Page 35 of Not the Plan

Isadora

Isadora and Daniel’s wife, Glenna, strolled through the cocktail party at the stadium inauguration. Although she had to be “on” for work, Isadora enjoyed spending time with Glenna, their relationship more aunt-niece than boss’s wife–employee.

Glenna shook her head at Isadora as one of Daniel’s biggest detractors walked away from them, at the end of an insincere conversation. She suggested moving into another part of the room when a man approached them from the left.

“Isadora? Is that you?”

“Karim! Hello,” she said. Her heart jolted into overdrive. “What a pleasant surprise.”

“It is,” he said, smiling back. “I thought you were staying at the capitol this weekend.”

“I was going to, but Daniel asked that I come. Oh! Excuse me,” she’d forgotten Glenna existed. “Karim, allow me to introduce you to Mrs. Etcheverri. Glenna, this is Karim. He’s Senator Brown’s new legislative director.”

“Karim, nice to meet you,” Glenna said.

“Mrs. Etcheverri, it’s a pleasure. How are you this evening?”

Maintaining a cool exterior consumed every ounce of Isadora’s strength. Karim looked incredible. He’d been clean shaven at the capitol, but he’d let his beard grow out, and the stubble made him rugged and sexy. Without his glasses, his eyes were so exquisite she was almost afraid to meet them. His hair was less tamedthan she was used to, and she had to hold on to her empty glass to keep herself from running her fingers through it. She stared at him, her lips parted. He finished whatever it was he’d been saying to Glenna and turned to her, stepping close.

“I, um, hope you don’t mind my saying so, Isadora, but you are breathtaking,” he said softly.

“Thank you, Karim.” Her voice had to work its way out of her throat.

“I see both of your glasses are empty, ladies.” He smiled at Glenna and then back at Isadora. “May I get you a drink?”

“That’s very kind of you,” Glenna said. Isadora nodded, not ready to use words.

“Champagne?”

“Yes, please. For both of us,” Glenna said. As he walked away, she grabbed Isadora’s hand and squeezed it. “Heworks for Julian? How long has he been there? How did Julian find someone so attractive? Why on earth am I married?” Her last question broke the spell and Isadora laughed.

“He is good-looking. He’s been with Julian since the start of session, I think. I have no idea how he ended up there. He’s worked in other state legislatures, so he has some experience and good ideas.”

“He is beautiful.” Glenna studied Isadora. “Please tell me you’re interested in him.”

“I…”

“Isadora. You would have to be in a coma not to find him attractive.”

“Oh, I do. But he works for Julian.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Fraternizing at work is already a dangerous idea. You never know how someone might react if things don’t work out. And he works forJulian.Any slip-up or oversharing, and Julian could manufacture some sort of scandal. I’d like to trust Karim, but…” She shrugged.

“I see,” said Glenna.

Oh my God, he’s here.Isadora let out a shaky breath. The same terrified charge she felt before takeoff crinkled over her skin.

“I have to go powder my nose, Glenna,” she said.

“What? He’ll be back any moment.”

“I know. But I need to get myself together before I talk to him again.”

Glenna grinned. “Is that so?”

“What’s wrong?” Isadora asked.

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