Page 49 of Shadows of Before

“Yeah, it’s almost ready.”

“Huh.”

Again the silence.

Hell, he’d go for broke. “None of it was fun, though. Not without you.”

She blurted out, “The first person I wanted to contact when I found out about the promotion was you. I miss you so much, Will.”

He grasped her hands across the table. “Me, too, love. I’m sorry I was stubborn. So macho about what I did.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t rational about all that. The chief said he restored my rank in part because of all the material he had to get together for you.”

“I’m glad. I should have asked you about it first, though. Forgive me?”

“If you forgive me.”

Her smile was sun bright. “Come on, let’s get out of here.” His voice lowered. “I want you so much.”

“For just sex?”

“Not anymore.”

* * *

Will was breathless when he came down from the last orgasm. He saw she was, too. He grinned. “Damn, sweetheart. You are something else.”

“So are you, buddy.”

“Ready for another round?”

“I think I need a breather.”

He laid by her side on the same pillow and took hold of her hand. “I can’t believe we’re here together.”

“In some ways, I can’t either.”

“I—” His phone rang.

“It’s probably some applicant. I can get it later.”

She reached for his phone as it was on her side table. Glanced at the ID. “Oh, my God. It’s the White House calling.”

“Answer it. Put it on speaker.”

She clicked on. “Will Kirkland.”

“Hello, Kirkland.” President Mahoney’s voice.

He heard Katie gasp.

“Yes, Mr. President. What can I do for you?”

“Come back to my detail.”

“What?”

“I’ve been recuperating for a month. I’m finally back in the swing of things. I knew you weren’t guarding me, but so much else kept me from doing anything about it. So, what do you say? Want to come back to the PPD?”

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