Forty-five minutes later, as everyone rushed out of the room, Kip walked over to Annie and said loud enough for those around to hear, “Annie, may I see you in my office for a few minutes, please?”
She obediently followed him into his office with her head bowed, avoiding the stares she was sure she’d find if she looked up. The door closed with a click of the lock and Annie was pulled into Kip’s arms, his mouth firmly engulfing hers, while his hands gripped her behind and pressed her tightly against him.
Kip tore his mouth from hers and trailed delicate kisses down her neck. “Damn…I’ve…missed…you.”
A war was going on between Annie’s brain and her libido, but she finally pushed Kip away long enough to chastise him for his earlier actions. “What were you trying to do in there? Advertise us? Everyone was staring at me.”
With a hearty laugh, Kip resumed his ministrations to her neck and said, “Didn’t you like your tea?”
“Kip!”
He leaned back and grasped Annie’s face in his hands. “I don’t care who knows about us. In fact, I think I’ll go out there right now and make an announcement.”
He turned toward the door and Annie grabbed his arm. “Don’t you dare. Besides, there is no us.”
“Why are you fighting this?” Gathering Annie’s hands in his, he brushed feather-light kisses across her knuckles making her knees go weak. “I like you. You like me. Us.”
Getting sucked into Kip’s whirlpool of sexiness would not be a good idea. How could they possibly work together and date at the same time? Would they be able to keep it from the staff? This was a bad idea, but with each tender kiss, she caved just a little more.
“I’ll make a deal with you.” Kip’s brows arched and he nailed her with his sultry gaze, keeping up his knuckle delight. Annie sighed as she continued. “Let’s just keep this—whatever this is—to ourselves and see where it goes. It’s too soon—and frankly inappropriate—to call us us.”
“Okay, okay.” Kip enveloped her in his arms, planting a breathless kiss on her lips. “You win for now.”
“Good.” Annie wrenched free of his embrace, straightened her blouse, and resumed her earlier professional self. “We need to talk.”
“Are you breaking up with me already?” Kip tapped a quick kiss on her forehead and chuckled as he circled round his desk.
“About my responsibilities…that’s what we need to talk about.”
“Okay, shoot.” He rocked back in his chair, fingers entwined across his stomach, and smiled seductively. Annie could see he wasn’t in the mood to talk business, but she forged ahead.
“I spoke with Tom this morning about the poll we discussed. He told me my time would be better spent running the campaign office and putting out signs.” She stopped when Kip snorted a laugh. “Do you think this is funny?”
“Um…” He cleared his throat and took on a serious expression. “No, not at all. Continue.”
“I have much more to offer than just spiking signs in the ground. There is so much to do, but I’ve been getting resistance from Tom and you frankly.”
“Me?”
“Yes, you’ve turned down nearly every invitation you’ve received—all but the crab feast.”
“That was a good decision on my part, don’t you think?” Kip gave her another sexy smile and Annie fought the tingle creeping low in her belly. She had to keep her mind on the business at hand and not think about what almost happened in the river.
“Yes. Your presence was very well received and should bolster support.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“The point is, I could conduct the poll, send out press releases, and plan fundraisers if you’d give me the go ahead. Maybe even arrange a debate. There are many opportunities to get out in front of the voters, if you’d just cooperate.” Annie grew frustrated when Kip didn’t reply, but simply stared at her with longing in his eyes. She stood up and brushed the wrinkles from her skirt. “You’re lagging behind your challenger in the general election. You can’t hide away here on Capitol Hill and expect to get elected.”
“Lagging behind?” That seemed to get his attention. Kip stood up and flattened his hands on his desk. “Since when?”
“Ever since I took the job, two months ago, you’ve been behind. I told Tom about it and he said he’d talk to you. Don’t you ever look at the numbers yourself?”
“Not lately. I’ve relied on you and Tom to deal with it.”
“Maybe you should talk to him. We can turn these numbers around if you’ll let me do my job.”
