The Candidate's Wife

The Candidate’s Wife

Isabella Ashe

STARFISH PRESS

Copyright © 2012 Isabella Ashe

Other contemporary romances by Isabella Ashe:

Into the Arms of a Cowboy

Almost Paradise

Under Her Spell

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except where permitted by law.

This book is a work of fiction. Any similarities to real people, living or dead, are purely coincidental. All characters and events in this work are figments of the author’s imagination.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

EPILOGUE

Other contemporary romances by Isabella Ashe

FREE FIRST CHAPTER: Into the Arms of a Cowboy

CHAPTER ONE

There he was. Adam Carmichael, in person, and his campaign posters didn't begin to do him justice.

Julia Moore held her breath as the state senator breezed past her desk on the way to his office. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a powerful aura of self-confidence. Even under the harsh fluorescent lights, his blond hair gleamed like burnished gold. Julia couldn't see his eyes, but she'd studied enough magazine photos to know that more dark gold flecked his hazel eyes. No wonder the press called him a heartbreaker and the playboy politician.

He was in his private office now, speaking to Phil Green -- his campaign manager -- behind a thick wall of glass. Even from across a bustling warren of desks and cubicles, the sight of Adam's slow, sexy smile sent an ache of pure longing through Julia's body.

She sighed, then bit her bottom lip. She'd let her fingers slip from the keyboard, her database search forgotten. Stop it, she told herself sternly. You're acting like a dizzy, starstruck teenager.

Her physical reaction had taken her by surprise. She was usually far more sensible. Most people considered her serious, studious, practical, even buttoned-up and unemotional. It was an image she encouraged. Julia had no time for flirtations, distractions, or idle chatter. Besides, her interest in her new employer was purely academic.

She'd written her thesis on state politics, and Adam's record had figured prominently in her research. Actually working for his gubernatorial campaign was a dream come true. But only for the practical experience, of course. She'd be lucky if she got to shake his hand once or twice before Election Day.

Still, she couldn't tear her eyes from the tall figure in the tailored Italian suit. From the looks of things, the rest of the staff was watching, too, as Adam's patrician face suddenly darkened. He slammed his palm against his desk and made an obviously angry comment to his campaign manager. Phil was a short, wizened man with a shiny bald head, a sweet old gnome with seemingly infinite patience. A calm smile curved his lips as he bore the brunt of Adam's anger.

What the heck do you think they're talking about?

Julia gave a start, then relaxed as she caught sight of the auburn-haired college girl who'd slipped up behind her. The campaign volunteer wore jeans and a Carmichael for Governor button pinned to her T-shirt.

Oh, Valerie, hello, Julia said. I don't know what's got the senator so worked up, but I sure wouldn't want to be in Phil's shoes right now.

Valerie's blazing curls bobbed as she nodded her agreement No kidding. Poor guy. How come he puts up with it?

Julia watched Adam rise to stalk back and forth across the length of his office. She shrugged. I guess Phil's used to Adam's temper. He was Adam's father's chief of staff during both of Russell Carmichael's terms as governor. Phil even volunteered in Adam's grandfather's last campaign -- 1976, I think that was.

Valerie shot Julia an admiring glance. Do you know absolutely everything about the Carmichaels, or what?

A blush heated Julia's cheeks. Not everything, but they're a major political force in this state. I still can't believe I got a job with the campaign.

But at what cost? She clenched her teeth as she remembered the stricken look on her son Danny's face the last time she'd said goodbye. Still, she wouldn't think of that now. It would only make her cry again. She shifted her gaze back to Adam. He paced the office like a caged animal, but now his expression appeared glum and resigned rather than furious.

Valerie was practically drooling. She let out a long, low whistle, almost lost amid the chatter of keyboards and the whine of fax machines filling the office. He sure is cute, isn't he?

Cute made Julia think of infants and Persian kittens. Adam was handsome. Masculine. Virile. Utterly gorgeous.

She cleared her throat. It's his integrity I really admire. Adam Carmichael's done more for this state than any senator in history. Take his stand on saving old-growth timber -- you know that's not an expedient position, especially when you consider the power of the logging industry.

Valerie burst out laughing. Geez, Julia, you sound like a campaign commercial.

Julia ducked her head in embarrassment. It was true. A fervent note had crept into her voice as she spoke. She couldn't help it. Adam was one of her political heroes. She had followed his career from afar as he rose from city councilman to representative to senator and then finally launched his bid for the governor's office.

Julia let her gaze wander back over the sea of desks and blue-and-white campaign posters to the man on the opposite side of the glass wall. There was something surprisingly graceful about the way Adam moved, and it wasn't only his height and his muscular frame that made him seem larger than life. Julia's pulse raced at the prospect of finally meeting him, if even for an minute. She couldn't wait to tell him how much she admired him.

