Page 19 of Release

Except I don’t want someone else. I want Declan.

Okay, I want George, too.

And I can tell from the tone of Declan’s voice as he talks to the consultants that he’s excited by George’s prospects.

The kid’s a polling genius, he really is. He not only took every lesson I ever taught him and ran with it, he bested his teacher, and then some. In many ways, Declan is every bit as driven as I am.

With the primary behind us and Declan able to crunch numbers with the political consultants, we can get down to the business of finalizing our strategy ahead of the general. Some of the most energized voters will be the ones who vote early, so we’ll need to make sure we capture as many of them as we can in the areas where George’s numbers are lowest.

I eventually get my work laptop, too, and start going over e-mails and handling stuff. Only George sits there without a laptop or phone, the TV on SyFy but muted and with the captions on. He needs this downtime today.

Today, the governor is frisky and playful once Declan’s off the call, actually attempting to use the boy against me to coax me into playing with them, except I’m exhausted from both the run-up to the election, and from our late night last night.

Then there’s the fact that I have a ton of catching up to do in the morning at work, as well as an eight a.m. meeting to attend.

After dinner, I gather my things and prepare to leave. That doesn’t escape George’s notice.

“Stay and play with us,” George says. He even breaks out boo-boo pouty lip as he tries to talk me into staying. “Please, Case?”

“Look, it’s only three months until the general. Go easy on me until then, huh?”

Even Declan gets in on the begging. “Please, Ma’am?”

“I want to sleep tonight, guys. Unless you want to deal withreallygrouchy Ma’am tomorrow.”

I hug and kiss Declan first, then George pulls me in.

“If you change your mind, please come back. I’ll leave the alarm off.”

I poke him in the chest. “No, you need to set the alarm, jackass. I can still let myself in.”

An eyebrow arches in unmistakable hope. “Does that mean you’ll come back?”

Not sure I like how he’s assuming I will. I brush one last kiss over his lips. “Good night, George.” They finally let me go.

Although, as I lie there alone in my own bed, I realize how empty my house feels and has ever since January. We’re over at George’s so much now, because, logistically, it’s easier that way.

Except I don’t like the idea of becoming too used to that situation. That makes me vulnerable in a way I don’t like being.

I’m already too vulnerable. And look where that got me the last time?

* * * *

Spoiler alert—I don’t sleep well.

Which leaves me grouchy Thursday morning. Doubly so because I know I probably would’ve slept better had I been in bed with Declan and George…

And because I’m irritated at myself that I’ve become vulnerable in a way I haven’t been since college.

Since I damn well learned better than to be vulnerable.

Except now, I’m vulnerable again.

When I stop by George’s office before running out to grab lunch, he playfully smiles and motions for me to come in and close the door.

“What is it, Governor?” I ask when we’re alone.

His smile fades. “What’s wrong?”