Not that she had a soft spot for surfer-looking types or anything. It was just that he was convenient, and he’d slot right into her plans, serving the purpose on multiple fronts. I just need to convince him of that.

“Serendipity,” she said. “I didn’t choose you, per se, but you’d be perfect. We flip the traditional First Lady role, and you’re the man behind the woman, keeping house and supporting me. The optics are fantastic, I come off looking more stable—trust me, they’ll spin the hell out of my two divorces otherwise—and you get to reinvent yourself as the icon who helps me make history.”

“I don’t want to be an icon.”

She sighed. “It’s just a word. Think about this, then. If we get married, your parents won’t be on your back all the time. You’ll have your own place and the space to figure out what you want from life. I’ll help you, whatever you decide to do. If you’d rather take it slow, you can sleep in the guest room. I’m not opposed to sharing the bed with you, though. We’ve already proved we’re compatible.”

For the first time, Trev smiled. “That’s true enough.”

At that point, the server came over with their food and arranged the dishes on the table. “Careful, the plates are hot. Can I get you anything else?”

“We’re fine,” Leanne said.

Trev had nothing to add, apparently. She dug into her enchiladas, letting him mull over what she’d said. It was important to know when to push and when to provide breathing room. Now it was time for the latter.

Finally, he murmured, “What if you meet someone you actually want to be with?”

“What if you do?” she countered.

He laid down his fork with a sober mien. “Let’s not pretend I’m a catch. Don’t do that.”

“Look, I realize you have self-esteem issues, and we’ll work on that. Understand that you fit uniquely into the life I’m trying to build. Do you think it’s easy to find a guy who’d even contemplate being a househusband and taking the back seat while I launch a political career?”

He blinked. “I didn’t even consider that.”

“Then start. As it happens, I have a Trev Montgomery–shaped hole in my life, and I’m trying to get you to fill it.” After the words came out, she heard the filth, but she didn’t back off what she’d said. Instead, she followed it with a wink. “I know how I come across, and it won’t poll well with voters unless you mitigate my image. In a regular relationship, all kinds of things can go sideways. I need someone who will stick around, period.”