Something Just Like This

by Jennifer Probst

  “Who will you be taking to the Friends of Firefighters Gala, Mr. Mayor?” a reporter asked. “Are you still recovering from breaking up with Savannah Winters?”

  Alyssa winced. Savannah was the latest television star who’d been seen a few times with Jonathan at social functions, but she’d moved on to begin dating a famous movie star. The press spun it as a cruel dumping and painted Jonathan as heartbroken for a full week of gossip. Alyssa knew it’d been nothing—they’d been friends—but having his love life pulled apart and analyzed was difficult to watch.

  Hmm, the reporter was Diana Delaney. She’d been assigned to cover the mayor’s office by a rag of a paper, but so far, she’d written quite fairly about Jonathan compared to what she penned about some other public officials. The lack of privacy was criminal and ridiculous, but Alyssa knew it was the price paid for political office. Fighting it didn’t help, and accepting it with grace and firm boundaries was the only way to move forward.

  “Does the city of New York really care about my lack of a dating life?” he teased, those blue eyes sparkling. He was adept at playing to the crowd, and a titter of laughter rang out. “Savannah is happy, and I wish her all the best. We’re still good friends.”

  “Just curious. It’s been how long since you’ve been married? Five years?”

  His face suddenly tightened. A wary silence fell over the crowd as cameras flashed. “Yes,” he finally said in a clipped voice. “But there’s no time limit on the grief of losing a spouse, is there?”

  Alyssa drew in a sharp breath. His late wife was always a vulnerable spot, but instead of jealousy, only tenderness rose within. He loved deeply, and he didn’t choose often. If he loved her, it’d be with everything he had. Forever.

  Her knees shook at the image of being able to claim him as hers. He deserved a woman who was strong and brave and could stand before a firestorm with her chin held high. Was she capable of being that type of partner? Or was it just a hopeless fantasy? Could she stand being in the public scrutiny day in and day out, even for him? Would she lose her identity to the power of his?

  Her entire life revolved around being pushed into the spotlight against her will. And she couldn’t live with herself if she affected his run for governor. The doubts had kept her from moving forward with him since the night of the kiss. He didn’t push, but she sometimes saw the question burning in his gaze when he looked at her. When the day ended, and they were going their separate ways, he’d stop at her desk and stare at her in silence, waiting.

  So far, she hadn’t been able to answer. Not yet. She needed more time to figure things out.

  The reporter’s voice rose in the air amidst the crowd. “I apologize, Mr. Mayor.”

  Startled by the apology, she watched Jonathan visibly soften. “Accepted. Let’s just say I won’t be on the Bachelor anytime soon, okay? Now, let me get back to work. Thank you.”

  Alyssa fell into place within the procession as they left the press room.

  The hours flew by in a frenzy of tasks and meetings until she was finally stumbling toward home. She couldn’t wait to open the new political memoir that’d just hit the stands, sip a glass of wine, and cuddle under her favorite blanket. Every muscle in her body hurt from being on her feet nonstop, but the day had been productive, and a buzzing satisfaction zinged through her, giving her a natural high.

  She’d just reached her place when she noticed the familiar black car waiting at the curb.

  Jonathan stepped out, his dark wool coat only emphasizing his tall, lean body. He closed the distance between them, his aura practically pulsing with dynamic sexual energy. “What are you doing here? Is something wrong?” she asked with a frown, glancing at her phone to see if she’d somehow missed a text.

  “I want you to go to the fireman’s gala with me,” he stated, stopping a few inches away.

  She blinked. “You’re asking me out on a date? In public? Officially?”

  His jaw clenched. “Yes.”

  She shook her head, hard. “No, Jonathan, we’re not ready for something like that. I told you, I need time.”

  He nodded, and she was surprised he’d accepted her refusal so easily. “I understand. I just want to say I’m not afraid of showing the world I’m interested in you. But if you won’t go with me as my date, will you go as my assistant? My plus one? I can’t show up alone to this one, and with you by my side, no one will question it.”

