She cleared her throat. “I can’t imagine you came to congratulate me.”

“On what?” he asked.

“Never mind. Why are you here?”

“I need you to perform on that mortgage.”

She arched a brow. “Oh, really. That’s a shift in priority. Last time you brought it up, you demanded that I rip the thing to shreds.”

“I have the account number for the wire.”

“What’s changed?”

“Where do you want me to send the account information?”

Sutton crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. “I heard about your father. On the news today. I didn’t know that he’d committed … I’m sorry, Edward.”

He let that hang where it was. There was no way he was going into the death with anyone, much less her. And in the silence, he measured her body, remembered what it felt like to touch her, imagined himself getting up close to her again and smelling her hair, her skin—only this time, he would know it was really her.

God, he wanted her naked and stretched out before him, nothing but smooth skin and moans as he covered her with himself.

“Edward?”

“Will you perform on the mortgage?” he pressed.

“Sometimes it helps to talk.”

“So let’s discuss where you can send that ten million.”

Footsteps out in the hall brought his head around.

And what do you know, he thought as the governor himself came into the ornate archway.

Governor Dagney Boone was, yes, a descendant of the original Daniel, and he had the kind of face that should be on a twenty-dollar bill. At forty-seven, he had a full head of naturally dark hair, a body honed by hours of tennis, and the casual power of a man who had just won his second term by a landslide. He’d been married for twenty-three years to his high school sweetheart, had three children, and then had lost his wife four years ago to cancer.

He’d been single ever since, as far as the public knew.

As he looked at Sutton, however, it was not as a politician would. That gaze lingered just a little too long, like he were respectfully enjoying the view.

“So this is a date,” Edward drawled. “With state troopers as chaperones. How romantic.”

Boone looked over—and did a double take, as if he hadn’t recognized Edward in the slightest.

Ignoring the jibe and smothering his shock, Boone strode forward with an outstretched palm. “Edward. I didn’t know you were back in the Commonwealth. My condolences on your father’s passing.”

“Only a part of me has returned.” Edward shook what was offered only because Sutton was shooting daggers at him. “Congratulations on your November win. Again.”

“There’s a lot of work to be done.” The governor glanced over at Sutton. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but your staff was wondering whether you wanted to hold dinner? Or maybe set another place at the table? I volunteered to find out.”

“He’s not staying—”

“I’m not staying—”

“In stereo.” The governor smiled. “Well. I’ll leave you all to it. It was good seeing you, Edward.”

Edward nodded, and didn’t miss the way the man gave Sutton’s hand a little squeeze before leaving.

“New boyfriend?” he drawled when they were alone again.

“None of your business.”

“That’s not a no.”

“Where do you want the money sent—”

“Why don’t you answer the question—”

“Because I don’t want to.”

“So it is a date.”

The two of them crashed to a halt, the air sparking between them, anger and something altogether erotic charging the particles that separated them—or at least there was a sexual component to it on his side. And he couldn’t help himself. His eyes raked down her dress and he stripped her in his mind, seeing her naked in all her glory.

Except she deserved better than that. Better than him. She deserved a stand-up guy like the Shit Dagney with all his stand-up past and his pretty-boy looks and his power base. The governor was the kind of man who would stand at her side at all her functions and would pull her chair out for her and get to his feet when she had to hit the loo to freshen her lipstick. He would tell her what she needed to hear, but also what she wanted him to say. He would help her in her business and also with her father. The pair of them would accomplish great things for the state, too.

And yes … the Shit Dagney would no doubt treat her right in ways Edward couldn’t bear thinking about.

He closed his lids and took a deep breath. “About the mortgage. Will you perform on the terms? There’s no reason for you not to. The interest rate is good and you’ll have a primary and sole secured interest on Easterly. You’re safe.”

“What’s changed your mind?”

“Is that a yes?”

She shrugged one of her elegant shoulders. “I made the deal in good faith, and I have the cash right on hand.”

“Good.”

As he heard himself calmly explain that Lane would text her the details, he thought about how the governor was waiting for her just down the hall, eager for her to return and look good and be tempting not because she was a loose woman, but because with how beautiful and smart she was, it was impossible for a man not to notice, covet, crave.

And what do you know, Edward was struck by the urge to go into that other room and commit capital murder by nailing the governor of the Commonwealth over the head with a tureen. Of course, he’d be shot in the process, rightfully so, but then a lot of problems would be solved, wouldn’t they.

“The funds will be there in the morning,” she said. “By eleven a.m.”

“Thank you.”

“Is that all?”

“Ten million is plenty, yes.”

Edward started for the exit to the room, but then he rerouted and went to stand in front of Sutton. “Be careful with our fair governor. Politicians are not known for their scruples.”

“And you are?”

He reached out and brushed her mouth with his thumb. “Not at all. Tell me something. Is he staying the night?”

Sutton pushed his hand away. “Not that it’s any of your business, but no, he is not.”

“I think he wants to.”

“You’re insane. And stop it.”