Page 28 of Incisive

Yes, I’m an idiot. I think we’ve already established that.

Indulge my whining for a little while longer while I get you caught up. Please?

By the time we’re safely ensconced in the hotel suite that’s our base of operations for our election watch party, I’m completely wiped out. I only had food and water today when Jordan literally put it in my hands and ordered me to eat or drink, even if I was in the middle of talking to someone.

My campaign team is used to this and doesn’t see how close I am to losing my freaking mind. At the same time, I’m borderline ecstatic that it appears I’ve managed to successfully fool the country into voting for me.

Which also terrifies me, that they have so much confidence in me.

Jordan gives me a quick pep talk when we steal a few minutes alone in the suite’s bedroom. I vacillate between reveling in the fact that I’m so close to my lifelong goal…and terrified that I’m so close to my lifelong goal. Maybe some sociopaths run for this office and say they aren’t intimidated by it but I’m not one of them.

Jordan grabs my head, pulls me in, and kisses me.

Time freezes, meaning nothing matters outside this moment.

Outside ofHim.

The warmth of his lips slanted over mine brings to mind my rudely truncated dream this morning. My cock hardens in my slacks, a conditioned response despite my current mental state.

Ending our kiss, Jordan rests his forehead against mine and I finally spit out the words because I know he won’t bullshit me. “Did I fuck up doing this?”

“No, buddy. You’re amazing, and Leo and I love you. You’ll be afantasticpresident. I promise Leo and I won’t let you fail.Ever. Fuck your dad and what he might or might not think. You’re here because you earned it and because youdeserveit.”

His conviction soothes me. I nod and take a long, deep breath, relishing his scent. We use the same deodorant and body wash and shampoo by his design. Throughout my day I get whiffs of him, no matter what.

But that can’t replace his warmth, the feel of his arms around me, his body pressed against mine.

This interlude reminds me I need to step up. I need to be the man Jordan believes I am. His faith and confidence keep me going and remind me what’s important regardless of the faulty rationale prompting this journey.

I’m here now and I need to do my fucking job.

Rejoining everyone in the suite, I resume my previous charade and throw myself into the role with one crucial thought in mind—Jordan never would have let me announce I was running in the first place if he and Leo weren’t completely convinced I could do this. Shae wouldn’t have picked me to run with her, endorsed my campaign, or stumped for me. I wouldn’t have received so many endorsements from people I respect.

Time slips and bends, until I realize Leo’s finally arrived.

In fact, I’m in the middle of talking to Ken Windham, my campaign manager, when I sense Leo’s presence. I know that sounds stupid but it’s like Jordan and I have a sixth sense about Leo. When I hear the suite’s door begin to open I’m already turning and lock eyes with Leo as he enters the room.

God, I’ve missed Him.

Leo pauses, his gaze sweeping the room to locate Jordan, who is also now looking at Leo.

I don’t even glance at Ken. “Ken, let’s pick this up again in a few. Excuse me for a moment.” I’m already moving before he answers.

“Sure.”

They assume Leo passes me info from President Samuels. Which…okay, that’s kinda true.

Sometimes.

But as I head toward the suite’s bedroom door Leo’s already in motion and will beat me there. I spot Casey-Marie angling toward another campaign wonk approaching me. She cuts them off at the pass as she and Jordan both move to position themselves in front of the bedroom door.

I follow Leo inside and he shuts and locks the door behind us. Before he can even say anything or make a gesture I’m already dropping to the floor.

He sighs. “Oh, pet.” His whisper destroys me and nearly drives me to tears. He reaches down and cups the back of my head, massaging it. “Jordan told me. I’m so sorry, pet.”

He doesn’t even need to explain, that’s how tight our bond is.

I close my eyes and press my head against his legs. If I speak I will start crying, and I can’t afford for anyone to see me like that tonight. There aren’t any press up here in the suite with us right now, and only critical campaign or government staff are allowed in. Still, everyone has cell phones.