Chapter 2
Jamie
Fuck. Me. She’s even more beautiful in person.
About a month ago, I was tasked with researching the attendees for the international summit, to ensure the Prime Minister was following everyone on all social media platforms. When I came across Governor Harris’ page, there was a picture of Aubrey and the rest of Olivia’s staff when they won California.
It’s truly impressive. Not only is Olivia the youngest Governor to be elected in her state, she’s also the first woman.
But it wasn’t Olivia’s accomplishments that caught my eye, it was the fiery redhead standing next to her.
I’m pretty sure I stared at that picture long enough to mess up Isaac’s algorithm for a while.
And here she is across the bar from me, and instead of being professional, I’m shamelessly flirting with her.
She came in confident, but the moment she sat down, it’s as if her mask dropped.
Her cheeks flushed as I approached her, but there’s no way in hell it’s because she’s interested in me.
She’s been traveling all day, and likely exhausted.
The last thing she needs is me hitting on her.
As I’m helping a few other patrons, I can’t help stealing glances.
Each time I look over, I catch her eyes on me, and I won’t deny, it feels good having a woman like her giving me the time of day.
Maybe she’s into me after all? I sure as hell am interested in her.
Most women I date are starting out in their careers, but Aubrey is easily one of the most powerful women in the world.
It’s arguably one of the most attractive things about her.
It isn’t as if I internet-stalked her or anything...
All right, yes, I internet-stalked her, but any man in my shoes would do the same thing.
She keeps most of her life private, only having public pages with political content, but after a little digging, I found out she’s single.
Technically divorced, but no confirmed boyfriend or fiancé that I could find.
Not that a woman like her would ever consider dating someone like me, but at least I don’t have to worry about some guy storming in here accusing me of flirting with his girl.
After I’ve checked on everyone except Aubrey and the woman a few stools down from her—who has been flirting with me all night—I make my way to the kitchen to see if any of the food orders are ready.
Aubrey’s should be up in a minute, and as I take out my phone to check the time, it vibrates in my hand with an incoming notification:
POTENTIAL MATCH NEARBY
Curious who it could be, I click on my dating app and can’t help my stupid grin that I'll likely be teased about later if anyone catches me. Why is she on a dating app? Aubrey’s beauty aside, she’s smart and has a great sense of humor.
The only issue is she’s only looking for something casual, and I don’t do one-night stands.
Worst case, if I try to match and she declines, I’ll only be embarrassed for a week before she leaves for California. I’m not exactly sure what the best case is. Maybe mind-blowing sex with one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever met? Or maybe a five-night stand?
My fingers do the decision-making for me, clicking the match button.
I quickly school my expression before someone finds me smiling at my phone like an idiot, then I retrieve Aubrey’s pesto linguini and the beef ravioli one of the men ordered.
I return to the bar and set his down first—any excuse to maybe spend a few extra minutes talking to Aubrey.
Making my way over, her eyes light up as soon as she spots the pasta and I have to admit, I'm a little jealous of her dinner.
“This looks amazing,” she coos as I place it in front of her.
I don’t think she’s checked her app yet and I should keep things professional, just in case I’m reading this wrong. “I know you said you were hoping for a half-portion, but I’m sure you can take down the whole thing.”
Shit. That came out a little bolder than I intended…
She lets out a full laugh. “Do I get a prize if I do?”
Fuck, she’s cute. Since she’ll find out I matched with her eventually, there’s no harm in doubling down. “No, but if you want someone to share it with, I’m off in twenty.”
Not waiting for her reply, I slip away, distracting myself with ensuring the bar is ready for the next bartender to take over.
I asked for an earlier shift today so I’d be well-rested for tomorrow, but it seems fate is on my side tonight—I wouldn’t have a chance with the redheaded goddess if I worked later.
After about fifteen minutes, I sneak a glance at Aubrey, and she’s rummaging in her purse for something. I remain facing the back of the bar and watch her through the mirror as stealthily as I can. She pulls out cash and huffs to herself. From what I can tell, she still hasn’t checked her phone.
Unable to help myself, I make my way back over, and tease, “Seems you were able to finish it after all.”
