He sighs. “Can we quit fucking dancing around this, Leo?Whydo you want me to put Jordan in the White House? What happened?”
“Because at some point, I’m going to need to be able to tap Jordan to be Elliot’s body man when I resign.”
He looks even more confused. “Why would you resign from being Elliot’s body man? You’d get to—oooohhhh.” His eyebrows arch.
I nod. “Not until after he’s elected, obviously. And…” I shrug. “Maybe not fucking ever, if Elliot can’t manage to de-ass his head. Meanwhile, yes, there is something going on between me and Jordan. Happy? Your distraction worked. But Elliot is still a chickenshit. He obviously won’t nut up and publicly come out any time soon. I need to plan ahead in the hopes that Elliotdoescome to his senses, meaning I’ll already have Jordan placed in a logical position, a job he can logically be doing anyway, so when—”
“If.”
“—ifElliot finally grows a set and asks me to marry him, I have Jordan ready to slide into that position as his body man.”
“Plus, it solves another issue, because you’re already sliding into Jordan,” Chris snarks.
I shrug, because there’s really no other reply.
It’s the truth.
Chris sighs. “Okay, stupid question—”
“Yes, Elliot knows about me and Jordan. No, Elliot’s not exactly happy about it. He can’t very well complain, given that hetoldme I could. It was his idea. For years he’s told me to date other people, and I never did, until Jordan. I also told Elliot there’s no reason for me to give up Jordan, since Elliot won’t give up his fear. Me getting rid of Jordan is a non-starter, and Elliot knows it. Besides, I was honest with Jordan from the start and told him that I wouldn’t give up either of them.”
“How does Jordan feel about that?”
I shrug again. “Jordan’s my good boy. He also thinks Elliot’s hot.”
“Who doesn’t?” Chris mutters.
My turn to smirk. I won’t deny a little possessive pride washes through me at Chris’ tone about my pet. “Jordan’s signed an NDA. Both of them know the three of you have made things work for years, so they understand where I’m coming from.” I didn’t have to tell Jordan that, either. He nailed it all on his own.
“Even if Elliot isn’t happy about sharing you?”
“Yep.”
Chris focuses on his hands for a moment. “I’ll hire Jordan as an aide, for now,” he finally says. “I’mnothiring him in as permanent White House staff just yet. I can juggle things around in my department, and I’m already light as it is on personnel, so there shouldn’t be any trouble there. That also puts him in a different direct-report than you, so you’re safe from any ethics conflicts.”
“Thanks. I really owe you, man.”
He sits back and studies me. “So what happens when Elliot is more scared of losing you than losing his family, or of losing an election, and he finally pops the question? What happens to Jordan then?”
“Again, look at the three of you. You make it work. I don’t see why we can’t. Especially if Jordan is Elliot’s body man. Or, if Elliot finally nuts up, Jordan can be my chief of staff in the East Wing.”
Chris wags a finger at me. “No, that’s fucking dangerous. That’s nepotism territory, and you know it. Not to mention a huge ethics conflict.”
I laugh. “Uh,hellooo? Like Kevisn’t? He’s Shae’s chief of staff. Besides, wouldn’t Jordan being Elliot’s body man also fall into that category?”
“With Kev we took the time to set up a good coverfirst,” he reminds me. “Not to mention, Kev had over twentyyearsof political reporting experience, and a freaking college degree in his specialty, to back up his chops. Oh, and a father in politics. Jordan’syoung, man. Hire him as Elliot’s body man if you and Elliot are a declared item, sure.Thatcan easily pass a smell test, as long asyoutwo are fucking careful and don’t have any pictures of you and Jordan floating around anywhere. Gives you more flexibility that way. Jordan will have a ready excuse to always have contact with Elliot, and, by extension, you.”
I slump in my chair and throw my head back. “This got really complicated really fast.”
“Tell me about it.” I feel his gaze on me, even though I’m not looking at him. “It’ll get even more complicated, it sounds like.”
“Yeah. Probably.” I snort. “Hopefully. Because I’m in love with that chickenshit sonofabitch. And I know it hasn’t been very long, but I’m in love with Jordan, too.” I haven’t said it to him yet, though. I might be stupid, but I’m not that stupid.
“I will give you a word of warning, if you’re open to hearing it.”
I tip my head forward again and arch an eyebrow at him, indicating for him to continue.
“However you handle this,” Chris says, “makesureyou’re careful with Jordan. Treat him with kid gloves. Guy’s young, man. Babe in the fucking woods. The rarest of DC species—an innocent in politics. Don’t dick him over. The last thing Elliot needs is a scandal bringing him down becauseyouend up freezing Jordan out and then he gets his feelings hurt and goes public with your indiscretion.”