  She tilted her head and analyzed the pros and cons. She’d accompanied him to social events before, and no one had ever questioned them on a personal level. Maybe this would be a good way to gauge the public’s reception if they officially began dating? Or perhaps it was just an excuse to be by his side rather than watch him take some other woman. Either way, it was safe enough for her to take a chance.

  “Okay,” she said. “I’ll go with you.”

  He smiled. “Thanks, Alyssa. I’ll pick you up at seven on Friday night?”

  “Sure.”

  He leaned in. His breath brushed against her ear, causing her to shiver. “I haven’t stopped thinking about that kiss or you. I just don’t want you to forget that.”

  Then he pulled back. Got in his car. And drove away.

  She stayed out on the curb, staring at the empty place where he’d been and knew she couldn’t wait until Friday.

  * * * *

  “You look nice, Dad. Are you going with a date?”

  He glanced over at his daughter. “You think I should wear the red tie instead for contrast? I don’t look like Johnny Cash dressed all in black, do I?”

  Chloe laughed. “No, it’s a very cool look. I saw it on the Grammys.”

  “I better change.”

  He cherished her giggle and the easy way she was with him. God knew it had taken years for them to begin coming back together after losing Catherine, then dealing with the election. It was a gift to be able to talk on an equal footing. His baby was now a grown woman on her own career path and carving out a big, beautiful life. The pride when he looked into her blue eyes that matched his surged so deep, it became almost painful. “What are you doing tonight?” he asked, slipping on his dress shoes.

  “Meeting a few friends in Chelsea for dinner and drinks. I just wanted to stop by and make sure we’re still good for Thanksgiving.”

  He looked up and caught the faintest gleam of worry in her expression. Holidays were sometimes hard as mayor, and he’d missed a few with her for various reasons. This time, he’d pinky promised that unless it were a total crisis, he’d spend three entire days with her on holiday at the Robin’s Nest B&B—the upstate inn with a horse rescue farm that Chloe had logged her community service hours at. The Bishops had become family to them, and Chloe visited regularly. She even had her own horse, Chloe’s Pride, and Jonathan loved seeing her open and free and happy when she was there. It had even inspired her passion for animal welfare laws. It was the first time he’d be going there for the holiday, and he knew she was wary that he’d cancel.

  “I promised, and I’m not going to break it,” he said firmly, giving her a smile. “I’m looking forward to spending time together.”

  She let out a breath. “Good, because I have plans, and I know everyone wants to see you. But you can’t spend all weekend plotting election publicity with Mia, okay?”

  He laughed. As his head of PR, Mia had gone to the farm to watch over Chloe and ended up falling in love with Ethan Bishop and moving upstate permanently. But she was the best at her job, and they both had a tendency to work endless hours when they got together. “I promise. Ophelia’s cooking, right?”

  “Of course, no one else would be up to the task. I told her we’d bring all the wine, and I want to pick up one of those dried floral arrangements for the table.” She chattered on about Thanksgiving, and horseback riding, and the local craft festival she wanted to attend, and for a little while Jonathan just relaxed and enjoyed his daughter’s happiness. God, he wished Catherine could see her now.

  Chloe stopped sudd
enly. “You thinking about Mom?” she asked softly.

  He jerked slightly. He always forgot how perceptive to his mood she was. “Yeah. She would have been so damn proud of you, Chloe. You know that, right?”

  She stepped into his arms and gave him a tight hug. “I know. You, too, Dad. This was her dream also, and governor is a pretty big deal. Just don’t let it consume you.”

  He hugged her back. “I won’t.”

  She stepped away and gave him a teasing look. “You didn’t tell me who your date was. I think you’re nervous.”

  He forced a laugh and finished buttoning his suit so he didn’t have to look her in the face. “No date,” he said lightly. “But Alyssa is going to accompany me.”

  “Dad!” Her tone brooked warning. “You didn’t make her work on a Friday night, did you?”

  “No! She wanted to. I mean, she accepted my invitation when I asked. She didn’t mind at all.”