Aubrey startles, placing her hand over her chest, then letting out a light chuckle. She doesn’t meet my eyes as she replies softly, “Yes, sorry. You snuck up on me. It was delicious, thank you. I, uh, just realized I only have American dollars.”
“That’s all right; I can charge it to your room or run a card.” I pull her check from the pile of bill folders and hand it to her. “No rush.”
Ricardo slides behind the bar, catching my attention, and I hope I can hand off everything to him quickly before Aubrey leaves.
As he ties his apron, we quickly go over who still needs to pay.
Since we pool tips, I’m not worried about being shorted.
With everything in order, I look over to where Aubrey was sitting, finding her gone.
Maybe it’s for the best.
I clock out and take off my nametag, slipping it into my pocket, then meander over to the front desk.
With the winter storm coming in, Isaac requested everyone on staff had a room at the hotel for the conference—just in case we’re stranded here.
I’ll be sharing with one of the guys from the media team, but I’m still grateful I won’t have to commute through blizzard-like conditions, even if we’re not snowed-in.
Once I have my key, I check my phone for the time, and there’s a new notification before I unlock it:
YOU HAVE A NEW MATCH
Since I didn’t so much as look at another profile; it has to be Aubrey. I click on it, and can’t believe what I’m seeing. Not only did she match with me, there’s a new message:
Aubrey R.
Room 614
I debate it, only for a second, marching right back to the restaurant, to ask Ricardo to put in an order for a slice of tiramisu to-go.
When my order is ready, I check my messages in the app again, hoping for another message from her.
There isn’t one, but with a deep breath, I risk not only my pride but maybe my job as I type out a text.
Do you have silverware?
You don’t need a spoon to eat me out.
I reread the message three times, chuckling to myself.
I love how behind a screen she’s playful; she was so guarded at the bar.
Aubrey doesn’t strike me as a shy woman, especially with how she carries herself in more public settings.
Maybe it’s all an act? Not that I truly care. Either way, I’ll happily play along.
I’m bringing you dessert. But you’re right, I don’t need a spoon to make you come all over my face.
You’re adorable.
Also, yes, there are utensils up here. See you in a few.
Adorable? Seriously? As much as I hate the label, coming from her still feels like a win.
Is this really happening?
Isaac would not only fire me, I’d be blacklisted from politics until the end of time if this ends badly.
He mentioned to me a few months ago that he went to college with Aubrey and Olivia, and while they’re not close friends, he’s always been very protective of people in his life.
I should walk away and Aubrey can laugh it off as a joke.
But my feet have other plans.
With my offering in hand, I step into the elevator, sealing my fate, and press ‘six.’ The metal box ascends for the longest two minutes of my life, and at the ding, I’m actually a little nervous.
Does she think I’m some kind of escort? Fuck, I hope not. Though it wouldn’t be the first time someone did…
Each step down the corridor feels heavier than the last. It isn’t too late to turn back to the elevators, except the only part of me that wants to bail on this is my brain.
Even though I may be making the biggest mistake of my life, since the moment Aubrey sat at the bar, something I can’t fully explain has drawn me to her—or it’s just me thinking with my cock because a beautiful woman is giving me the time of day.
I reach her suite, and with my hand poised to knock, the door flings open.
Aubrey grips the front of my shirt and drags me inside.
I stumble a few steps, and if I’m not careful I’ll run into her or drop the food.
She takes the bag from me, setting it on the counter of the small kitchenette, then as she closes the door, she whisper-shouts, “Olivia is next door, so we have to be quiet. No moaning names, no sexy growls. Understood?” Her commanding tone reminds me of a Sunday school teacher, but it’s the hottest thing I’ve ever heard.
“You don’t think the Governor will appreciate hearing you scream my name?
” I taunt, and it earns me a smile. She still hasn’t released my shirt, but I don’t want her to, afraid if she lets go she’ll second guess this.
My gaze falls to her lips, but I resist kissing her, instead leaning in beside her ear to quietly ask, “If not to make you cry out in pleasure, why exactly am I here, Ms. Raine?”
“Tomorrow I’m Ms. Raine. Right now, you can call me whatever the hell you want, except that. Also, I thought I was clear in my message about what I want.” She nips at my earlobe, making me groan. Fuck, she’s going to be fun to play with.