up being Ted Smith against, say, Gina Hammond, they’ll hardly report anything anymore.”

Jen didn’t completely agree with her friend’s assessment. This particular election was perhaps more important than most since it could change the balance of power in the Senate. So while Brett’s involvement might be increasing the coverage slightly, there was a lot at stake. Even if he didn’t win the primary, the media would stay focused on the election until the end.

“At least it won’t last too much longer. The primary is on November 7 and then the election will be December 19.” Both dates were etched into her mind.

“Yeah, but then it’ll all be replaced with stuff about the presidential primary and that election. I guess I better get used to it. Maybe some new big Hollywood scandal will break and distract the media from the election for a bit, giving us all break from politics.”

“Do what I do. Record your favorite shows, then you can watch them when you want and skip over the commercials,” Jen said.

“Sometimes I do, but often I hate waiting. And my boyfriend and I never record a football or baseball game. It’s too easy to overhear people talking about it before we get a chance to watch it. Last night during the baseball game, every single break featured a political ad. Most were for either Ted Smith or Vince Reed, but even the third-party candidates got some air time.”

The phone on Jen’s desk rang, temporarily halting their conversation. The extension number displayed on the screen indicated the call was from the office receptionist and not an outside line. “Hello,” she said. She didn’t have any scheduled meetings for this afternoon and her clients usually called her line directly rather than go through Willow.

“Jennifer, you have a visitor here to see you,” Willow, the receptionist, said.

Clients came to see her when they had appointments, but no one else. If her sister or mom did come to the city, they always met somewhere. They never unexpectedly showed up at the office. Actually, Jen didn’t think either had ever stepped foot in the building. If one of them was there now, something terrible must have occurred. Jen ran her tongue over her bottom lip before she asked her next question. “Who is it?”

“Brett Sherbrooke.”

Jen picked up on the excitement and the curiosity in the receptionist’s voice.

“I don’t see his name on your schedule. Should I show him to your office?” Willow asked.

They hadn’t seen each other as much as she would’ve liked since his cousin’s engagement party, but they’d talked on the phone on the days they couldn’t get together. During those conversations, he always shared his upcoming schedule. She knew today he’d had an event in Seekonk. When they talked yesterday, he hadn’t mentioned stopping in to see her afterward. “Uh, sure, Willow. That’s fine. Thank you.”

“Is something wrong?” Eden asked when Jen put down the phone receiver.

Jen shook her head and saved the document she was working on. Then she closed the file folder she had open on her desk. “No. There’s just someone here to see me.”

Outside of their families and the few people they’d talked to at the North Salem block party, no one knew of their involvement. She wasn’t opposed to other people learning, but she wasn’t sure how she felt about some of the first people being her coworkers. While she got along with all of them, there was only a handful such as Eden she actually considered a friend. She’d rather not provide the office with this week’s water cooler gossip, and that was sure to happen if people saw Brett walk into her office.

Eden slipped her eyeglasses back on and picked up her paper coffee cup. “I was hoping to pass enough time so I didn’t have to do any more work today. Oh well, I guess I’ll have to spend a few more minutes at my desk.” She came to her feet. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Have a nice night.”

She liked Eden as a person, but as an employee was another story. Her friend had a tendency to procrastinate and waste time, which was why she’d been passed over for so many promotions despite the number of years she’d worked at the firm.

“See you tomorrow.” Jen watched Eden step out of the office, and then she turned her attention back to her desk. She didn’t want anything left out with a client’s personal information on display. While her work wasn’t top secret or anything, she believed the firm’s clients would want their privacy. She knew she would.

“You’ll never guess who’s here.” Eden’s excited voice announced she’d reentered Jen’s office. “Brett Sherbrooke. Willow is bringing him back to see someone,” she said, not giving Jen a chance to speak. “We were just talking about him. I can’t believe he’s here. I wonder who he is meeting with? I bet he’s here to see Leovanni.”

