“Don’t you want my number?” she asked, the words falling from her lips before she could decide whether it was a good idea to be any more forward than she’d already been with him.

His face became expressionless as he studied her for long enough that she nearly squirmed. “Sure,” he finally said. “That’d be good.”

“You thought about it long enough.”

“It’s not you—”

Shelby couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re supposed to say that after we go out. Not before.”

That drew a small smile from him that did wonders for his stern countenance. “I’ll have to remember that.”

She withdrew her phone and clicked on the text function. “What’s your number? I’ll send you mine.”

He recited his number.

“Got it. Next move is yours, Agent Hill.”

“I appreciate your candid explanation of the rules.”

“At my advanced age, I find myself rather tired of the gamesmanship involved with dating. I far prefer candor.”

“It is rather refreshing.”

Shelby smiled and was in the midst of forming another witty comment when Nick’s Secret Service detail came around the corner on to Ninth Street and pulled up to the curb in two big black SUVs.

Avery stood beside her to watch the proceedings as the agents escorted Nick and Scotty from the first of the two cars.

Nick took one look at Avery and his normally genial expression hardened with displeasure.

What was that about? Shelby wondered as Nick and Scotty approached them.

“What’re you doing here, Hill?” Nick asked.

“Senator, nice to see you too. I gave your wife a ride home.”

“Why did she need a ride?”

“She was dead on her feet. I didn’t think it would be safe for her to drive.”

Nick eyed the other man warily. “Is that right?”

Avery’s lips tightened with displeasure, and Shelby could tell there was something he was dying to say but refrained.

“How was the Capitol, buddy?” Shelby asked Scotty, hoping to ease the tension.

“It was cool. We had ice cream in the Senate Dining Room.”

“Wow, that sounds like fun.”

“I’ve got to get back to work,” Avery said. “I’ll see you.”

“Hill?” Nick called after the agent.

“Yeah?”

“Thanks for giving Sam a ride.”

“No problem.”

After Avery got into his car and took off, Shelby glanced at Nick. “What was that all about?”

“I don’t like that guy.”

“How come?” Shelby asked, surprised by the unusual hostility she sensed in him.

“I just don’t.”

“You should have a reason for not liking someone,” Scotty told his dad.

“I have my reasons.”

Shelby would love to know what they were, but decided not to push it any further, especially with Scotty watching their every move. She put her arm around the boy, who was already two inches taller than her. “Ready for some dinner?”

“What’re we having?”

“How does spaghetti sound?”