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thinking than anything else. I won’t be telling my father that though. Not anytime soon anyway,” Amina said with a soft chuckle.
    Harper laughed with her.
    Amina changed the subject, a light sparkling in her eye. “So, tell me, is Troy dating anyone?”
    Harper shook her head from side to side. “No one. I’ve tried to fix him up a few times but nothing has ever worked out. He makes it very hard for a woman to get close to him.”
    â€œI really wanted to get to know him better but I guess that might not happen now,” Amina said, blowing a deep sigh.
    Harper laughed. “You two working on opposing campaigns might be a problem,” she said, still surprised with the news Amina had shared earlier. She leaned forward in her seat. “But then, you never know what you might be able to make happen if you put your mind to it.”
    â€œI really hope so!” Amina gushed with a bright smile. “I really do!”
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    Troy and Michael were seated in a corner talking strategy when the two women returned from their afternoon jaunt. Both men fell silent, staring intently as Amina trailed behind Harper into the bakery.
    Quentin greeted both women warmly as he moved from behind the counter to wrap his wife in a hug. “How was your lunch?” he asked.
    â€œWe had a great time,” Harper answered, kissing him easily.
    â€œWe really did,” Amina echoed. She extended her arm. “Hi. You must be Quentin. I’m Amina.”
    Quentin shook her extended hand. “It’s nice to officially meet you, Amina. And welcome to Memphis!”
    â€œYou have a wonderful business here,” she said. “I’m officially addicted to those chocolate cookies!”
    Quentin laughed. “Thank you. I appreciate that! We’ll need to make sure we always have some stashed away for you. I have to hide them though. Harper gets a little greedy every now and then.”
    Harper punched him playfully in the arm. “I do not!”
    Quentin hugged her tightly a second time, leaning to kiss her forehead. “Okay, baby. Whatever you say.”
    â€œI don’t!” Harper exclaimed as she rolled her eyes skyward.
    Amina laughed. The newlyweds were endearing, their very public displays of affection warming her spirit. They seemed perfect for each other and she couldn’t help but be a little jealous. Amina found herself wondering what it might be like to be in love with a man who complemented her personality like Quentin seemed to complement Harper’s. A man who thought nothing of showing his affection. As she stood watching her new friends with their easy caresses and light touches, she found herself imagining a man’s hand pressed against her own waist, his lips grazing her brow, his fingers dancing across her bare skin. She was suddenly embarrassed to have given such thoughts any consideration and her face flushed warm with color.
    She took a deep inhalation of air and then a second, fighting to stall her wayward imagination. Diverting her attention elsewhere she stole a quick glance around the space. She couldn’t stop herself from hoping that she might catch a glimpse of Quentin’s brother.
    Across the way Troy was still staring at her, his intense gaze causing her breath to catch deep in her chest as their gazes connected. Her face lifted brightly, her smile stretching from ear to ear. She was tempted to ease herself to his side when she was suddenly bombarded by his campaign manager.
    Mike’s hand was damp and clammy as he shook hers eagerly. “I’m Mike Chamberlain, Ms. Salman. Troy Elliott’s campaign manager.”
    â€œIt’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Chamberlain,” she said politely. “Your reputation precedes you.”
    Mike’s head bobbed eagerly against his thick neck. “So, you’ve heard of me! That’s good to hear,” he said as he brushed the back of his fingers against the