Chapter Nineteen
I’m still mentally flying as I make my way home after my meeting with Chris, Shae, and Kev, as they’ve insisted I call them in private. Elliot’s coming over tonight to spend the weekend with me. I know play and sex are both on the menu, because it’s been three weeks since we’ve spent time together. We try to video chat every night but depending on his schedule, sometimes he can’t. We text every day, though, and voice calls. We do all that through the Signal app.
Since it’s on our personal phones, and doesn’t involve government business, it’s perfectly legal. It’s also one of the few ways Elliot has to release the trappings of his public persona and sink into what I think of as his pet mindset with me. This latest development means I’ll be investing in untraceable burner phones for us to use, though. One more level of protection for us. I can’t risk any scandal becoming a distraction for the press.
I haven’t pushed the issue of going over to Elliot’s apartment more often because it’s obvious it stresses him out when I’ve suggested it in the past.
He knows I’m here, and that I’m waiting for him. He also knows if he ever wants more than we currently have, he will need to be the one to come to me and ask me for it. That’s all he has to do, and then turn it over to me to handle.
The one thing I will not do is force him to acceptus. Ican’t. It’s doomed from the start if I try to force it.
Could I order him to be more visible with me? Oh, sure. But at some point, when things turn difficult, I know he’d blow it up and use blaming me as the easy excuse to push me away.
I will be patient. Besides, I love the dumbass. He’s the perfect man for me.
My current employer isn’t exactly happy when I call and give my notice, but they understand. Their unhappiness is due more to losing me and knowing thereliterallyisn’t a dollar amount they can throw at me that would make me not take the job offer. The owner of the company is retired Secret Service, so hegetsit.
It’s as close to working The Shift as I’ll ever get again. Like fuckinghellwill I pass up that chance, even if it is a downgrade in pay for the next several years.
Worth it.
And I have a well-padded savings account.
As a bonus, I know my parents will think it’s totally safe, because I’ll always be surrounded by armed Secret Service agents.
I mean,Iwon’t but I’ll let them think that.
I went grocery shopping and have everything ready upon Elliot’s arrival. I’m waiting for him with the door open when he walks down the hall. I immediately sweep him inside, where, once the door is securely locked behind him, I pull him into my arms and kiss him before he can even set down his bag. He looks exhausted and is already wearing his glasses, even though when I checked C-SPAN earlier today, video of him in the House chambers showed him wearing his contacts.
He tries to drop to the floor, but I take his bag from him first and hold him. “Guess who’s now the body man to Senator ShaeLynn Samuels for her presidential campaign.”
His eyes widen. “Really?”
I nod, feeling practically giddy. “Yeah! Chris Bruunt, my former boss, pointed me her way. Even better? If she’s elected, it’ll mean I’mPresidentSamuels’ body man.” No, I’m not cluing him in about the related logistics. Maybe Elliot can keep a secret but so can I.
His gaze clouds over. “Oh. That’s…great.”
“What’s wrong?” He tries to pull away, but I don’t let him. “Elliot,talkto me.”
He sighs. “It’s a high-profile job.”
“Not really. Part of my job is staying in the background. It’s almost like getting to work The Shift again.”
“That’s…great. I’m really happy for you.”
I cup the back of his neck and make him look me in the eyes. “This changesnothingbetween us, pet. Consider it a dry run for when you eventually run for POTUS. I’ll be doing more traveling, sure, but nearly all of it will be domestic.” Which…gives me an idea.
I’m not sure if he understands how much more difficult a down-low relationship between us would be if I’mnotworking for him in the White House if he’s elected POTUS.
“Hey.” I gently shake him. “Think of it this way—I’ll know my way around the job already, and I can beyourbody man when you run.”
That finally wins me the ghost of a smile. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. If I’m your body man, I can beeverywherewith you without raising any suspicions. Including hotel rooms, the residence—everywhere.Allthe time. I couldlivein the residence with you. Nobody would say anything about it, either.” I mean, I’ll let him think that. It’s a little more complicated than that.
He studies me for a moment. “You’d really want to do that for me?”
“Duh! Of course. You think I want anyone else taking care ofmypet, think again.”