Valerie let out a long, exaggerated sigh and tore her eyes away from Adam's profile. Admit it, Julia. Senator Carmichael's a total babe. Each and every single girl in this city's chasing after him, and some of the married ones, too. From what I hear, he doesn't run too fast. She giggled. He dumps them all after a week or two, but for a night with a hunk like that, I wouldn't mind.

Julia frowned. Adam's flavor-of-the-month attitude toward the women in his life was one of his few significant flaws.

His private life is none of our business, Julia said. I just hope his reputation doesn't hurt his standing in the polls.

The younger woman shook her head. Too late. Yesterday the Times called him the 'playboy politician' again. Did you see the editorial?

I saw it. Julia nibbled thoughtfully at her lower lip. It would be a shame if voters overlooked all the good Adam's done. Besides, it's not like he's married. He's got a right to a social life.

Valerie rolled her eyes. Julia, you should take over Tom's job as communications director. You sound just like him. She flushed under her freckles. Oh, gosh -- speaking of Tom, he asked me to photocopy some brochures, and I totally forgot. I'd better do it now. Are you sure you don't know what Phil and the senator are talking about?

No idea. I'm just a lowly researcher, remember? For now, Julia added silently. Someday, she intended to be much more. She would write speeches, analyze legislation, maybe even manage a campaign.

Julia turned back to Valerie, but the girl had disappeared. Julia sighed again. Time to buckle down. Phil wanted her to dig up some statistics on technology start-ups. She positioned her fingers above her keyboard, her eyes on the monitor.

If only it weren't so hard to concentrate with Adam just yards away! In spite of herself, Julia glanced his way just one more time.

With a jolt that sent her heart scrambling into her throat, her eyes met his for the very first time.

He stood with his arms crossed over his broad chest, his eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Julia's face from across the room. Phil stood behind him, and Julia realized with a sinking feeling that the older man had just pointed her out to his protégé˜.

Julia's heartbeat thundered in her ears. Her mouth tasted as dry as desert sand. She cast her mind back to every minuscule fact she'd scrounged up for one of Adam's speeches, every statistic she'd contributed to his position papers. Oh, horrors, what if she'd made some terrible mistake? What if she'd disgraced herself -- and worse, her candidate -- during her very first campaign? But she'd checked and double-checked everything. She knew she had. She just couldn't think of a single, solitary reason for the senator's sudden interest in his newest researcher.

Julia watched, barely breathing, as Phil crossed to the door and emerged from the office, his forehead wrinkled above shaggy, snow-white eyebrows. The old man's purposeful stride took him through a maze of desks and copy machines. Heads turned as the entire campaign staff followed his progress. For a moment, Julia nursed the hope that Phil wasn't actually coming for her.

Phil dashed her hopes when he halted beside her desk. Julia? Could you come with me for a moment? he asked.

His voice sounded steady and calm, without a hint of anger. In fact, his watery blue eyes sparkled merrily. There was something courtly and old-fashioned about Phil, and despite her nervousness Julia drew comfort from his presence.

Julia nodded, stood up, and smoothed her knee-length navy skirt. Her legs shook as she followed Phil back toward the office. It didn't make any sense. Adam was an important man. She'd expected a brief introduction as he strode through his campaign headquarters, not a private audience.

Julia plucked up her courage and caught Phil's eye. What's going on? Is everything all right?

The older man obviously caught the faint quaver in her voice, because he winked at her. Don't worry, Julia. You haven't done anything wrong. Adam and I just want to have a little talk with you, that's all. He paused at the office door. And remember this, my dear: his bark is much worse than his bite.

I'll remember. Julia bit her lip, more puzzled than ever. What in the world could Adam Carmichael want from her?

Phil opened the door and stood back to let Julia pass in front of him. She patted her dark hair -- which she wore pulled back into a tight, schoolmarmish bun -- took a deep breath, nervously wet her lips with the tip of her tongue, and stepped through the door.

Adam slumped into the chair behind his desk, still shaken by Phil's advice. The old man had delivered the bad news in his usual gentle tone, but there was no mistaking the political savvy behind his words. The campaign was in trouble. Still, he didn't think much of Phil's solution. It would never work. Even if Adam agreed to it -- and he might, if it meant the difference between victory and defeat -- there wasn't much chance that she would say yes.

As if summoned by his thoughts, the woman in question stepped into his office. Phil followed in her footsteps. He closed the door firmly behind them. This is Julia, Phil said. He shot Adam a pointed glance, a warning to be on his best behavior. Julia, Adam Carmichael.

