Page 6 of An Impossible Love
“Goodnight, sir, and congratulations.”
As beautiful as the dress was, Emmy was relieved to change out of it and into her leggings and a sweatshirt. She was starving, but until the debrief concluded, she still had a job to do.
Thankfully, Lucas didn’t keep them long. “I just want to say thank you. With countless people unhappy about this president, we had no right to expect today would go off this easily, but it did. Tomorrow we begin the real work, but for tonight—” he glanced up at the clock and smiled, “or for the rest of this morning, I should say, get some rest.”
“Get somefood,” Duke muttered, and they all laughed. Lucas nodded.
“That, too. The kitchen here has left some cold cuts out for anyone who needs them, but I sayBen’s Chili?”
“Hell yes.”
Emmy decided not to go with them, despite Duke’s pleading. It had been Zach’s favorite place, and she hadn’t gone back there since his death.
“I’m fine, honestly,” she smiled at him. “I’m bushed. I have to be back on duty at seven, so I’m going to grab a sandwich and bed down in one of the staffrooms.”
They couldn’t persuade her otherwise and eventually gave up. Emmy wandered down to the White House kitchen, her stomach rumbling. She saw not just cold cuts but a whole counter full of food—fresh salad platters, meats, fresh baked bread. She grabbed a plate and loaded it, piling potato salad alongside creamy pasta and a pile of pastrami and sat down on a stool to enjoy it.
She was just shoving a huge forkful into her mouth when she heard his voice.
“Is it as delicious as it looks?”
Emmy choked as she shot to her feet, and she had to cover her mouth to swallow. “Mr. President,” she mumbled.
Orin smiled at her. “At ease, Agent. Finish your food.”
Emmy chewed quickly and swallowed too big a mouthful.
“Excuse me, Mr. President, I didn’t expect anyone else to be down here.”
“Don’t tell anyone, but I’m ravenous,” he said with a smile and took a plate. He studied hers. “Nice combination you’ve got there, Agent Sati… may I call you Emmy now that your off duty?”
“Of course, Mr. President.”
He chuckled and lowered his voice. “And while we’re alone, you can call me Orin, Emmy.”
“Afraid I can’t, sir. Protocol.”
Orin stood, pretending to consider. “Okay then, how about I order you to call me Orin?”
Emmy felt awkward, but also was aware of a thrill running through her body. “Mr. Pres…”
“That’s anorder, Agent, from your Commander in Chief.” He was obviously enjoying teasing her.
Emmy suddenly smiled. “Whatever you say… President Orin.”
He threw his head back and laughed, then loaded his plate and sat down opposite her. “What a day, huh?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Emmy.”
“Yes… Orin.”
“That’s better.” He shoved a forkful of food into his mouth and indicated her plate. “Eat up.”
They ate in companionable silence for a few minutes, and Emmy was aware of his scrutiny. She met his gaze finally. His green eyes were soft.
“I wanted to say how sorry I was to hear about Zach. I didn’t know him personally, but Kevin McKee is alive because of Zach’s sacrifice, and I can only honor his memory by saying he died protecting a good man.”
Emmy felt her throat close. “Thank you, Mr—Orin.”
He smiled at her, holding her gaze a beat too long. She was amazed to see two spots of pink appear high on his razor-like cheekbones.
“Well,” he said, getting to his feet, waving her back down as she stood with him. “Thank you for your company, Agent Sati. I’d better take my food and go check my e-mails. Big job starts in the morning.”
“Yes, sir. And congratulations, Mr. President.”
“Thank you, Emerson. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, sir.”