Kip came around to the front of the desk and perched on the edge, drawing Annie in his arms. “Okay. I’ll talk to him. Do what you need to do.”
“So, I can conduct the issues poll and RSVP yes to some of the more important events?”
“Mm hm.” Kip ran his hand up her back, keeping his crystal eyes locked on her, making her brain shut down. “Tell me where to be and when, and I’ll be there. I’m putty in your hands.”
Sixteen
Annie slipped her hand through Kip’s arm, seeking a steadying force as she walked up the elevated plank to the sleek yacht moored along the Potomac River. White monuments and government buildings illuminated in the distance as the last rays of sunshine sank below the horizon. She teetered on her four inch heals while holding the hem of her mini cocktail dress against the breeze gusting off the river.
“Very fancy, Porter. I can see why you’d pass up the opening of the county fair to attend this swanky event.”
“Couldn’t pass up the opportunity to show off my girl.” Kip gave her a wink as they stepped onto the gleaming teak deck.
“You’re showing off your campaign manager, remember?”
“If you say so, Coach.”
They hadn’t made anything official, but in the past two weeks they’d had dinner twice. Each time she was alone with him, he became harder to resist. Tonight would be especially hard. She’d always been a sucker for a guy in a black tux and Kip wore his especially well. When an invitation to this private donor event crossed Kip’s desk, she didn’t hesitate to accept on his behalf.
“Kip, darling, you made it.” Amelia Wentworth, the host of the event, sidled up to Kip, brushing her over-exposed cleavage against his arm. “And you brought your lovely campaign manager. How delightful.”
“Hello, Mrs. Wentworth.” Annie extended her hand in greeting. “It’s so nice to see you again.”
“And you, dear. I must thank you for getting your boss to this party. So many important people he must meet, you know.” She gazed up at Kip with a school girl giggle and wrapped her manicured hand around his elbow. “Let me introduce you. You don’t mind, do you, dear?”
Well, so much for spending the evening together. Before Annie could say a word, Kip shrugged and was pulled away.
Across the deck in front of a large window was a bar. Just because she was left on her own didn’t mean she shouldn’t enjoy herself. She crossed the deck and ordered a Cosmo, smiling at the unfamiliar faces around her. Through the window she could see Kip, head bowed, in what looked like a serious discussion with Amelia, Tom, and a tall, gray-haired man. Mr. Wentworth, perhaps? It didn’t look like the kind of chat she should interrupt, so she decided a tour around the yacht was in order.
As she walked along the outer rail toward the bow of the boat, she nearly collided with her parents, who were stepping through a side door.
“Ann. What a nice surprise!” Her mother gathered her in a brief hug and trailed her eyes down the length of Annie’s body. “You look fabulous. I don’t think I’ve seen you at a black tie event in ages.”
“I haven’t been invited to many lately.”
“Hello, Annie bug.” George Cooper planted a quick kiss on Annie’s temple. His use of her childhood nickname made her blood boil. He was good at pulling out the “Annie bug” when he wanted something.
“Hello, Dad.” Annie took a long drink of her cocktail and focused on her mother. “You look
beautiful as always, Mom.”
“Thank you. Your father bought this for me.” Marjorie Cooper’s hand swept down the length of her black lace gown. “He has great taste, don’t you think?”
“He does.”
“So, are you here alone?” Her mother looked over Annie’s shoulder expectantly.
“No, I’m here with my boss, but he’s talking with Mrs. Wentworth.”
“Oh,” Marjorie whispered. “Should we act like we don’t know you?”
Annie laughed and gave her mother’s hand a squeeze. “That might be best. I still haven’t told him the truth.” Soon she would have to confess if they continued to see each other outside the office.
“Why in the world would you give him a false name in the first place?”
“Shhh.” Annie held her finger to her lips and glanced over her shoulder. “Well, Dad, if you must know. It’s not easy being George Cooper’s daughter.” Annie looked away over the water and drained the rest of her glass.
