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backstage, her arms folded over her chest as she watched the debate from the sidelines. Her dad had answered every question with educated, reasoned responses, even combining some humor into the mix. He had this election in the bag...at least, she hoped.
    These threats against her had her unnerved enough. Then throw Mark Denton into the mix and she felt even more uneasy. Not because she didn’t trust Denton—the opposite, in fact. She felt more drawn to the man than to anyone in a long time. But there was no room in her life to play with the idea of romance.
    Not only was she incredibly busy with the campaign, but her last relationship had completely shattered her trust in men. When she and Denton had innocently flirted at the bank, that had been one thing. But now she was going to be forced to work with the man for...how long? Who knew?
    The man was handsome—too handsome for his own good, probably. He had a rakish grin that Elle was sure women swooned over. Not Elle, of course. His build was solid and muscular, and he stood at least six feet tall, maybe taller, with brown eyes that could melt the coldest of hearts—except Elle’s. The man was confident, charming and he didn’t take himself too seriously. He knew how to work a room and how to handle himself in a tense situation. He’d proven that. And Elle had always been a sucker for men like that.
    But she couldn’t be now. Not anymore. Not since Preston had taken every piece of trust she had for men and shredded it like yesterday’s paperwork. Men were not trustworthy, and she had no trust to give. End of story. The one thing she feared in life was failing and letting people down. When things had ended with Preston, she’d let herself down. The humiliation and shame she felt afterward had solidified her resolve to stay single—forever, if necessary.
    Denton stood beside her, his gaze scanning the crowds just as he’d been doing since they’d arrived. The person who’d sent her that email wasn’t here tonight...or was he?
    She prayed that the police would figure out the men’s identities and quickly so she could resume life and focus on other, more important things.
    Her best friend, Brianna, shimmied up beside her and leaned close. “Who’s your escort?”
    “He’s...no one. I’ll explain later. Long story.”
    Brianna raised her eyebrows, her eyes twinkling. “I can’t wait to hear.”
    “It’s not like that.”
    “Then what’s it like?”
    “Someone’s threatened me.”
    “If someone threatens me, will I be forced to have someone who looks like him follow my every move? If so, bring on the threats.”
    “Brianna!” Elle scolded. “This is serious.”
    The sparkle left her friend’s eyes. “You’re right. I’m sorry to make light of it. Are you going to be okay?”
    “She’s going to be fine.” Elle looked up and saw Denton glance at Brianna, the corner of his mouth curled. Apparently he’d heard their conversation.
    At least Brianna had the decency to blush a little.
    Bentley Davis, her father’s chief-of-staff, bustled toward them. “The debate’s wrapping up. You ready for the reception afterward with our campaign donors?”
    Elle nodded. “Of course. I confirmed the audio setup and the catering this morning. Everything’s in place.”
    “Perfect. I left a few more pledge cards in the dressing room. Some people aren’t comfortable leaving any of their information online. Makes more work for us, though.”
    “It’s no problem. I’ll have Brianna enter the information.” Bentley was always so concerned with his to-do list that he often turned people away with his off-putting manner. Elle prayed she’d never get so wrapped up in her goals that she forgot about the people around her.
    As the debate ended, Elle turned to Denton. “Let me grab my things. The reception is in one of the conference rooms down the hall.”
    He didn’t miss a beat as he fell into step beside her. “I’m coming with you.”
    “I’d expect