“We got a hard reminder that life is short, and we’ve all grown up as a result. I have to think he’d approve.”

“He would. Of course he would. He’d be proud of you, too, and the way you’ve embraced the office. And he’d be envious of your incredible approval ratings and overwhelming popularity, which is why Nelson is so very, very interested in you as his VP.”

“And we’re back to that.”

“Don’t rule it out completely, Nick.” Nick insisted his top staffers call him by name when they were alone or in social situations. “Surely there has to be a way for you to take advantage of this opportunity and keep Sam happy too.”

“If there is, I haven’t figured it out. Do enlighten me.”

“Let me give it some thought and do some poking around.”

“Just don’t give anyone the impression I’m actually thinking about doing it, because I’m not.”

“I hear you.”

Lindsey came into the kitchen. “Are you ready to go?” she asked Terry.

“Whenever you are.”

“I’ve had more than enough of this day, and tomorrow will be another long one,” Lindsey said. “I’m ready for bed.”

Terry waggled his brows suggestively, which made Nick laugh. “I’ll keep you posted on what I find out.”

“Knock yourself out, but you won’t change my mind.”

“Duly noted.” Terry stood and shook Nick’s hand. “Thank you. For everything.”

“Same to you. We’ll see you both on Thursday?”

“Wouldn’t miss it.”

Sam and Nick walked them out, closed the door, locked it and engaged the security system.

“Alone at last,” Nick said as he took his wife’s hand and led her upstairs.

“I need a shower.”

“So do I. We may as well conserve water and take one together.”

Her smile lit up his world the way it always did. “I do so love your conservationist tendencies.”

Because he was aching like a bastard, Nick moved slowly as he shed his clothes and enjoyed the view of her doing the same. She started the water and turned to him as he struggled to remove his shirt.

“Let me.”

He gave up the fight and let her work the shirt up and over his head.

“Oh, Nick,” she said with a sigh. “It’s even worse than before.”

“I’m okay.”

“I wish you’d stop saying that when it’s obviously not true.”

“I’m fine. See?” He encouraged her to look a little lower to where he sported proof that everything was working the way it was supposed to.

She snorted out a laugh and gently put her arms around him.

Her softness pressed against him never failed to fire him up, and tonight was no exception. The agonizing pain in his side did nothing to detract from the ache of desire.