As he stood to greet her, Adam stifled a sigh. She wasn't much to look at. Tall and slender, almost boyish, he couldn't see much in the way of curves beneath her baggy suit jacket. Pale skin, too pale, and she wore hardly a trace of makeup. She had gorgeous eyes, though -- deep indigo blue, framed with dark, spiky lashes -- and a wide, pretty mouth that trembled just a little as he shook her hand. Still, she held little appeal for Adam. He preferred flashy blondes.

This was precisely the problem, unfortunately. He had no one but himself to blame for his current, undeniably awkward position. Adam gritted his teeth in annoyance as he gestured to a burgundy leather wingback chair in front of his desk. Have a seat, Ms. Moore.

Her eyes were wide and frightened as she settled onto the edge of the chair. T-thank you, Senator. I just want to tell you how much -- I mean, your welfare reform bill was one of the most -- I really believe that the future of this state belongs in your hands.

As color flooded her creamy skin and emphasized her high cheekbones, Adam chuckled in disbelief. She was actually blushing, and it made her look more than passably attractive. Adam was touched. His cynicism didn't run so deep that he couldn't appreciate her admiration. Thank you, he said. It's not often I hear such enthusiasm from a campaign worker. Most people in your profession are already pretty jaded. Now from a college student, maybe. . . .

She flushed again and squirmed in her chair. Maybe I do sound naive, Senator, but I thought you should know that I believe in what you're trying to do.

I didn't mean to insult you. Adam treated her to his trademark grin, the slow, sexy smile that regularly melted hearts, won votes, and drew women like a half-price sale at a shoe store. His head still buzzed with anger and resentment, but he was more than adept at hiding his true feelings. I find your enthusiasm refreshing. I really do. He glanced at his oldest friend and most trusted adviser. I think you'd better drop the blinds, Phil. We've got a lot to discuss, and I'd like to do it without providing any further entertainment for my staff.

Julia's delicate brows shot up. She shifted her gaze from Adam's face to Phil's and then back again What's this all about, Senator Carmichael? If I've done something wrong --

Again, he gave her his most dazzling smile as he struggled to keep his frustration in check. He could still hardly believe what he was about to do. Call me Adam, please, and try to relax. Let's get to know each other a little better, shall we? I'll get to the point soon enough, I promise.

Julia nodded and slid back in her chair, but her expression remained wary. As she used her front teeth to worry her lower lip, Adam suddenly wondered what it would feel like to take her heart-shaped face in his hands and kiss that generous mouth until she relaxed enough to kiss him back. The impulse surprised him. Julia wasn't as plain as he'd first thought, but it was clear that he'd been working too hard. He picked up a gold pen from his otherwise empty desk and struggled to concentrate on the task at hand. Why don't you tell me a little bit about your background? Phil says you have a political science degree from State.

Yes, that's right. Two, actually -- a bachelor's and a masters. She was twisting her fingers in her lap, her knuckles bleached white with anxiety.

Phil finished drawing the blinds, and then settled down on one of the adjustable, wheeled chairs set around the office's glass-topped conference table. As a matter of fact, Phil said, Professor Manley recommended Julia for the research position. I called him when Georgia Allen resigned three weeks ago.

Adam frowned and quickly rifled through his mental files. He prided himself on his ability to recall names and faces, and his extraordinary memory rarely failed him. It was one of the traits that helped him excel in the political arena. Georgia Allen. Mid-forties, brown hair, glasses -- Oh, yes. A family emergency, wasn't it? Georgia's mother was ill.

Phil nodded. Julia's done a great job as her replacement. Remember those unemployment figures you needed last week, at the very last minute?

Adam glanced at Julia with new respect. He considered himself a tough boss, with little tolerance for incompetence, but he was fair, too, and he admired brilliance. You found those for me? Julia nodded. That was quick work. Those numbers made Governor Norris look like a fool.

Julia shrugged. That was entirely his own fault. Norris pulled his figures out of thin air, and you caught him. If he'd done his homework, it never would have happened.

She spoke primly, but Adam couldn't miss the pleasure that lit her vivid blue eyes, and he sensed a certain fierce pride in her words. He smiled, sensing a passion for politics that matched his own. Or if he'd had you on his staff. What other campaigns have you worked for, Julia?

From the tight angle of Julia's shoulders, Adam could tell she was still nervous, but she answered him confidently. This is my first job in politics.

He frowned and scanned her face again. Late twenties or early thirties, he guessed, though her severe suit and hairstyle made it hard to tell. How old are you, if you don't mind my asking?

I'm 31. I -- I took some time off from college, and then went back part time. I just finished graduate school last spring. Her voice steadied as she continued, and her eyes flashed. I wrote my thesis on current trends in statewide legislation. I may not have much experience, but I promise you that I'm well qualified for my position.

Adam chuckled at her defensive tone. She looked as if she were ready to take on a grizzly with her bare hands. "Take it easy, Julia. I'm not questioning your qualifications. I just need to know a little more about you. You have a 10-year-old son,