Mad About You

wallowing in the feelings he'd evoked. "Trey, don't tell me you're starting to believe the newspapers."
    "No. I know the closest thing to the truth in the papers is the comics." He leaned forward. "But why didn't you tell me he drove you home the other night?"
    Just yesterday, she'd seen a segment on television about how to tell if someone is evading the truth. She concentrated on not doing any of those things. "Why didn't I tell you?" Oops—repeating the question was one of the signs. "Trey, election day is less than two weeks away. Why would I bother you with an insignificant detail about who dropped me off at my condo after my car was towed?" She manufactured a laugh—another telltale sign, then swallowed hard—yet another sign. "If I wanted to be clandestine about it, would I have ridden in a big old delivery truck with the name of his business written on the side?"
    "Okay, okay, so I'm imagining things," he relented with a smile. "I guess I'm nervous about the wrap-up tour."
    "You'll be great," she said with sincerity, touching his hand. "What time do you leave?"
    "In about two hours. I'll have Elam fax you a copy of my itinerary."
    Relieved they were on a more neutral topic, she nodded. Elam was probably just glad to get Trey out of her reach. A waiter took their orders, then they buttered miniature croissants.
    "You gave me quite a scare last night," he said. "Are you sure you're feeling well?"
    "Fine," she assured him. "And I'm signing up for swimming lessons next week. I'm sorry, Trey, I know the last couple of days have been somewhat of an embarrassment for you."
    He shrugged. "I can't fault the guy's taste."
    "You're being very gracious."
    "I'm being very jealous."
    Guilt stabbed her and she smiled to cover it. "There's no need."
    "You're right." Trey shook his head, then raised his glass of juice. "As if you would be interested in a construction worker."
    At his condescending tone, a small part of her rallied in Ladden's defense. Twisting the napkin in her lap, she chose her words carefully. "He's a hardworking businessman, Trey."
    "He runs a junk store."
    "Antiques," she corrected quietly. "Ladden's Castle is a good resource for me. It's important to offer one-of-a-kind items to my clients."
    "Like the mysterious rug you told me about?" he teased. "When am I going to see this magnificent carpet?" Lifting her hand, he kissed her fingers and murmured, "That hardwood floor isn't the only thing cold in my bedroom lately."
    A warm flush bloomed in her cheeks. "I'll try to have the rug delivered by the time you return."
    "A risky purchase, though, considering I might only be in the mansion another couple of months."
    "You're going to win this election."
    He grinned. "I take it I have your vote?"
    "Absolutely." In fact, the only thing she was certain of these days was that Trey McDonald was the best man to lead the state. It hurt to think she might have cost him votes.
    His expression suddenly turned serious. "Stick with me, Jasmine, and we'll go to the top. I need you. The public loves the idea of us being together. That's why this thing with Sanderson has gotten so much press."
    She understood perfectly, because she also loved the idea of being with Trey. They made a great couple: youthful, successful, photogenic. They looked as if they belonged together. What she felt had to be akin to what Jacqueline Bouvier felt when she met the young Jack Kennedy. A life with Trey McDonald would be filled with glamour, travel, money, and power.
    And love? Love took years, she told herself. He was a good man with a kind disposition—successful unions had been built on much less.
    He snapped his fingers. "I don't know why I didn't think of it before. Go with me!"
    She blinked in surprise. "On the campaign tour?"
    "Sure—what better proof that all is well between us?"
    "Well," she said, hesitating. "I hadn't planned on being away from my office for so long, but..."
    "Great! Let's hurry so you can go home and pack. I'll send a car for you."
    "But what on earth will I do?"
    "Just smile and court the press," he said, then paused significantly. "I hope this will be the first of many road trips."
    Jasmine smiled tremulously. "Right."

    * * *

    "Be careful what you wish for," she said to her reflection as she packed, "it might just come true."
    Leaving with Trey was for the best, although she couldn't quite put her finger on why spending the next several days with him and his entourage left her feeling so displaced. Scant