Page 34 of Celebrity

“Not my problem. He left me to come here by myself when he promised to do things differently.”

Jacinta hooked her arm in mine. “Come on. It looks like I have two Grumpy Gusses to deal with.”

“You know you love me, no matter my mood.”

“True, true. That’s why I brought you a surprise.”

“Oh really.”

“He’s been dying to see you again.”

I stopped midstep and placed a hand on my hip. “Who’s he?”

“Me,” a raspy voice answered.

Excitement filled me, and I rushed past Jacinta and toward the car, where my sexy-as-sin and gorgeous childhood friend, Veer George, stood. It had been months since I’d seen him, and I hadn’t realized how much I missed my adopted brother until he stepped out of the limo.

“Veer, I missed you so much.”

He grabbed me by the waist, spinning me around. “How are you, shorty? Has your husband come to his senses or am I going to have to steal you from him?”

He set me back on the ground and gestured for us to enter the open door.

I climbed in and moved to the opposite end of the seats.

“You may just have to. On second thought, I don’t need any more things added to my plate.”

“I agree. Let’s not poke the angry bear. You know how Dev gets when it comes to Sam.” Jacinta grinned as she scooted in next to me. “The last thing you need after announcing your bid for the governorship is a fist fight with a federal judge who happens to be a senator’s son.”

“I think I’ll have the constituents’ support when they learn I was defending the honor of my childhood friend, who I consider a sister.”

“Speaking of, I have a question I’ve meant to ask you.” I took a sip of the water that Jacinta handed me.

“Shoot.”

“When did you decide to become a politician? I thought you hated the drama of politics?”

“Jacinta convinced me that my views would be a refreshing change to the status quo we’ve had in Texas for decades.”

I lifted a brow in Jacinta’s direction. “You do realize he’ll be running against the governor who represents your political party?”

“Just because I’m a conservative doesn’t mean I wouldn’t vote for an independent if he or she was the right candidate.”

“I’d be an underdog going against the establishment,” Veer said, “but I think even conservatives will come on board when they hear my stance on key issues important to the state.”

I saw a look pass between Jacinta and Veer that made me think I was missing something.

Veer continued, “It also helps that our current governor has higher political aspirations which makes him look like he is only using his position as a placeholder.”

“Care to inform me when I stepped into the Twilight Zone of politics? First, you’re pushing me to run in Washington, and now you’ve convinced Veer to run. Jacinta Ellen Camden, why are you on this crusade to get all your friends into politics?”

A look passed in her eye and I wished I hadn’t asked the question. I knew the answer. Jacinta hadn’t planned to make her first political run a bid for US Senate, but the moment Decker covered up his son’s assault on her, she’d made it her life’s mission to make sure no Decker would ever hold any office again, especially Decker Senior.

“Let’s just say, I’ve encountered too many old-boys’-club types living here in Austin.” Her mouth tightened for a moment. “And I think it’s time for some new blood. You and Veer represent something different.”

“Yeah, we’re both Indian.” I played along so that Veer wouldn’t pick up on the tension underlying Jacinta’s words.

“Sam, I’m not talking about your race, and you know it. It’s your stance on economics, social issues, and leadership.”

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