“Sure.” I answered. “Control this is Stewards. Heart has requested my presence in the residence. I will remain on site for the time being.”
“Copy that,” Colin echoed into my ear.
I closed the door behind me and strolled to her bed. Kaitlyn snuggled under her blanket while I took a seat on the edge.
“Thanks for staying,” Kaitlyn said as I looked down at her. I loved her that way, she was in her most natural state with no makeup and bare of any enhancements. She looked beautiful done up, too, but there was something about her natural state that drugged me even more, and I was already too high on her.
7
Kaitlyn
His scent haunted me. The deep pine and evergreen that floated through my house whenever he was around seemed to bring my body to life. I’d fallen asleep to that scent in the bunker and again when I’d asked him to stay.
I rolled over and the scent grew stronger. Soft breaths joined mine and my eyes shot open. There was Evan, fast asleep, in my bed. I would have gasped, but I didn’t want to wake him. The bags under his eyes last night had been deep. Working to keep me safe was definitely a full-time job, and he was the best at it.
The urge to touch him was so strong I had to physically restrict myself from doing so. His lips looked so soft and his hair seemed as if it would glide through my fingers like silk. I had to leave or I would do something I would regret.
I left my bed behind and padded across the cold floor to my closet. My robe hung on the outside. I quietly took ahold of my robe and put it on before leaving my bedroom, and Evan, behind.
My house was completely silent except for what had become the usual sounds coming from the command room in my spare bedroom downstairs.
When I reached my kitchen, I opened my curtains and grabbed my cell phone from where I’d left it plugged on the counter. There were a million texts, mostly from friends and co-workers, and many of the others were from Michael. He’d gotten the news and eventually got on a plane back to D.C.
I typed quick responses to everyone, including my assistant, letting her know after the night’s events, I would take the day off work.
I placed my phone on the counter and went to the fridge in hopes I had something to cook for breakfast. Most mornings I went without, but I was starving. Thankfully, I had something. Bacon, eggs, and toast it was.
Cooking was one of my favorite things to do, but work took up so much time I rarely got to do it.
“Smells good,” a voice that made my heart jump to my throat said from behind me. I turned sharply to find Evan leaning against the doorway. He yawned and ran his long fingers through his hair.
My teeth had found their way back to my bottom lip yet again as I bit down nervously. The effect he had over me was undeniable. I wanted Evan Stewards, even though I couldn’t have him.
“I’m making breakfast,” I hoped he couldn’t hear the pounding of my heart. “Grab a seat.”
“I really shouldn’t,” Evan shook his head, but just like last night, I wasn’t ready for him to leave me yet. Having him near meant something.
“Please,” I begged. “Think of it as a ‘thank you’ for last night.”
“It really was no problem. It’s my j–”
“Your job I know, but you really helped me to deal with my anxiety. Just let me do something nice for you,” I insisted. He was there when I needed someone...when I needed him.
“Okay.” He’d given in and I smiled.
Evan made himself comfortable at my kitchen table while I worked to make him a decent breakfast. I lusted over the bacon as I took it out of the pan.
“You’re a natural,” Evan commented.
“What’d you expect? That I can’t cook?” I turned in his direction, my hand on my hip.
“Maybe a little, but I will eat my words. Smells like you know what’s up.”
“Of course, I do. Being the daughter of politicians doesn’t mean I can’t cook and do for myself. Mom made sure of one thing, when it came down to it, I would be able to take care of myself.” That was one thing my mom never let up on. I may have lived a charmed life, and we had always had help in the house, but despite having help or not, mom wanted me to be a woman who didn’t have to depend on anyone.
I finished our plates and sat them down on the table. Evan’s eyes lit up at the sight of the breakfast I prepared.
“This looks amazing!” he commented happily. “I honestly haven’t had a good breakfast in a while.”
“Really?”
