“Thanks. I’m sure we’ll take you up on that.”
“Oh, and don’t be shocked if you see him and Casey-Marie acting a little…friendly tonight. The six of us put our heads together a couple of weeks ago and they’re letting some radar chaff hit the fan to help all of us. Hope you don’t mind us taking advantage of your high-visibility event.”
“Not at all. Smart idea.”
“I have one every once in a while. Anyway, I’ll let you go. Don’t worry—you’ve got this.” Her tone grows somber. “I wouldn’t have tagged you to be my VP if I didn’t believe in you, El. I know you have some ambivalence and I’d be worried if you didn’t. But you’re a damned good POTUS and I’m glad you decided to run for four more.”
Sucking in a slow, deep breath to give me a moment, I nod even though Jordan is the only one who can see me. “Thank you, Shae. That means a lot to me.”
“That’s no bullshit, either. Not to mention Ciro was a wicked good choice as your VP for a bunch of reasons. See? Your instincts are serving you well.”
“It’s good to hear you say that because there are plenty of times I doubt myself.”
“I know. You aren’t the only one wondering who decided it was a good idea to declare themselves an adult. We all feel that sometimes. Don’t let it cripple you. Eh, sorry. Bad choice of words.”
I snort. “No worries.”
“I’m tired and not braining well. I think I’m finally ready to take a long family vacation this year around Christmas while the kids are on break.”
“And Pecan?”
“He might have to stay home this year.”
I look right at Jordan as I say it. “We’ll be happy to host the former First Tortoise as a house guest.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. He’s always welcome here. Jordan’s probably got a few ideas for costumes for him.” Jordan vigorously nods as a beaming grin blossoms across his features—Pecan duty was one of his favorite things before. “Jordan’s on board with that plan.”
“Well, I have to say that’s the perfect solution and we’ll take you up on it. I’ll let you go. Don’t forget to breathe tonight, kiddo. You got this.”
“Thank you.”
We end the call and I return the phone to Jordan.
“You all right?” he asks.
I nod. “Yeah.” I sink onto the end of the bed, just needing to sit there for a moment. “Please keep reminding me I asked for this bullshit, huh?”
Jordan walks over and sits next to me, on my right. Instead of saying anything he tugs up the left sleeve of his jacket and fishes the chainmail bracelet from under his shirt cuff. When he presses his wrist against my right wrist, I feel my own chainmail bracelet softly digging into my flesh where it’s hidden by my shirt.
“Matchies,” he quietly says. “If you’re here, I’m here. Always.”
I let his words resonate in my brain for a moment before speaking. “Do you ever regret agreeing to this insanity?”
He chuffs. “Not for a second. My only regret is walking away instead of waiting you out.”
I tip my head against his and close my eyes while drawing in a long, slow, deep breath that fills my lungs with the scent ofHim. “I love you, Jordan.”
He turns his face to me, kissing me. “Love you, too, El. You’ve got this.”
I know he’s right but it feels too…easy. That’s a bad sign, right?
It’s always been a bad sign in the past. “Let’s get back out there, I guess.”
He stands and turns, holding his hands out to me and waggling his fingers. I take his hands and let him pull me to my feet. Doesn’t matter that I’m staring down into his eyes, or that he’s younger than me.
The comfort of him being in charge still fills me with a peace I cannot obtain any other way. Not even with Leo.
