Page 115 of State of Suspense

Sam could never remember her name and hated that. “Hi there. Is he free?”

“Of course. Right this way.”

“I’ll wait here,” Lilia said. “Be quick.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She was shown into the Oval Office, where her gorgeous husband sat behind the Resolute Desk.

He was so focused on what he was doing that he didn’t look up until she cleared her throat.

For the rest of her life, she’d never forget the way his entire face lit up with pleasure when he saw her. That, right there, was why she’d cut her workday short to come home to support him.

Chapter Nineteen

Still smiling, Nick got up and came around the desk. “This is a nice surprise.”

He’d removed his gray suit coat and rolled up the sleeves of a light blue dress shirt.

“You look beautiful.”

“Funny, I was thinking the same thing about you.” He put his arms around her. “Why does your hair smell different?”

“I’ve just come from the salon.”

“Ah, I see. I want the usual scent back tomorrow.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Not that this one is bad. It’s just not you.” He nuzzled her neck. “What brings you by?”

“I needed this.” She tightened her arms around him. “Before things get crazy, I just needed this.”

“This is available to you any time you need it.”

“I wish that were true. I need it a lot.”

“What’s up?”

“Just a chaotic day capped off by a state visit. Nothing I can’t handle now that I’ve had five minutes with you.”

“In case I forget to tell you later, I so appreciate you being here this afternoon.”

“I’m right where I belong, but I need to get going before Lilia has a stroke.”

“One more minute.”

She held on tightly to the only man in the world who could make her thankful to be his first lady. “Guess what?”

“What?”

“Farnsworth and Malone told me they’re not retiring until we’re out of office because my dad would’ve wanted them watching over me while I try to do something no other first lady has ever done.”

“Wow. What’d you say to that?”

“I cried.”

“Aw, babe. I’m so glad you’ve got them watching out for you at work. That makes me feel so much better.”

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