“Doing okay, sweetheart?”

“Of course.” That might have been the first lie she’d ever told him. She went on tiptoes to his ear and whispered, “Just more attention than I’m used to.”

Their relationship wasn’t a secret. Reporters loved the up-and-coming-actress-tames-playboy-politician storyline.

“Get used to it. They’re all here for you. I’m just the story they have to report on.” He tugged her close. “I love you.”

They made their way to the big donors. Asher said his spiel to each of them, shaking hands and exchanging hugs. People she didn’t know squeezed her shoulder and offered her congratulations. I wasn’t the one who did anything.

He nodded out of a conversation and put his arm around her waist. “You’re going to do great.”

“And I once had a performance review that said I couldn’t smile and walk at the same time. Look at me go.”

Asher laughed and kissed her. The crowd clapped and cheered. Photographers’ cameras popped. The bright flashes were blinding. She blinked, trying to keep her bearings. So many people, and the room was so warm. They all crushed against her and Asher. She hung on to his hand, letting him lead her.

Jenny tried to look for Maxwell. Tried to pinpoint Titan and the FBI. She failed all around. Faces closed in on her from every direction. Well wishes were shouted at Asher. He climbed a flight of stairs, bringing her along in hand. At the top of the platform, the music changed again. The screens behind him spun red, white, and blue graphics. Spotlights began to gyrate as the lights went down.

The FBI had told her what would happen. But knowing and experiencing were two different things. She’d been onstage hundreds of times. But this was different. This was different from even the rallies and campaign stops they’d made leading up to election night. This was political pandemonium, and she’d always been a vaguely interested participant who supported the McIntyre family. She’d never been under this kind of limelight.

Asher raised their joined arms, and the room exploded in applause. He took a step back, giving her a nod and a grin before he pulled her into another kiss. The lip lock quieted the room, until he pulled back, and there was everyone else, louder than before.

With his arm around her, he gave her a hug and whispered, “You’re amazing. A pro. Soon as the speech is done, we’re out of here.”

She nodded. Smiled. Stepped to the side like she had been instructed to, so he could take the podium in front of the teleprompter. Asher was an orator. He didn’t need the screens to tell him what to say, but over the weeks, she’d realized he used them to stay on track.