He can play the game, but sheâll make the rules
Political science professor Kat Driscoll will not be âhandledâ by anyone. Certainly not by Alex Santiago, the suave, savvy and handsome campaign manager for Senator Roberts, the man recently revealed to be her father. Alex clearly sees the sudden revelation of his candidateâs long-lost daughter as an unfortunate glitch in their race for reelection. One that needs to be carefully spun and managed. But Kat isnât about to play along, or comply with Alexâs ridiculous attempts to make her more media friendly. Heâll have to deal with the real Kat. And maybe, in the process, she can discover the real Alex...
Alex stopped mere inches from her, and she resisted the urge to back away.
She met his gaze evenly, waiting for him to reveal whatever it was that had him grinding his teeth.
âDid you talk to anyone on the way here this morning?â he thundered.
Kat straightened. âYou know very well I wouldnât. Whatâs this about?â
âThe story about you writing a book on your father got leaked.â
Katâs stomach bottomed out. He loomed over her and she sucked in a breath, immediately regretting it. His scent assaulted her senses, a spicy deodorant and the clean smell of soap. For some unfathomable reason, her body seemed to welcome his closeness. After Colin, she wanted nothing more than to lash out at every man who got within touching distance.
So why wasnât she pushing Alex away?
Dear Reader,
As a resident of the Washington, DC, area, I am constantly fascinated by the family lives of elected officials and those around them. I see Capitol Hill staffers work themselves to the bone, sacrificing friendships and love because they believe in their leader. While TV shows sensationalize political deal-making, the staffers who advise our elected officials are no different from you and me. They make tough calls, and sometimes they make mistakes. For the most part, theyâre trying to do the right thing.
The Senatorâs Daughter is the story of Katerina Driscoll, who has lived her life in the shadow of her obligations until her fatherâs identity brings her into the political limelight. Itâs also the story of Alex Santiago, a first-generation American for whom politics is about power; the power to change lives and to change how the world sees people like him and his mother. The book is about confronting the inner demons that keep us from being happy, set in the midst of Washington, DC, politics.
I am tickled to share my hometown with you. To get free book extras, including some Washington, DC, insider information, visit my website at sophiasasson.com. I love hearing from readers, so please find me on Twitter (@SophiaSasson) or Facebook (SophiaSassonAuthor), or email me at [email protected].
Enjoy!
Sophia
SOPHIA SASSON puts her childhood habit of daydreaming to good use by writing stories she hopes will give you hope and make you laugh, cry and possibly snort tea from your nose. She was born in Bombay, India, and has lived in the Canary Islands, Spain and Toronto, Canada. Currently she calls the madness of Washington, DC, home. Sheâs the author of the Welcome to Bellhaven and the State of the Union series. She loves to read, travel to exotic locations in the name of research, bake, explore water sports and watch foreign movies. Hearing from readers makes her day. Contact her through sophiasasson.com.
To all the men and women out there who are not afraid to pursue their goals; and to my friends and family who support my crazy dreams.
Acknowledgments
This book, and the entire State of the Union series, would not happen without my awesome editor Claire Caldwell, who really makes my manuscripts shine.
My talented critique partner, author Jayne Evans, is not afraid to tell me to hit the delete button and start all over. I love her for it.
Also, thanks to the wonderful Heartwarming authors who support each other and have created this wonderful community of sweet romance readers and authors.
CHAPTER ONE
â...SENATOR ROBERTS FACES some tough questions ahead.â
The TV announcerâs dramatic voice echoed as Kat opened the doors leading to the stairwell. She took the steps two at a time and burst into the hallway.
âProfessor Driscoll!â
Kat turned to see her teaching assistant chasing after her. âNot now, Amanda. Iâm late.â Kat hurried down the hallway.
She was due to administer a final exam to juniors at Hillsdale College and didnât want to come up with an excuse for being late because of her mother. Again. She especially didnât want to look bad in front of the dean.