A Political Affair by Mary Whitney Read Free Book Online

about what he’d say in more . . . unguarded moments.”
    “This is a little hard, Senator, because I have a lot of respect for you.”  
    “It’s okay.” He nodded to give her confidence. He wanted her to know she was safe regardless of how he ranted in the office. His outbursts weren’t directed at her; in fact, they were the result of his avoiding her.
    Gazing into his eyes, she waited a moment and took a breath. “All right, I’ll tell you what he said because he may use something like this against you in the campaign.”
    “Whatever he said, it’s not true, so it doesn’t matter. I only want to understand what he’s thinking.”  
    “Well, he commented on your reputation with women and said I wasn’t safe here. I told him it was nonsense.”
    At that moment, Stephen’s annoyed dislike of Langford transformed into hatred. The man mortally wounded any chance he might have had with Anne. Langford had ensured that in the back of her mind, Stephen was only interested in sex with her. It would now be the proverbial elephant in the room.
    Finding his voice, Stephen searched for some connection with her. “I can’t apologize enough for you having been put in that situation. Of course it’s nonsense, but thank you for enduring the uncomfortable position of having to tell me. I now know what the man is thinking and is liable to do.”  
    The chirp of a phone sounded from Greg’s pocket. “I’ve got to go to the Majority Leader’s office,” he announced. “Anne, I’m sorry I have to run. You’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty. We really appreciate it. I’ll catch up with you later.”
    “Thanks, Greg.” Anne smiled. “Like I said in the beginning, it’s not a big deal.”
    “You’ve been great, Anne,” Megan said, patting her on the leg. Her eyes flew over to Stephen with a sharp look. “We should probably leave Stephen to his work. Don’t you have a meeting with Congresswoman Schultz?”
    Stephen stared at Megan. He was fully aware she was sending a message that he should leave Anne alone, but he wasn’t going to listen to his sister. He wanted to show Anne he was a decent guy. “No. I don’t have a meeting.” Turning to Anne, he asked, “Do you have a moment?”
    “Sure,” she squeaked.
    Megan’s phone rang, and her eyes widened as looked at the caller ID. “It’s The New York Times . I have to take this.” She glared at Stephen as she walked to the door. “I’m leaving the door open, okay?”  
    Stephen nodded before leaning back in his chair. “So, Anne, can we talk about something else? Maybe something a little less sordid?”
    “Um, sure.”
    “Good. How’s your thesis coming along? Jefferson and Sally Hemings, right?”
    “Uh . . . working on it, but I’ve been distracted studying for the LSAT.”
    “When are you taking it?”
    “In three weeks. I need to work on the logic problems. I’m taking a prep class, but it’s not helping me. I guess my mind is illogical.”
    “There’s no evidence of that. In fact, everything I’ve seen of your work indicates the opposite.”  
    “Thanks.” She looked down and smiled.
    In the few seconds of silence that followed, an idea popped in his head. He knew he should clear it with Megan and Patty, but he didn’t have time. The moment was now.  
    “So are any of the other interns taking the test?” he asked.
    “Yes. Let me think . . . Keith, Sam, maybe Alicia. I can’t remember.”
    “You know, it wasn’t that long ago I took the LSAT, and I actually liked the analytical reasoning part of the test. I’d be happy to help everyone study for it. I should get to know everyone.”
    “Wow. That would be great and very generous of you, considering your schedule.”
    “Are you kidding? I’d much rather skip another lousy reception to play around with logic games. And it’s the least I can do, considering all the work interns do here without pay.”
    “Well, that’s wonderful. Thank you.”
    “Good.