“Naturally, but I’m wondering about a promotion you might’ve given Terry O’Connor that I heard about from his girlfriend who is so very grateful?”

“Oh... Sorry. We were otherwise occupied last night, and the last thing on my mind was work.”

“If you’re promoting Terry, what does that mean for Christina?”

“She’s decided to take some time off to be with Alex and to hopefully have a baby of her own.”

“How is it I haven’t heard any of this? You’re not slipping into a pattern of keeping things from me, are you, Senator? Because that would most definitely count as a marital double standard.”

Nick laughed at her terminology. “I’m not intentionally keeping anything from you, Samantha. To be honest, it didn’t occur to me that you’d care about my staff shake-ups.”

“Of course I care! They’re the people who work closest with you and make sure you’re doing all the right stuff and everything.” In truth, she had no idea what Christina and Terry did on any given day. “Not to mention they’re dating or engaged to people I work with. If it’s just the same to you, I’d rather hear about these things from you rather than their significant others.”

“You’re right, and I’m sorry. I should’ve told you.”

“This is becoming a disturbing pattern. Should I worry that I’m rubbing off on you?”

“Um, I love when you rub off on me.”

“Nick! Gross. I’m being serious.”

“So am I,” he said, laughing, “and there’s nothing gross about it. But your point is well taken, and I’ll do better at keeping you in the loop on my work stuff.”

“Just because my work stuff tends to take over our lives doesn’t mean I’m not interested in yours.”

“I know, babe.”

“I got a press question today about the VP thing.”

After a long pause, he said, “You did?”

“Yeah, during the briefing about the MacArthur murders.”

“And it wasn’t Darren?”

“Nope. Someone else from one of the TV stations.”

“Shit. What the hell? That’s two reporters who’ve now asked about it.”

“I never told you it was Darren who told me.”

“I came to my own conclusions. How is it getting out?”

“Is it possible the White House is letting it out because they want you and they want everyone to know it?”

“I suppose.”

“Why don’t you give Derek a call, and see what he says?”

“I was just thinking the same thing.”

“Make sure he and Maeve have plans for Thanksgiving.”

“I will. I’ll let you know what I find out from him.”

“Yes, you will.”

“I love when you get all bossy with me, babe. It makes me hot.”

“Everything makes you hot.”

“Everything with you makes me hot.”