But it was more than their height that set them apart. There was just something in Jack’s stature, an easy confidence versus one based on insecurity, that made him more relaxed and casual but…also in control. Definitely in control.
Jack held out his hand, “Jack Harrison. You must be Leo?”
Leo appeared like he didn’t want to take the hand initially, but he finally accepted the grip and nodded.
“Were you two finished, or should I give you another moment?” Jack asked, his gaze still on her.
“I think we were through, weren’t we, Leo?”
Leo smiled, even as his eyes looked like he wanted to say more. “We were. I’ll see you Friday when I get the kids.”
She didn’t say anything more, just watched Leo turn around and pause when he saw the black Suburban parked with a tall, burly-looking guy—part of tonight’s security entourage, she’d guess—standing at the passenger door watching them.
“That was Leo? Interesting guy,” Jack said as the person in question climbed into his car and backed down the driveway. “What did he want, other than to harass you?”
“He was just being Leo,” she said. But she wasn’t going to let Leo’s insecurities take any more of her time tonight.
Jack seemed to get the hint. “Then let’s start tonight over again.” He stood back to take her in, and she felt that giddy feeling as a certain light entered his eyes. “You look utterly delectable.”
“Thank you. You clean up nicely yourself.” Understatement, of course. In dark jeans and a blue lapis shirt that was close to the color of his eyes, he was heart-stopping.
There was that devilish grin again, as he seemed to be telling her…he was all hers.
All. Night.
…
Jack was sitting in a meeting with his staff late Friday afternoon, trying to keep his attention on the subject at hand—and not on remembering last night, and the amazing time he and Daisy had.
If there had been any basis to Daisy’s concern that their attraction had merely been an illusion brought on by the perfect few days on Tahoe, then last night, eating dinner in a local restaurant followed by a stroll through Memory Grove Park, hand in hand, had easily dispelled that notion.
If anything, being here, in the place they both called home, made everything feel more real. More possible.
And it affirmed for him the strong, overwhelming need he had to protect and take care of her. Make sure she had everything that would ensure she wasn’t going anywhere.
Which was why he had set in motion a few little gifts that he hoped would please her.
“Jack? Did you hear me?” It was Stuart, looking up from a report in his hands.
“Sorry. What was that again?”
Stuart sighed and gave him a droll look that told him he knew exactly where Jack’s thoughts had been. “The initial feedback we’re getting from Washington is that Governor Pratchett’s expected to get a favorable recommendation. You could be sworn in by the end of the month.”
Jack took a moment to let that sink in.
Governor. In less than a month.
He couldn’t hide his grin, which seemed to be the signal everyone was waiting for as they gave small resounding cheers. Ever loyal, his staff was exceptionally proud and excited for the coming months wherein they transitioned from the lieutenant governor’s staff to that of the governor’s.
“Yes, we will all be able to celebrate that in a few short weeks,” Stuart said, trying to regain order, “but the honeymoon period will be brief before we move into full-out campaign mode, which I promise you all will be grueling. Speaking of honeymoons…” he said, sitting back to study Jack with a strange gleam in his eyes. “It seems that since your interview aired last night, public opinion has shot back up. Not only does everyone want to know more about you, they want to know more about Daisy, about the kids, and…the wedding.”
Jack glanced around at the eager faces of his staff. No one but Jack and Stuart knew about the fake engagement, which was fine by him since as far as he was concerned, nothing was fake about how he felt about Daisy or his intentions for their future.
But this was hardly the place to discuss it or the fact that he and Daisy really only knew each other for…one week—which made discussion of their actual wedding a bit premature.
“Why don’t we just enjoy the next few weeks and the glow of positive public opinion, shall we, Stuart? No need to put everything on fast-forward. Daisy and I—and our families—need to adjust to being out in the spotlight without any added pressure.”
“And do