“Why would you say—”
“Maybe I should thank you. If I hadn’t left Howard, Wolfe, and Richards—because of yours and Mr. Wolfe’s shady dealings—I wouldn’t have found this job—a job I got all on my own without your influence.” The Cosmo had given Annie just enough courage to say what she’d been holding in for too long. Now seemed like as good a time as any to let her father know how his behavior had affected her life.
“I’ve never been involved with that crook.”
“You say. And, I’m making a real impact as Congressman Porter’s campaign manager. His poll numbers are rising and he’s getting noticed in the press. All because of me—not you, meddling in my business.”
“Annie, when are you going to forgive me? So, I’ve called in a few favors in the past. Life’s hard. I thought I was helping. You asked me five years ago to stay out of your business and I have.”
“Whatever,” Annie mumbled, while tipping up the empty cocktail glass to her lips. “I need another drink.”
“Listen, Annie bug.” Her father’s tender tone made Annie look him in the eyes, imploring her to hear him out. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what else to say. But, let me just tell you that politics can be a nasty business. That’s why I tried to keep you out of it. But, if you ever need anything, any advice or help, don’t hesitate to call me.”
“I’m doing fine on my own.”
“I’m sure you are. You’re a very intelligent, capable woman and Congressman Porter should be proud to have you on staff. Just keep in mind, I’m only a phone call away.”
Damn it. Why did her father have to be so…so…kind? Annie looked over her shoulder at the rippling tide, fighting back the tears welling in her eyes. Why was he being so helpful? And, why the compliments? George Cooper didn’t compliment his children. Why did he have to do it now when mascara threatened to ruin her make-up?
“Well, Marjorie, how about you and I get another drink?” At least George Cooper knew when to make an exit. He tapped another kiss on Annie’s temple and led her mother toward the back of the yacht.
“As I’ve told you, over and over, I don’t like how this is going.” Kip tipped back his tumbler, letting the dark liquor hit the back of his throat. “I don’t like their control over me—us,” he whispered at Tom, as an older couple passed them on the foredeck.
“We’re in too deep, bro. The Wentworths are expecting this deal to go through. They’ve invested too much time and money in you.”
“Maybe I’ll refuse their donations. Maybe that will give them a clear signal I want out.” Kip looked into his empty glass, needing a refill fast. He should have gone to the county fair instead of this nightmare wrapped in a cocktail party. From the moment he stepped on the deck, the Wentworths had been all over him. In fact, not only the Wentworths, but Tom as well. Why was Tom so invested in this bill getting passed?
“Don’t fuck this up, bro.” Tom reached for the doorknob to walk back inside the cabin, but stopped. “Kip, Senator Cooper is here. And, he’s talking to Annie. Get over there and get an introduction.”
“I’m done with this. Understand?” Kip walked through the cabin door, away from where Annie spoke with her parents. She was still hiding her identity and the last thing he wanted was to make an awkward situation for her. Sure, he was supposed to be seducing an introduction out of her, but the reality was he only wanted to seduce her—introduction or not. He couldn’t stop thinking of her and wanted more. He wanted them to be us.
With her Cosmo freshly refilled and her parents off talking to another couple, Annie set out to find Kip. She’d come as his date, after all, and didn’t really want to spend the evening alone. She entered the main cabin, where she’d earlier seen him speaking with the Wentworths and Tom, but didn’t recognize him in the crowd. While she was inside, she decided to seek out the restroom before resuming her search. She wandered down a long hallway to her left, passing a galley kitchen and a small office before finding the restroom at the end of the hall. A door was ajar across the hall and a familiar voice came from inside. Annie stepped closer and leaned against the wall to listen.
“Don’t worry. I’ll make it happen.” Tom’s tone was strained, as if he was held in a vise. “Just…just…ah!”
