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Hunter rolled his eyes as this man with salt and pepper hair laughed into the camera to use as a spare cut.
    After that, Hunter had difficulty paying attention.
    He was still hung up on what happened at the Governor’s Mansion two nights ago. Two long ago nights that felt like they were a dream. Kerri Mitchell was unlike any woman Hunter had met in a long time, perhaps ever. From the moment he approached her, he was taken in by that exuberant personality. The kind that opened up immediately, but was not naïve in the least. She was beautiful, interesting, and… well, Hunter would not deny how intense she was in bed. Lots of women were, but Kerri in particular.
    Hunter stared at the floor and wished he had told her the truth sooner. Perhaps things would have ended on a better note. Perhaps he would not have gotten his hopes up that she would then date him. You damn idiot. Kerri seemed willing to see him again. It wasn’t just about the sex. Hunter was searching for some genuine companionship.
    Too bad he messed up. Not the first time for that either. He needed to stop letting his passions get in the way of reason. But that night, there in the vast gardens of the governor’s mansion, chemistry won out over logic and reason. In the moment it had been wonderful, even cathartic after the slough of the campaign so far. And that had nothing to do with Kerri being the opposition’s daughter.
    No, that was just the one thing keeping them apart.
    Maybe there’s still a chance. Hunter looked up and saw his father bombarded by makeup artists and a dentist checking to see if Terrence’s teeth could be even whiter. “Try saying it with a friendlier tone,” the director said. “People respond well to that.”
    Two minutes later, the director called “Action!” and the cameras rolled. Terrence pretended to read a book before glancing up, smiling at the camera, and putting the book down to give his scripted spiel.
    “Hi there. I’m Terrence Hall. For years now, our beautiful state has struggled under the policies of the current governor Raymond Mitchell. Governor Mitchell has done what he thinks is best for us, but that’s the problem – his best isn’t good enough.” Terrence furrowed his brows as he expressed this heartfelt concern. “I know a lot about getting things done and enacting policies that are the best for our people. For eight years I have been one of your representatives, and I can’t think of any greater honor than becoming your leader. The man who will take our state to the next level of job growth and development. Bring work back to our state, and not to other countries like Governor Mitchell supported. But don’t take my word on it. Look at my extensive record. I don’t keep any secrets. No governor should.”
    Terrence then went on to say that he supported his message and was running for governor later that year. When the director yelled cut, Terrence let his shoulders slack and his bottom jaw stretch out as he moved his neck around. Hunter turned away, too tired to be disgusted.
    “Hunter,” his father called. “Come over here.”
    Reluctantly, as if he were a twelve-year-old again, Hunter went to his father and prepared to hear some Grade A bullshit.
    “What do you think, hm?” Terrence opened his arms to take in the fabricated office set. “We’ll be able to see this commercial during the news tonight. It’s amazing how quickly they edit this stuff now. Hey, why do you look so gloomy? You need to sleep more.”
    Hunter breathed deeply. “I’m sleeping fine. Can’t say the same about you though.” He pointed to the dark circles he knew were hiding beneath the eye makeup on his father’s face. His words were a lie anyway. Hunter didn’t sleep well the night before because he kept thinking of Kerri and the look she gave him when she found out who he was. That kind of look made him like her more.
    “You snooze in this race, you lose,” Terrence explained to his son. “If you want to get