  Chloe rolled her eyes. “You two are attached at the hip, and I think you take advantage. Alyssa is so good at her job, you forget she should have a life of her own.”

  “Trust me, I wouldn’t force her to do anything. I respect the heck out of her. This is a big social event, and I’m sure she’ll have fun.”

  “Sure. What woman doesn’t have fun following the mayor around and making sure everything goes smoothly? Why didn’t you let her bring her own date?”

  The thought made him want to growl, but he settled for a frown. “She’s not seeing anyone. Why are you suddenly so concerned with Alyssa? Has she said something to you? Is she unhappy?”

  “No, I just know she’s a bit like Mia, and work can consume her. Ethan was able to balance Mia out and show her other things in life. I think Alyssa needs that, too. She’s lonely.”

  He stared at his daughter. “You think she’s lonely?”

  She nodded. “Yeah, she doesn’t see her parents, and she has no other family. I don’t think she goes out much, either. What is she doing for Thanksgiving?”

  The question knocked him off balance. The idea of Alyssa spending the holiday alone haunted him. “I don’t know.”

  “I think we should invite her to the farm. There’s plenty of room, and I think she would have a great time. What do you think?”

  The idea hit him full-force. Having Alyssa with him in such a setting might be exactly what they both needed. Time away from the spotlight to really spend time with each other. He already knew she adored Chloe, and they talked consistently on their own. Having the two women who were most important to him together for a family weekend seemed like the biggest gift of all.

  “I’ll invite her,” he said, trying to hide his excitement.

  “Good, now I feel better. Have fun tonight.”

  “You, too, honey. Is there someone new in your life I need to know about yet?” he asked teasingly.

  Her blue eyes filled with a flare of pain he knew all too well—one that spoke of heartbreak he wished he could save her from. “Not ready yet,” she said, her forced smile not fooling him at all. “I want to be on my own for a while.”

  He squeezed her hand in reassurance. “It’s hard to get over a first love,” he said seriously. “I think it’s great you’re taking time for yourself and not rushing into anything because you’re sad. Owen never deserved you anyway.”

  A choked laugh escaped her throat. “Dad, no boy will ever deserve me if it’s up to you.”

  “Damn right.”

  She shrugged. “I can’t be mad he chose his career over me. Long-distance relationships never work out anyway. He did me a favor by saving me another few years of dating just to be dumped.”

  “I can do a lot of things to him, Chloe,” he said. “Bad things. My reach as mayor is more than you know.”

  That got a real smile out of her. “Aww, thanks, Dad. I’ll keep it in mind. For now, though, cocktails and girlfriends sound just about perfect.”

  She gave him a wink and headed out.

  He checked his watch, not wanting to be late to pick Alyssa up. By the time he got to her door, he realized he was sweating more than usual. Like a nervous teen. Humiliating. He ran a city, and yet this slip of a woman affected him like no other. What amazed him was the way he was still able to separate his personal feelings in the office. She helped him run City Hall with a tight grip and ruthless organization that kept his brain in the game, but the moment the clock struck five, his dick seemed to wake up like Cinderella’s magic spell.

  Because then, it was his time.

  He climbed the steps, but she was already stepping out, marching determinedly toward him like they were about to embark on a meeting rather than a ball. Her practical black coat gapped open just enough for him to spot the classic black cocktail dress she wore, but it was what was left off that made him speechless.

  The hem of her dress stopped a bit higher than usual, leaving a good solid inch above the knee, flashing long, bare legs that ate up the distance with a no-nonsense pace. She stopped in front of him and tilted her head back. “Hi. Why are you looking at me like that?”

  Damn, she was beautiful. Those large, almond-shaped eyes behind her glasses shimmered with an emotion he craved to tap. Her scent danced around him, cool and clean and crisp. Her dirty-blond hair was swept up on top of her head, but this time, she’d let some loose curls dangle around her temples, softening her face. The hints were subtle, but he’d made it his job to begin learning everything about Alyssa Block he possibly could, and every sign pointed to the fact that she’d dressed for him tonight.