“Ooh, you like that, do you?” That sticky sweet voice could be none other than Amelia Wentworth. What in the world was Tom doing in there with her?
“Darlin’, you know I do.”
Annie’s answer came quick enough when she pushed the door open enough to peek inside. Tom had his back to the wall with his erection firmly in Amelia’s tight fist.
“So, tell me again,” Amelia Wentworth threatened. “There will be no roadblocks, right?”
“Right,” Tom whimpered.
“That’s want I want to hear.”
“Remind me,” Tom moaned, “what’s in it for me again?”
“Don’t worry, you’ll be generously rewarded.”
Annie rushed down the hallway, determined to find Kip.
“There you are.” Kip placed his hand on the small of her back, rubbing her dress’s silky black fabric clinging to her perfect figure. He couldn’t take another minute of this party, preferring instead to be alone with Annie. “How about we blow this joint? I’ve had enough.”
“Sure. If you want, but—”
“I haven’t spent a moment with you. Let’s get out of here.”
Thanks to Amelia Wentworth, the whole evening was ruined. Annie looked so gorgeous when he’d picked her up and he really wanted to show her his classier side. No beer and crabs. Tonight was supposed to be about champagne and caviar, and rubbing elbows with the Washington elite—a world with which she’d be most familiar. Why did Amelia have to pull him into the cabin as soon as he arrived to apply her special brand of pressure when all he wanted to do was show Annie a good time? Even though luring an introduction to her father was the central focus, Kip was quickly losing interest in the whole scheme—especially after tonight.
He opened her car door, assisting her in, and slammed it shut.
“I have to tell you something.” Annie placed her hand on his shoulder once Kip was behind the wheel.
“Man, it’s good to be out of there. I should’ve listened to you, Coach, and gone to the fair.” He shifted in his seat and reached for her hand. “You look beautiful. I’m sorry to cut our night short.”
“I don’t mind. I didn’t know anyone anyway.”
Kip turned the ignition key and backed out of the parking space. As they wound through the marina toward the exit, he thought about how he could wrangle an invitation up to Annie’s apartment. The more time they spent together, the more he wanted her. He wanted to get lost in her amazing kisses and forget he ever met the Wentworths.
“I know why we came to this party.” Kip locked up the brakes, throwing Annie against her seat belt.
“What do you mean?” He wrenched the car into park and turned to her, eyes dark and brows furrowed. Had she overheard something at the party?
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“Or, I should say, I know why Tom was so anxious for us to accept the invitation. I know what’s going on with Amelia Wentworth.”
“You do?” A cold sweat formed on Kip’s brow. How did she find out about the pipeline scheme? Had she been eavesdropping? When Annie nodded her head, Kip sighed heavily and raked his hand through his perfectly groomed hair. Maybe it was time to confess. “I owe you an explanation. It’s gone too far.”
“I’ll say. I couldn’t believe what I saw in that little room. I think they were about to go at it.”
“What?” Kip whipped around and stared at Annie, completely confused. “Who?”
“I was going into the bathroom when I heard Tom talking with someone in the room across the hall. I know it was wrong, but I stood outside and listened. Then, I looked inside and they were at the start of something…sexual.” Annie shivered.
No way. There was no doubt Tom enjoyed his fair share of women, but he certainly wouldn’t be sexually involved with Amelia Wentworth. There was no reason.
“You’re jumping to conclusions, again.”
“I’m not. Believe me. I’m right this time. I heard her say she would give him his reward.” She shivered again and chuckled. “I wonder what that reward might be.”
“You need glasses, Coach.” Kip’s flat tone reflected no humor. Once again, Annie misinterpreted something she saw. Since the day he met her, she’d been suspicious of his behavior. Now she was turning those suspicions on Tom.
“I know what I saw.” Annie pressed her back against the seat and crossed her arms over her chest.
“There’s nothing going on between Tom and Amelia Wentworth.”
“How do you know?”
Whatever You Call Me Page 12