Leovanni Pike was the firm’s president, and if Jen didn’t know the truth, she would’ve made the same assumption. Should she tell Eden the truth or let her be surprised when Willow and Brett stopped at her office? “He’s not meeting with Leovanni,” she said.

Eden looked toward her, and Jen knew the second Eden realized whose office Willow and Brett were headed for. “That’s right. Willow called because you have a visitor. He’s your visitor. Why is Brett Sherbrooke here to see you?” she asked in a low whisper before glancing back over her shoulder. “Never mind. They’re almost here. You can tell me later.” She bolted from the office and down the hall.

She’d seen him in various types of clothing, but until now she’d hadn’t seen him in a suit. Standing there dressed in a perfectly tailored three-piece charcoal-gray suit, he looked every inch the polished Washington politician. It’s only Brett.

“This is Jennifer’s office.” Willow stopped just outside the doorway and gestured toward the open door.

Brett smiled. It was the same smile he’d used for the photographer who had taken the picture that graced the landing page of the Providence Gazette’s website this morning. A similar picture had been attached to an article in the Boston Times earlier in the week. Jen had dubbed the expression his campaign smile. While it looked natural, it wasn’t the same smile he shared with her or his family.

“Thank you for your help. I appreciate it,” he said, earning him a smile from Willow before she walked away.

When he turned his full attention Jen’s way, he gave her a true smile and her thoughts immediately went to their good-night kiss Sunday night. It was closing in on five thirty, so most people would be leaving for the night. Perhaps if she closed the door, she could give him a similar one now.

“I should’ve called first.” Brett moved the knot of his dark blue tie down a smidge. “I hope you don’t mind that I stopped in, but I missed you, and Providence was on my way home.”

I missed you. He’d said the same three words during each of their conversations this week. The sentiment was returned 100 percent.

“Of course not. I’m glad you did. I’ve missed you too.” Jen walked around her desk and closed the door, intending to give him at least a hug. Brett beat her to it. The moment the door clicked, he stepped close and pulled her into his arms.

“The whole drive here I had one thing on my mind,” he said.

“A sweet snack?” she asked. The man had a sweet tooth that surpassed a five-year-old child’s.

He lowered his head toward hers, stopping when their lips were mere inches apart. “Not exactly.” He brushed his lips across hers, a light caress she somehow felt from the tips of her toes to the top of her head.

“That’s what you were thinking about?”

“As well as a few other things we unfortunately can’t do in your office.” Brett winked at her.

For a moment, she considered the likelihood of anyone knocking on the office door. Almost as quickly she dismissed the idea. No matter how much you wanted to, there were some things you didn’t do in your office. “I can leave soon. Do you want to come to my house? I can cook us dinner.” And we can do anything else we want.

He touched his forehead against hers. “I’d like nothing more.”

“I hear a ‘but’ in your voice,” she said.

“But I’ve got a meeting with Carl and my team tonight.” He sounded as disappointed as she felt. “Between work and all the other events this week, it was the only time I could squeeze in a meeting with them all.”

Standing so close, she could see the dark circles under his eyes. It was clear he’d been burning the candle at both ends all week. She still believed he should take a leave of absence from work. She’d suggested it twice now, and he’d insisted it wasn’t necessary. As much as she wanted to, she wouldn’t suggest it again. Jen hoped either someone on his campaign team or a family member would, though. He couldn’t keep up his current schedule forever and not burn himself out.

“Can I get a rain check?” he asked before glancing at his wristwatch.

Jen checked the time too. She could pack up and head home. “Anytime.”

“Outstanding.” He slid his tie down another fraction of an inch. “If I have any hope of making it to my meeting on time, I’ve got to go. Can you leave now? I parked in your parking garage, so if you can leave we can walk over together.”

“Let me grab my things.” It wouldn’t take long to get from her office building to the parking garage, but she’d take what time she could get with him.

