The Next Mrs Russo - Jana Aston Page 0,8

pants but to be fair, it’s not like he’s a mind reader. “Arrogant.” Except arrogant done well is crazy hot so I don’t see the issue. But I guess it’s all in the eye of the beholder. “You’re too progressive for some people but not progressive enough for some other people.”

I pause. That was kinda vague. I think I read that in a really dull article about tax reform. I only clicked on it because the article was accompanied by a picture of Warren wearing a tie that made me feel things, but then I got bored with the tax stuff and then distracted by a new listing on Poshmark and I never finished reading it.

I brush it off and continue. “You tend to look surly all of the time, even when you’re delivering good news, and voters lack enthusiasm for you even though they voted for you.” I tap my chin with my counting finger while I try to think if I’m missing anything. “Oh! And everyone knows when you ad-lib during a press conference because you start using sports metaphors that a solid twenty percent of voters don’t understand.”

Okay, fine, that last one was a stretch and I totally made up the twenty percent thing. It’s me. I’m the one who doesn’t understand the sports metaphors. Batter up, bases loaded, three-point shot. I don’t have a clue—it all sounds the same as tax reform to me.

Also, it’s not even a valid criticism because I really enjoy listening to him talk and the sports metaphors seem to make him happy, which is a huge turn-on, but now is really not the time or place to mention that.

The room is silent when I finish. I’m not sure if they want me to continue but really, that’s all I’ve got. It’s not like I’m a political analyst or something.

I risk flicking a glance in Warren’s direction. Aloof stare, the only movement the tapping of a finger against his bottom lip while he observes.

Mrs Bianchi looks… delighted. I don’t really understand her. Artie is glancing at his watch. Duke steps on my foot again.

I need to add something, clearly. I point my counting finger in the air because I’ve run out of fingers to count off on my other hand. “The helicopter! People think you use the state helicopter too much.”

There. Done.

That last one even earned me an eye roll from Warren. Actually it was closer to a raised eyebrow and possibly a slight flicker of his eyes to the heavens, but in the limited time I’ve known him I’m guessing that’s the Warren equivalent to an eye roll.

“Isn’t she lovely?” Mrs Bianchi is positively beaming. “Artie, isn’t she lovely?” She turns to clasp Artie’s hand. Yeah, those two are together. “She’s perfect. Smart, talented, shrewd. And she may very well be able to put up with you, Warren. You’re welcome.” She finishes that speech by dramatically placing the hand not joined with Artie’s on her chest, a satisfied, borderline smug, smile on her face directed at Warren.

“Whoa, whoa. I don’t actually think this is going to work out,” I protest in alarm. That was my exit-stage-left speech. I never even mentioned a word about his very kissable lips and I kept all of his positive attributes to myself. Like the way he doesn’t interrupt reporters when they ask him questions. And the way he actually answers the questions in a way everyone can understand.

That’s hot.

He loves to use PowerPoint slides to get his point across, which is sort of ridiculous but, I gotta admit, effective. He makes you believe that PowerPoint has been undervalued amongst the presentation platforms for its sex appeal. They should probably donate to his re-election fund.

He’s smart. And focused. He’s got the most piercing brown eyes. I know hot guys always have a stupid cliché piercing gaze but there’s something about his that makes you feel like he’s listening, already processed everything and moved three steps ahead.

It’s reassuring.

Except for right now, when it’s focused on me.

I also left out that there’s a whole segment of single women in New York who refer to him as a GILF: Governor I’d Like to Fuck.

Which is rude. Crude? Both? In our defense, governors are normally pudgy old white guys so Warren is something of an anomaly. Italian. Forties hot, which everyone knows is even hotter than twenties hot. Like the way some actors get hotter with age. You know what I mean? Like that guy in that teen show who