“Really. I’m normally asleep from my shift when my sister makes breakfast in the morning, and by the time I’m up, her kids have gobbled up everything,” he explained.
“Aww, poor Uncle Evan,” I joked sweetly to a warm twinkle that lit up in his eyes.
“Thanks to you, I’m getting my breakfast.” He gave me a smile that made my legs shake. I took a long sip of orange juice to calm my nerves. The only thing my juice was missing was vodka.
“No problem.”
We ate in mostly silence. There were a few bits of chatter, but not much before we both finished. The moment I stood, he did the same.
“Do you need help cleaning up?” Evan instantly asked.
“If you want to help,” I answered.
Having him help meant having him around longer. I was instantly filled with guilt. I was engaged and yet I wanted to keep another man around. I loved Michael, but Michael never made me feel the way I felt when Evan was around. When Evan entered a room I was immediately breathless, and filled with a desire I couldn’t describe. I was trapped in his allure, yet betrothed to another.
“How about I wash and you dry,” I suggested as Evan helped bring the dishes from the table to the counter.
“Sounds good to me,” he answered as we stood together at the sink. I tossed a dish towel to Evan for him to dry with.
We washed without a word to one another. I handed him a dish when I completed it and he would dry, leaving them stacked on the counter for me to put in their respective places.
As Evan finished the last dish, I stood for a moment admiring him. He’d kept off his suit jacket, and had rolled up his sleeves for this assignment. His forearms looked as if they held a lot of strength, and I tried to not gawk, but it was difficult not to.
“Finished,” Evan announced. I gave him a satisfied smile as he sat the last plate down and turned back to me.
Unconsciously, I stepped forward. I had to be close to him, in fact, I needed it. He gave me a dash of excitement I’d never known I was missing and it was a drug I craved.
Evan’s hand found its way to my hip and pulled me closer. My breath was shallow and anxious in anticipation of anything that could happen.
“I…” I tried to speak, but words failed me. Evan grinned as his other hand rested on my cheek and his thumb ran across my skin. I sighed and closed my eyes for a second as I snuggled into his warm touch.
“Kiss me,” I whispered knowing how wrong it was. Knowing there would be no going back once we stepped over that line.
That wasn’t the girl I was. I wasn’t a cheating whore. But I had to know what it was that drew me to him. I had to find out if there would be a spark when our lips collided.
“Kait!” Michael’s voice echoed through the house.
Along with Michael’s voice I could hear many other voices. It was reporters yelling out questions and flashing photos. I should have known my house would be surrounded by reporters after the dramatic night. They all wanted a piece and all wanted to know about my experience. Damn vultures.
I gasped and jumped away from Evan, out of his grasp. I missed it instantly, being held by him.
“In here!” I yelled out, before Michael had entered my kitchen and crossed the room in only a few strides.
Michael pulled me into his arms and kissed the top of my head. He held me close with my face pressed to his chest. He smelled not just of his natural scent, but also of perfume—very floral perfume.
“I got on a pla
ne as soon as I could to get here. Are you okay?” he asked anxiously.
“I’m fine Michael. I’m really fine. I was in a bunker and Evan here took good care of me.” I peered over to Evan, who’d in just those few moments had put his jacket on and was at the door in preparation to leave.
“Thanks man,” Michael said to the man I had only just been seconds away from kissing before he arrived.
“No problem. It is my job. Have a great day Kaitlyn. Mr. Ford.” With a wave, Evan was gone and I felt a piece of me go with him.
I’d have to shake that away. Evan and I weren’t meant to be a couple. I had Michael and wore the ring he gave me proudly. Michael and I had our problems, but we would get past them as we’d done the past two years. I’d be his wife and Evan would only be a memory.
“Michael, it’s not like it’s rocket science!” I shouted from my bedroom as I finished putting my earrings on. I took a step back and observed myself in the mirror. I looked stunning in the Versace gown that fit me like a glove. If only I felt as good as I looked.