It wasn’t a surprise that most of the employees were gone as they walked through the office. With summer approaching its unofficial end, Labor Day weekend, everyone wanted to squeeze in what little time was left before children went back to school and the days became cooler. Since so many people had already left for the night and wouldn’t see her and Brett leaving together, Jen hoped the gossip would be kept to a minimum tomorrow.

Downstairs Brett pushed open the door, and hot, humid air hit Jen head-on. She hadn’t left the building all day, and the high temperature now was a big change from this morning. Behind her, Brett continued to hold the door as two other women exited after them. He didn’t show it, but the poor man must be dying in his suit and tie.

“How long do you think your meeting will last?” she asked once they started down the sidewalk.

“No idea. Hopefully not too long. I’ve got an early morning tomorrow.”

Although he seemed oblivious to the glances other people on the sidewalk sent their way, she wasn’t. “Afterward, if you want to talk, call me.” Unlike her sister, she’d never been one to go to bed early.

They entered the parking garage, and she went straight toward the stairwell. She found the elevators to be slow and avoided them. Jen figured by doing so she always got in a little exercise, and some days the trip up and down the stairs was the only exercise she managed.

“If it’s not too late, I will. But I don’t want to keep you up tonight.” His hand landed on her lower back. “Tomorrow night is another story.” His breath was a soft caress against her ear. “Should I come to your house or do you want to come to mine?”

His various campaign obligations had him driving all over the state. She couldn’t help him with any of that, but she could make his life a little simpler and drive to North Salem tomorrow night. “I can come up after work.” She stopped next to her car and opened the door. “Or later if you won’t be home then. Whatever works for you.” She tossed her bags in the car.

Brett eliminated the space between them, his chest coming in contact with her breasts. “Come right after work. By the time you get there, I should be home.” His hands cupped her face, and he kissed her. “Pack enough for a few days.” He kissed her again, this one lasting longer. “And bring along Bo so you can spend the weekend.” He took her mouth again, his tongue darting inside to touch hers.

The sounds and smells around her disappeared into the background as she gave herself over to Brett’s skilled mouth. Every pass of his lips over hers sent another ripple of sensual excitement through her body. Somehow each one managed to be more intense than the one before it.

“I wish you didn’t have your meeting tonight,” she said when he finally pulled away.

He kissed the erratic pulse in her neck. “Believe me, I do too.” He kissed the spot again. “I promise I’ll make it up to you this weekend.”

Hoping to get her breathing back to normal, she took in a slow, deep breath and then blew it out. “I should have you put that in writing in case you change your mind.”

The hands he’d moved around her waist while kissing her came back to her face. “Any promise I make to you, I’ll keep.”

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Brett watched Jen back out of her parking spot. He was used to putting in long hours, but for some reason, the last couple weeks were taking a toll on him. He chalked it up to the fact the stress he was under now was much different than what he’d grown accustomed too.

Before Jen started for the exit, she smiled and waved at him. Only after she was on her way did Brett walk further down the garage to his car. A sound to his left caught his attention, and he watched another person back out of a parking spot. In fact, all around him people were getting ready to leave the city for the night.

Idiot. He gave himself a mental smack to the back of the head. They’d been in a very public parking garage. Anyone could’ve seen them kissing near her car. While they hadn’t been doing anything inappropriate, a potential United States Senator shouldn’t be seen making out in a downtown parking garage. He needed to be more careful. Right now, his opponents had nothing scandalous to use against him. He, along with his dad and Carl, wanted it to stay that way.

Brett rubbed the spot over his right eye and got behind the wheel. He kept a bottle of ibuprofen in the glove box. After starting the engine, he grabbed the bottle, popped three pills in his mouth, and swallowed. Hopefully, they’d take the edge off his headache, allowing him to make it through his upcoming meeting. Afterward he’d grab a few hours of sleep before heading back into Boston so he could put in a couple hours at Homeland Security before driving to Westborough for a luncheon at the senior center there.