  As a woman. Not an employee.

  “You look amazing,” he said, lifting her hand and pressing a kiss to her palm. Her fingers shook in his, and he hid a smile, pleased by her reaction.

  An elegant snort escaped her plump, glossy lips. “I look the same exact way I always do.”

  “I agree. Beautiful.”

  He ignored her adorable, doubting frown and escorted her into the car. “Tell me how your day was,” he said.

  She crossed her legs, then tugged her coat down to make sure she was covered up. He found the gesture charming. “I went to an off-Broadway play currently in previews.”

  “By yourself?”

  She tossed him a look. “Yes, by myself. Is there something wrong with that? I happen to like my own company.”

  He grinned. “Not at all, I love that you take yourself where you want to go. Too many of us are dependent on others or our phones for distraction. Was the play good?”

  “Yes, it was a dark comedy but more clever than I expected.” She launched into the analysis of the plot and characterization. He felt as if he’d seen the play himself by the time she was done.

  “Do you get your love of theater from your parents?”

  “Probably. Growing up in the lifestyle, you gain some appreciation for it. It never made sense why they didn’t like books when all plays are based on scripts, but they seemed to look at performance differently.”

  “They never read to you when you were little?”

  “No. They preferred movies and performances over words, citing books were too stringent and allowed for no creative mental freedom. It drove them crazy that I was such a bookworm.”

  His heart squeezed in sympathy. Her parents didn’t seem abusive, just selfish about what they wanted rather than their only child. Imagining her growing up as a lonely misfit made him want to fold her in his arms and comfort her. “I’m sorry. One of my favorite memories when I was a child was my mother reading Green Eggs and Ham.”

  She snapped to attention. “Did you know Dr. Seuss wrote that exclusively to win a bet? He was told he couldn’t write a story with only fifty different words, so Seuss took the bet. Fifty dollars was on the line.”

  He had to hold himself back from caressing her cheek or touching her in some way. She was charming when she recited her knowledge. “He won a lot more than fifty bucks after he wrote that, huh?”

  “Yes. Anyway, unlike my parents, I find most stories fascinating because p
erspectives and outlooks differ depending on who’s watching.”

  “You always term your mind as linear, but I think you have a wealth of creativity. Did you ever think about writing reviews or even a book?”

  She shook her head. “I’m afraid I’d go too deep in my head and miss out on the pleasure of being a participant. I don’t want to risk it.”

  “Makes sense. Sometimes doing the things we love professionally kills the joy.”

  “Exactly. What did you do today?”

  “Boring errands mostly. Chloe stopped by.”

  He adored the way her face lit up. “How is she?”

  “Good, she was heading out with friends tonight. Wanted to check on her old man.”

  “Is she still struggling with her breakup with Owen?”

  His heart warmed at her concern for his daughter. “I think so, but she didn’t want to admit it. If I see that boy around one day, I’ll tear him apart.”

  She grinned, and his insides lit up. “You raised a daughter who doesn’t need her father to fight her battles. She’d probably do more damage to Owen than you ever could.”

  “I think you’re right. Speaking of Chloe, we talked about Thanksgiving. What are your plans?”

  A tiny frown creased her brow. “Well, I’m planning to relax, eat a turkey by myself, and catch up on my reading. Why? Do you need me to volunteer at one of the shelters? I can definitely do that, Jonathan, especially since you won’t be here.”

  He waved his hand in the air. “No, we have that covered. I have a team in place to hit a few of the soup kitchens in the area, and they know I’ll be away for the weekend. Chloe and I want you to join us at the Bishop farm this year.”

  Shock flickered over her face. “I-I can’t do that. It’s a family dinner. But thank you for the invite.”

  “Alyssa, we want you there. Chloe asked for you specifically, and it would be a great favor if you came. She misses her mother the most around the holidays, and you and she have become close. You make her happy. And the Bishop farm is a free-for-all. I know you’d love it there. Your schedule has been just as insane as mine, and I think we both need a break.”