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I walked up behind him, noticing the phone with five missed calls and the Senate candidacy papers I’d forgotten to put away, and cringed.

“This isn’t how I wanted to tell you. For the record, I haven’t filed anything with the Secretary of the Senate. And it wasn’t until after Jacinta’s last visit that I decided to officially throw my hat into the ring and challenge Sanders.”

“So, what you’re telling me is that my sister knew you were considering a bid for US Senate and I didn’t.”

I cocked a hand on my hip. “First of all, we’ve barely been in the same room for the last few months, much less had time to discuss my plans for the future. And second, Jaci is my best friend.”

“I’m your husband.” He towered over me. “What about Tracy Jones?”

“She’s my adviser. She has experience with situations like mine.”

Tracy used the notoriety she’d gained after she represented a well-known movie star in a murder trial to run for the US House of Representatives. She’d become famous more for her looks and attitude than the case itself. She was the perfect person to navigate me through the waters I was about to enter.

“Don’t make Jacinta’s or Mrs. Jones’s political aspirations yours.”

“Listen up, buster.” I poked a finger into his chest. “You do not get to tell me what I do with my career. Did you consult me when you put your hat into the ring for the judgeship? You made a unilateral decision that kept me in the shadows.”

“I’ll admit it was one of my stupider decisions. But this is different. You’re about to jump in with the big dogs. You’re too nice. They’ll eat you alive.”

“Have you seen the people I represent? Most of them are politicians. I’ve handled the worst of them. Give me some credit.” I fixed him with an annoyed glare. “Men have such double standards.”

“Sami.”

“Don’t Sami me. I haven’t even had a cup of coffee yet, and you’re on my ass.”

I pushed past Dev and grabbed the French press, pouring myself a giant mug of coffee.

After adding the perfect amount of sugar and milk, I brought the cup to my lips and chugged.

Yes, finally my morning sustenance. The bittersweet concoction ignited my cylinders and prepared me for the man growling at me.

I set the empty coffee cup on the counter.

“Now that I can function, I’ll listen to your tantrum about my potential bid for US Senate.”

“If you run, is the ticket going to say Kumar or Camden?”

I turned with a frown. “Of all the things to worry about, you’re concerned about my name.”

“Answer the question.”

I lifted my chin. “Aren’t there enough Senator Camdens in the world? Hell, Jacinta is positioning herself to run in Texas.”

He stepped in front of me and pressed me back against the quartz island with the front of his hard, sculpted body.

The contact made my nipples harden, and there was no way to hide my reaction since I wasn’t wearing a bra with the stupid dress I’d put on.

“What I want to know is are you running as the married Mrs. Camden or the single, celebrity attorney Ms. Kumar?”

His erection molded itself into my stomach and all I could do was lick my lips.

“I want to know if I’m going to be a senator’s husband or in the shadows.”

I scowled as my arousal cooled. “Like you did to me?”

“Yes, like the asshole I was and did to you.”

“I never wanted to hide, if you recall.”