From the moment he got on Interstate 95 in Providence, the traffic remained stop and go. It didn’t let up as he crossed the state line and continued north toward Boston. Somehow though, he managed to reach the garage near Carl’s office with ten minutes to spare, even after stopping along the way for a much-needed extra-large coffee. Thankfully, between the caffeine and the three ibuprofens he’d taken, it no longer felt as if his head might explode right on the sidewalk, ending his political aspirations.

“Brett, you look terrible,” Dad said when he saw him.

He’d invited Dad to today’s meeting. His father had his share of political experience, and Brett valued his opinion just as much as that of the people he’d hired to work on the campaign. Tonight, Brett had pulled into the parking garage just as his dad was getting out of his car.

“Are you feeling okay tonight?” Dad asked.

“Just a little tired. It’s been a busy week,” Brett answered. “Nothing some sleep won’t take care of.”

“So I’ve heard. But it’s paying off. The polls still have you ahead of Smith by a wide margin.”

He’d gotten the newest poll updates from Carl earlier today. While pleased with the data, he knew the battle wasn’t over yet. A man like Ted Smith wouldn’t go down without a damn good fight.

Dad reached the building entrance first and pulled open the door. “I didn’t get a chance to speak with you before you left the engagement party or since.”

Other than the brief conversation when they first arrived, Brett hadn’t had a moment alone with his dad. Instead he’d spent much of the afternoon with Jen by his side and his family around him. For the hour or so when Jen had been busy with his female relations, he’d hung out with his brother and cousins. But if Dad had really needed or wanted to speak privately with him again, the man would’ve found an opportunity to pull him aside.

“Your mom and I both liked Jen. She seemed comfortable with the family too.”

He’d noticed that by the time they’d left his uncle’s house, she was acting as if she’d known his family all her life.

“Next time you have some free time, bring her over. We’d like to spend more time with the two of you.” They stepped into the elevator and Dad pressed the button for Carl’s floor. “Maybe Curt and Taylor can join us.”

It sounded like Dad had already accepted Taylor into the family fold—not that his younger brother would end his relationship with Taylor if their dad didn’t like her.

“I think you and your brother have both found women who’ll fit nicely into the family. Your mom agrees with me.”

When it came to whom he dated, Brett didn’t need his parents’ approval. However, the fact they both liked Jen and we’re prepared to welcome her to the family pleased him.

The light indicating they’d reached the tenth floor lit up, and the doors opened. “Will do. But it might not be for several weeks.” He didn’t have a lot of free time. What little he had, he’d rather spend with Jen, not Jen, his parents, and brother.

They approached the reception area and Brett checked in with the office receptionist.

“Yes, I’ve seen your upcoming schedule. I think you should plan to take Jen to some of the events,” Dad said while they waited to go into Carl’s office.

“Why?”

“Voters view a candidate in a stable relationship more favorably than one who’s single. While you have a decent lead over Ted, there’s no reason not do everything you can to increase and maintain it. Trust me. Showing up with Jen will go a long way with the voters.”

Down the hallway, Carl’s office door opened and his assistant started toward the reception area. Before she reached them and overheard their conversation, Brett said, “I’m not sure how Jen would feel about coming.”

“If you win this election, she’ll have to get used to such events. The sooner you help her get used to them, the better.”

They hadn’t talked about how his life would change if he won and what it would mean to their relationship. It wasn’t that he was avoiding it. It simply hadn’t occurred to him, and she never brought up the topic. Brett didn’t know if his dad was right about voters liking candidates in stable relationships more or not, but he was right about Jen having to attending various social events if he won. He’d have to prepare her for the possibility.

“I’ll talk to her about coming to a few. I’m seeing her this weekend,” Brett said.

Carl’s assistant, Dee, reached them and smiled. “Good evening, gentlemen. Mr. Filmore is ready for you.”

Later he’d review his upcoming schedule and see which public events Jen might be interested in. Right now, he’d concentrate on getting through this meeting despite the sudden renewed pounding in his head.