Eyes wide, I’m not sure if he’s talking about a person or my panties. Before I can ask for clarification, he reaches in front of me, palm up expectantly. “Oh, I still have them.”
“We have five minutes, and I expect them in my pocket before we begin.”
I suck in a breath and nod. He’s being reckless. How the hell am I supposed to hand him over my underwear without anyone noticing? He takes his seat across from me, and I excuse myself to the restroom. After relieving myself, I slide my black lace panties all the way down my legs and step out of them. I stuff them in my purse, then wash my hands and make my way back to the conference room. There are at least two dozen people here; no way I can give them to him without someone seeing. He stands and walks over to the small table where coffee is being served. Before I sit down, I wander over to join him.
As he pours a cup for himself, I pull the lacy fabric from my purse and quickly tuck it into his suit pocket. “Good girl,” he praises, but it isn’t the usual playful tone I’m used to, definitely filled with a promise that tonight won’t be gentle. My thighs instinctively clench at the thought.
He walks away, and in order for me to not draw attention to myself, I prepare a cup of coffee, wishing it was something stronger. After the last few days, I could use espresso… or a stiff drink.
When I return to my seat, Isaac’s talking to one of the UN representatives, and I can’t remember if she’s with UNICEF or WHO. Whatever they’re talking about has Isaac’s brows raised.I spot Jamie in a seat behind Isaac and I offer a friendly wave, except his eyes are fixed on something behind me. It has to be hard on him, having to work two demanding jobs, and I can’t blame the guy for daydreaming a little. As I glance back to Isaac, his gaze is murderous, pinned on me. He can’t honestly believe I was flirting with Jamie. He has to be at least a decade younger than me and more of Aubrey’s type than mine. If he had an accent, he’d be exactly the man she warned me to keep her away from. I only have eyes for one man, and jealousy doesn’t look good on him. He should trust I’m his.
Vice President Vasileiou takes a seat beside me with a huff. “Why did the power have to come back on? This is the first time Finn and I have been away from the kids in years. I was enjoying the alone time.” Her very personal comment draws my attention away from Isaac to her and her husband, who is seated behind us beside Aubrey. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to dump all of that on you.”
“It’s okay,” I chuckle. “I can’t imagine how busy you and Finn must be between the kids, running the country, and all that you’ve been through.” Her first husband was in politics and passed away years ago, and I empathize with how emotionally taxing it can be.
“Thanks for understanding. How’ve you been holding up today? Are you stir-crazy yet?”
“Not yet. I was hoping to see a little of Ottawa while we were here, but all I’ve seen is the airport, the hotel, and Isaac’s house.” Aubrey’s voice clears behind me, and I quickly correct, “My team and I had dinner at his home a few nights ago. As you know, we went to college together, so we were catching up before the summit.”
Ileah smirks with an undeniable twinkle in her eye—unfortunately, she’s not buying what I’m selling. “From what Ned tells me, perhaps ‘catching up’ isn’t the correct phrase.” My eyes widen, and I’m about to contradict her, even if it would be a lie, but she continues, keeping her voice low. “Your secret is safe with me. I have no room to judge; I know all too well about having a second chance with a first love. Just be careful and keep it quiet. The press for this summit has boosted national opinion about universal healthcare and school lunches. I can’t thank you enough for inspiring this.” She briefly looks over at Isaac. “But you should probably remind him that staring at you like that is going to raise questions.”
I follow her gaze, and while Isaac’s expression has softened, there’s undeniable lust directed at me. “Noted.”
The moderator begins and asks everyone to introduce themselves. The woman who was speaking to Isaac earlier is one of the deputy directors for UNICEF, and nearly everyone else in this room is a world leader. I truly don’t know what I could add from a state’s perspective and feel my attendance is just an excuse for Isaac to spend time with me.
No.
I belong here.
I scan through my notes. As President Hernandez, Vice President Vasileiou, and Isaac are discussing how they could optimize trade to make food more affordable, my phone lights up with a text, and I check it.
Aubrey
Remind them that this shouldn’t only include lunch programs, but also additional funding for shelters.
I straighten my shoulders, and as there’s a small break in conversation about local farms, I ask, “Would there be funding allocated for women’s shelters? While it’s great that we’ll ensure children are fed, so many women are forgotten about. Many of them run away from terrible situations with nothing but the clothes on their backs. There are some amazing programs in California, but would love to see something implemented nationwide. Moms deserve to eat too. Truly, everyone does. It’s especially hard on people who are differently abled and neurodivergent. It would be great to include an expansion of social programs and funding to our most vulnerable populations. It’s even better if it includes whole foods that are locally grown and manufactured.”
A proud smile tilts Isaac’s lips, and I try to not blush. “I completely agree. Trying to get to a food pantry while in a wheelchair or with dementia… I can’t imagine how difficult it must be. There’s definitely a gap in monetary help, but as soon as I’m back in my office next week, I’ll be meeting with my team to discuss how we can support in other ways as well here in Canada.”
“We’ve been trying to sell the idea of socialized medicine for years in America, so I’m not sure how well it will be received if we propose something similar at a national level,” Ileah hedges. I feel like a doe-eyed college kid with big dreams being squashed, a bit insecure about my suggestions. I’m out of my element.“However, there’s no harm in workshopping it and trying. We owe it to our constituents to serve their best interests.”
Her additional comment gives me hope. The meeting continues, and while I’m able to contribute an occasional comment, I spend most of my time taking notes. When it’s over and nearly everyone has filed out, Isaac rounds the large conference table and announces a little louder than necessary, “Governor Harris, would you mind staying behind for a few moments to discuss shelter funding?”
With only Aubrey, Tracy, James, and two others still here, no one bats an eye at the request, leaving the two of us alone. As soon as the door shuts, I whisper-shout, “What are you doing?”
Cupping my cheek, he swipes his thumb down to my lips, parting them. “I missed you today,” he replies with a shrug, but he shouldn’t be nonchalant about this.
“We’re not fucking in a conference room,” I deadpan.
He lets out a full laugh, then presses a soft kiss to my forehead. “No, baby. I just wanted a moment alone with you.”
“Are you not staying with me tonight? Is that why you wanted to steal my panties?”
“Steal them? You gave them to me.”
“Semantics.” I chew on my lip, considering my next move, but he didn’t answer me about where he’s sleeping. I want him to, even if it’s risky.
“Why do I think if I slipped a hand between your legs, I’d find you’re wet for me?”
