Amy shook her head. “Doesn’t matter. It doesn’t have to work, Jake. It just has to have the potential of working. If Franklin can offer the potential of reopening the coal mines, of creating all those jobs—that’ll be good enough, believe me.”

“But—”

“I know. You’re a scientist and you want it to work. But this is politics, Jake. The promise is more important than the reality.”

Even though he didn’t want to, Jake frowned at her.

“Don’t scowl,” Amy said, tapping his cheek lightly. “If this helps Franklin to get elected he’ll push for federal funding for the project. You help him, he’ll help you.”

“That’s politics, huh?”

“Yes, it is.” She leaned closer. “I think you’ve done something wonderful, Jake.”

“Not me,” he said, feeling flustered by the nearness of her. Her perfume was enticing, very feminine. “It’s guys like Rogers and Younger…”

“You,” she said, with a hand on his thigh.

Jake pulled her to him and kissed her. Her lips opened slightly and suddenly he was wrapping himself around her and he didn’t give a damn if his bedroom looked like Hiroshima after the bomb.

Sex and Love

SEX AND LOVE

Amy’s naked body lay curled against Jake, both of them sweaty and sticky-wet beneath the tangled bedsheet. She nestled in his arms, murmuring in his ear.

Half drowsing, Jake blinked his eyes and asked, “What’d you say?”

“I have to go,” Amy said, in a whisper.

For a moment he didn’t understand. Then, “Leave?”

“Yes.”

“Can’t you stay?”

Amy pushed herself up on one elbow. Nodding toward the digital clock on the night table, she said, “It’s past two. I have a big meeting at nine o’clock.”

“So go to sleep,” he said. “I’ll set the alarm.”

“No. I can’t.” She pulled free of Jake and sat up. “I’ve got to get back to my place.”

“You can use my shower,” he said.

“Thanks, but I’ll shower when I get home.” She slipped out of the bed and started searching in the dark for her clothes.

Jake flicked on the bedside lamp.

“Thanks,” she said as she pulled on her panties.

He rolled out of bed and reached for his own clothes.

“You don’t have to get up.”

He grunted. “You’re not going down to the parking lot by yourself.”

She smiled at him. “You’re very protective.”

He said nothing, just watched glumly as she fastened her bra and pulled up the straps. She’s really stunning, Jake thought. Trim as a racing yacht.

Once they were both dressed Jake led her down the concrete stairs to the building’s back door. It was chilly outside, and the sky had clouded over. He couldn’t see a single star.

Amy unlocked her BMW with a beep of the remote key, then turned and kissed Jake lightly on the lips.