Michael and I were fighting. The timing was absolutely perfect. We fought as we got ready for our long-awaited engagement party.
“How many times are we going to talk about this Kait?” Michael asked as he exited my bathroom. His voice was laced with the annoyance of me once again bringing up settling on a wedding date.
“We will talk about it until we pin down a fucking date,” I growled as I snatched my clutch from my bed. “I want to be your wife, but I don’t understand why you proposed if you don’t even want to get married anytime soon.”
Michael growled in frustration.
“My mom is the fucking president and she keeps getting asked about our fucking wedding date. Reporters should be focusing on foreign policy or the economy, not our wedding, and if we come up with a damn date them maybe that can happen. But all you fucking care about is your reelection.” Months of frustration began to spill from me as I stood toe to toe with my fiancé.
“Of course, I care about my reelection Kaitlyn. It is my fucking livelihood. How can I make a home for my wife and any future children if I don’t have a job? Ever think about that Kait? No, you don’t.”
“Whatever.” I stormed from the room and took to the stairs. We’d smile like we were the picture of perfection at the party all while we fought like cats and dogs at home.
All Michael could talk about constantly was his reelection campaign and his damn campaign manager, Paige. Everything was Paige says this, and Paige that. I was so damn tired of Paige in the picture. He’d stood me up and cancelled plenty of dates over Paige.
“Everything okay?” A voice asked. That voice alone made my heart flutter. It was Evan who stood at his post near my front door. Only two weeks had passed since the bomb incident. Evan had been on top of everything since. All of the agents I came across were on the highest alert.
“Yeah, it’s great,” I lied. From the look on Evan’s face, it was obvious he knew I was lying. Nothing had been alright for months and Evan watched it all play out.
Steps behind me indicated that Michael was also coming down. I sighed as he reached me and placed his hand on the small of my back.
“Kait, Baby. I know it’s frustrating and hard, but work with me please. We’re going to have a beautiful wedding one day, and you’ll be Mrs. Ford in no time. Don’t stress over it. Now, let’s get to this party and have a good time.” He was right. He had to be right. So much was invested in my relationship with him. My mom had already offered her endorsement and would be on the ground with his campaign the closer it got to the election.
We exited my home, and got into the limo that awaited us. Evan sat up front with the driver and we were followed by an SUV. I laced my fingers with Michael’s, but when I went to talk to him, he was engrossed in his phone— as he always seemed to be.
“And on your phone again,” I fussed.
“A few emails from Paige,” he countered.
“Of course,” I huffed, rolling my eyes. “Will she be at the party tonight?”
“I think so.”
It didn’t take long to arrive at the W Hotel, just east of the White House’s South Lawn, where the party was being held. It was a joint effort between Michael’s staff and my co-workers at Trish’s office to throw the party. The White House had even helped out as well.
Everyone inside looked amazing. All of the women in their formal gowns and the men in tuxedoes. As we entered, I looked over my shoulder to see Evan following, but not too close. The hotel had been cleared by the Secret Service since my mother was also in attendance, but knowing Evan, he would also keep a lookout for me, and wouldn’t stray too far.
“You’re here!” my boss, cheerfully approached us, glasses of champagne in her hands.
“Thanks, Trish,” I said kindly to my fantastic boss.
The party was in full swing and the fight I had had with Michael was already a thing of the past as we mingled with our guests and drank the flowing cocktails. My family was there and my best friend Jessie. I stood taking a picture with my little sister when I spotted Michael chatting with no other than Paige.
She wore her blonde hair straight and her dress left nothing to the imagination. There was cleavage popping out and the slit of her dress ran incredibly high. Michael looked almost mesmerized.
I turned away. I didn’t want to see anymore. I just wanted to enjoy the party and pray the election hurried up. I knew the political life well, I grew up in it, but it’s effect on my love life was driving me insane.
