“Mr. Titan served our country with valor,” I say, my hands wrapped loosely around the edges of the wooden lectern I’m standing behind. “I have nothing but respect for him. Serving in the Senate is different, though. It takes experience and tenacity. I have both. I’m only thirty years old, but I know our state well. I know its needs well. Being Stan Preston’s daughter prepared me perfectly to be your next senator. I need your support, and I appreciate your being here tonight.”
The sound of applause and cheering invigorates me. This is my dream. My life. I grew up idolizing my father and his ideals. I want to be a voice for the middle class and an advocate for education reform. I’m doing it at the state level now, but I’m ready to move up to Congress and have a greater impact.
I step away from the stage and am greeted by people with their hands out, all talking at the same time. I shake hands, pose for photos, and talk to as many people as I can.
Lex approaches and takes my arm. She’s giving me the look. It means something’s up.
“I’m sorry, guys,” she says to the group of waiting people. “She has an interview at a news station in fifteen minutes. I have to take her.”
One of my deputy campaign managers passes out business cards to everyone who wants one. Lex steers me toward the waiting campaign bus.
“What’s up?” I ask her as soon as we step on and the driver closes the doors.
“I got a call from a TV station manager in Springfield. He wants to know if you’re interested in doing a Q&A thing with Titan and Sonny Solomon Wednesday evening.”
“Wednesday?” I arch my brows. “Yikes. That’s tomorrow. Not much prep time.”
“I know. I think he wants to capitalize on Titan’s announcement. I can tell him no.”
I shake my head. “No, I’m in. I’d like to size Jude Titan up in person.”
“I’ll let the manager know.”
The bus starts up, and we head toward the news station. Claire, another of my staffers, kneels in front of me and powders my nose.
“I’m sweating like a whore in church,” I say to her. “That gym wasn’t air conditioned.”
“We’ll get you all fixed up,” Claire says. “Want me to pull up your hair to help cool you off?”
“That would be great,” I say, reaching over to open the fridge from my seat. “You want a water?”
“Sure.”
I take two bottles out and hand her one. As I open mine and take a drink, I’m thinking about meeting Jude tomorrow. I’m eager to find out if his presence is as commanding as it seemed on TV today. I’m also eager for him to see that I can bust balls with the best of them.
Jude Titan can bring it on.
I’m ready.
Want to read the rest of Jude and Reagan’s story?
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BRENDA ROTHERT LIVES IN CENTRAL Illinois with her husband and three sons. She was a daily print journalist for nine years, during which time she enjoyed writing a wide range of stories.
These days Brenda writes New Adult Romance in the Contemporary and Dystopian genres. She loves to hear from readers.
Visit Brenda Rothert at www.brendarothert.com.
Thank you for reading His! If you enjoyed it, I would really appreciate a review at the site you purchased it from. It doesn’t need to be long or detailed—anything helps.
If you’re on Facebook, I’d love to have you in my group Rothert’s Readers, where I share the latest on my work and do special giveaways.
Would you like to know when my next book is available? You can sign up for my new release e-mail list at Newsletter or like my Facebook page at Facebook.
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You’ve just read His.
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Fire on Ice Series
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I hope you enjoy those as well!
I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this book what it is. It took me some time to wrap my arms around this story and its characters, and as always, I had lots of help.
Beta readers Janett Gomez, Michelle Tan, Chantal Gemperle and Chelle Northcutt gave me feedback and encouragement that kept me moving toward the finish line. I’m so lucky to have these ladies on my team.
Editor Lisa Hollett gave this story its polish. Her attention to detail is fantastic and I couldn’t ask for a better line editor.
Rosa Sharon gave this book a good proofreading, as did Joanne Thompson. (Thanks, ladies!)
Jessica Estep of Inkslinger PR helped spread the word about this book and also helped me keep things on track for a smooth release. My assistant Pam Million helped with ARCs, organization and just being an awesome friend.
Sara Eirew took my gorgeous cover photo and designed my stunning cover. I love, love, love working with Sara. It’s stress-free and I always know I’ll get a cover I adore.
Christine Borgford of Perfectly Publishable did my interior design and formatting. She is the best formatter in the world, hands-down. Possibly the universe.
Pam Carrion keeps the energy high in my reader group, Rothert’s Readers. I just love pretty much everything about her.
To everyone in Rothert’s Readers and every blogger who promos and supports my work—I could not do this without you. It means everything.
And thanks to you, dear reader, for buying this book and supporting me so I can keep writing more. This career is a dream.
Huge hugs and thanks to my husband and three boys, who put up with my night writing, laundry slacking, cereal for dinner ways.
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