We can’t waste time right now. I’ll get what I get from him in these few precious minutes the three of us have alone together. It’s doubtful Susa will be able to sneak out to spend time with me tonight after the inauguration ball. I know Carter plans to ride back to the mansion with me after having the limo drop Susa off first. He’ll explain he needs to go through tomorrow’s schedule with me and will walk himself home later.
No one will question that.
Unfortunately, even with my townhouse so close, I can’t justify living there, either. I’m supposed to be living in the mansion, and I’ll do it. It’d look more suspicious if I went home all the time.
Carter already told us he’ll arrange occasional rendezvous for us at the townhouse, but we’ll have to be careful when and how we do them. It’s too risky right now, when so much media attention is on us.
Patience. This has been a long-game, and will continue to be for a while.
We won’t risk fooling around in the limo tonight, either. You never know where someone might have planted a camera, and we can’t afford any self-inflicted scandals this early in our term.
Make no doubt about it—it’sourterm, not just mine. Susa and Carter are steering this ship. I’m merely trimming the sails when and how they tell me. It’s obviously a successful formula, and I’m not about to do something stupid and fuck it all up now.
When Susa emerges from the bathroom, she brushes a kiss across my lips and one across Carter’s before he lets her out and locks the door behind her, leaving us alone once again.
Carter picks up my office phone and dials someone.
“Dray? Carter. Listen…”
I kneel there and struggle not to burst out laughing as he gives Susa’s COS very specific orders regarding her future wardrobe choices.
She isnotgoing to be a happy camper when she returns to her office and learns about that.
Then again, she wouldn’t be here either, if she minded the bastard extraordinaire’s ways.
Chapter Forty-Six
I maintain my kneeling position on the floor of my new office despite my feet practically going numb, my knees screaming at me, the muscles of my back burning with the strain.
Primed.
Hence the name.
Carter lounges against the end of my desk and studies me.
Eventually, he speaks. “Why, exactly, do you think I’ve done all of this, Owen?”
I blink, surprised he’s used my name while we’re alone.
That means we’re talking as equals.
I still don’t break my position, although I allow myself to look up into his dark brown gaze.
“What do you mean, Sir?” I ask.
He sweeps his arms apart, indicating the office. “All of this. Us.Her. Getting you elected over the years, especially tothisoffice. Why, exactly, do you think I’ve done all of this?”
Confusion fills me. I am not a stupid man, but this kind of circumspect talk when alone with me is not normal for him.
Usually when—especially lately—we’re either working or fucking. Or sleeping.
More sleeping than fucking, as of late. I guess we’re getting old.
“I don’t know, Sir. I’m not even sure I’m following you.”
He holds his hands out to me, palms up and wiggling his fingers, the meaning clear.
I unclasp my hands and reach for his. His fingers close around mine and he gently tugs, indicating for me to stand and come to him.