“I’d like to give a toast,” my dad announced over the chatter with his booming voice. All of the noise began to settle as guests listened up. “I want to toast my oldest daughter and the man who loves her, Michael.”
I smiled and looked around for Michael, but he was nowhere to be found.
“Seems the groom has disappeared,” Dad joked. Others around the room chuckled.
“Let me get him,” I announced as I hurried to try and find out where Michael had disappeared to so fast.
“I saw him head down there,” someone pointed to another set of hotel conference rooms and ballrooms.
Leaving our party behind. I walked up the hall to try and find Michael. I’d left my cell at home and was now cursing myself for forgetting it, because I knew Michael lived with his connected to him like an extra arm.
I peeked into one room. It was empty, dark, and quiet. Frustrated I kept up the hall. I couldn’t find him anywhere and was almost ready to give up when I heard a woman’s voice and then his voice, Michael’s. I’d found him.
“Finally,” I said to myself.
I listened to where I had heard him, went directly to the door, and yanked it open.
“Michael, my dad wants to ma–” I stood completely still as shock washed over me. Michael and Paige had found themselves a conference room, but not to discuss work.
Paige was on her knees, in front of Michael, whose eyes were as wide as saucers as they looked from me, down to the pants around his ankles, as I’d caught Paige giving him more than was in her job description.
“Baby, this isn’t–” Michael started.
“Shut up!” I shouted feeling a mixture of rage and anxiety. “This is why you wouldn’t pick a date? Really Michael? Fuck you and fuck this engagement.” I yanked the diamond ring from my finger. I’d once thought it was the most beautiful piece of jewelry, but now it was trash— just like him and that slut.
I tossed the ring in his direction and turned away. As I jogged up the hall, doing my best to hold my impending tears in. He’d done the unthinkable, and even though I’d gotten so close to crossing the line with Evan, I would have never done what Michael did to me.
I upped my speed and hit something rock hard and solid. Evan.
8
Evan
I’d spotted her running, but she hadn’t seen me. The moment she collided with me, she pressed her face to my chest and her cries had begun. Kaitlyn sobbed onto my chest and I wanted t
o know what happened. I’d seen her in the ballroom one minute and the next she’d disappeared on me.
Guests began to peek out of the room and gasped at the sight of Kaitlyn bawling in my arms. She was a complete mess and I noticed one thing very quickly–her engagement ring was gone. She’d sported that ring from the first ball on her mother’s inauguration day, and this was the first time since then I had seen her without it.
“Kait! Baby!” Michael’s voice shouted and I glanced, spotting him. He was jogging up the hall, that blonde campaign manager of his following behind, slowly. “Kaitlyn, let me explain.”
Tearing herself from me, Kaitlyn turned sharply. The venom in her voice was very clear. “You aren’t explaining anything.”
“Kait. It’s not like that.” Michael whined and reached out to her, but Kaitlyn ripped her arm away from his advances.
“We’re done Michael. You don’t get to go have your dick sucked by some whore in the room next to our engagement party. You just fucking don’t!”
“Kaitlyn, what’s happened?” President Marshall had emerged from the ballroom along with many of the other guests who were watching in shock as Kaitlyn and Michael had it out for all to see.
Kaitlyn shook her head, I saw the tears falling again. She didn’t deserve any of it. I had known Michael was bad news from the start. He never carried himself like he loved her unconditionally, but that she was a condition. Kaitlyn had been blind to it because of her love for him, but he had never deserved that love.
“Michael, would you like to tell my mother, the President, how I just caught you in a room up the hall cheating on me?” Kaitlyn questioned, knowing Michael wouldn’t want to answer that question. Michael was frozen as he stood with the eyes of everyone on him, including the President. “Didn’t think so,” Kaitlyn spat.
Turning back to me I saw the pain and I just wanted to hold her until it went away. A beautiful soul like Kaitlyn didn’t deserve that pain.
Seduction in a Suit: An Office Romance Collection Page 60