Page 44 of The Americana Playbook

“A safe one,” I add, to which Fitz nods, agreeing. Then I ask, “What else is safe for you? What are your boundaries?”

“Anything that involves you keeping your clothes on and my hands off your thighs. I like to think I’m not shallow,” he says before adding, “except when it comes to legs.”

I roll my eyes. “Who would’ve thought boy scout Fitz would turn into such a flirt?”

“Maybe you turned into someone worth flirting with.”

When Fitz retires from football, he could break into acting. I almost believe him.

Biting my lip, I redirect the attention back to him. I don’t know why I feel as though Fitz’s arms are safe territory when his forearms are so damn dangerously attractive. But I muster up the courage to take my free hand and run a finger from his wrist to his elbow before I drag it back down on the inside.

Maybe this isn’t within Fitz’s boundaries. I swear he just trembled.

Dropping that hand, I bring it up to his head, pushing a soft lock of dark hair back from his forehead. “Is this safe?” I whisper.

The tip of his tongue pushes through his lips before retreating back into his mouth. “Totally safe.”

“Are you sure?” I let my nails graze his scalp and watch the way his jaw flexes. “You’re practically purring.” I stick out my tongue playfully and drop my hand.

He gives my other hand a squeeze before letting go, stepping backward toward the door and winking. “If you’re looking to get a rise out of me, there’s a better place to sink your nails into, Montgomery.”

* * *

Life is funny. I used to feel bad that I lived a life of solitude. There was no roommate to do laundry or cook dinner with, no boyfriend to snuggle up on the couch with while watching a movie.

I’ve been around more people in close proximity these days than I have in over a decade, and I absolutely hate it.

While I stayed in the White House, the only privacy I had was in my room, but thanks to my mother and Madeline and their efforts to orient me, I never spent much time there. And even though I breathed a major sigh of relief when we left Washington, we didn’t leave itallbehind.

I rip out my phone to text my sister.

I want the security detail canceled. Now.

I’m about to ditch the guy myself.

Madeline

We already gave you an inch. You have the option to drive your own car. Don’t push it or you’ll ride with them.

I pocket my phone, feeling a stare. Looking up, I make eye contact with the sales associate who quickly busies herself straightening hangers.

“Can you do me a favor?” I turn on my heel to Agent Samuels. “Can you maybe not stand so close to me?”

Agent Samuels doesn’t take a step back.

I shut my eyes and take a deep breath. Fitz told me to take it easy. But I can’t think with a shadow breathing down my neck.

“I don’t know what’s the point of you wearing regular clothing.”

Agent Samuels adjusts the collar of his gray t-shirt, a far contrast from the suit I’ve seen him in. “We dress to blend in as civilians if necessary.”

“Civilians can look like creepy stalkers too,” I quip. “Could you just wait over there, please? This place isn’t even crowded. Better yet, Fitz and I are going to a black-tie event. If you’re coming, you should have a tuxedo. There’s a men’s department upstairs.”

The tall agent tips his head. “Already have one, ma’am. We’re prepped for any occasion.”

I rub my temples. “Of course you are. Can you just give me a little space? Or are you coming inside the fitting room with me?”

Agent Samuels nods. “I’ll be here, ma’am. The fitting room has already been checked.”

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