Page 64 of Power Play

So much needs to be said, needs to be explained, but the moment is still too raw for more words.

Her body molds into mine, folding between my arms as I lift her and walk across the room. Inside the bathroom, I carefully set her on the white marble counter, holding her shoulders to make sure she's steady before stepping toward the tub. Fingers beneath the heavy stream of water, I wait until it turns scorching hot and close the drain. Searching through the various bottles along the edge, I pluck a bottle of cherry vanilla bubble bath and dump a drop into the water. I frown at the small amount of bubbles that break the surface. Twisting off the cap, I tip the bottle over, emptying the entire contents into the water.

It takes a whole bottle per bath, right?

Fuck if I know.

I toss the empty bottle into the trash can across the room; it clatters against the metal sides as it descends to the bottom. I lift both hands into the air, pumping my fists in victory. Wearing a tentative smile, I chance a look to Mess. My heart leaps at the small smile she's desperately trying to not let me see.

“I'm going back to a life of destitution, and you're cheering over making an easy toss.”

I look from her to the trash can and back again. “Easy? Like to see you do it.” Her smile grows, bunching her adorable cheeks. “You're not going back. The election isn't over. We can figure it out, but first….” I point to the half-filled bathtub and overflowing bubbles. “Shit, maybe I put too much in.”

“You think?” she says with a huffed laugh.

“Take a bath, relax. Then we'll talk.” I pause at the door and look over my shoulder. “If you need anything, let me know. I'll be right outside the door.”

At her nod, I step into the bedroom, closing the door behind me. The hinges give a tight rattle at the weight of my back slamming against the cool wood.

Now to come up with a plan to keep her in DC. If today taught me anything, it’s that I'm not ready for her to be out of my life. Not yet. Hell, maybe not ever.

* * *

“You look better,” I say with a smile as she steps out of the bathroom. “How do you feel?”

“Better.” The tension around her eyes still creases the edges, but the weight from earlier seems lifted for the moment. “Thanks for that.” Her fingers fidget with the sash of her terry cloth robe. “Now what?” Her hopeful gaze meets mine.

Pinkie nail between her teeth, she shuffles across the room and plops down onto the bed, staring at me.

“First”—I turn, bringing a bent leg to the bed to face her straight on—“I need to explain today, what happened with Shawn.” I clear my throat and grip the pant leg of my old jeans to keep from reaching for her. “I didn't know what to think when you stood up for me. Called him out for me.”

A single shoulder rises and falls in a noncommittal shrug. The movement widens the gap of her robe a fraction, exposing more of the soft skin concealed beneath. “No one makes fun of my friends and gets away with it. I'm a bit protective, I guess.”

I smirk. “Ditto, Mess. Which is why today blew the roof off the normal restraint I have on my anger. Hearing him call you… well, you were there. You know what he said.” I tighten my right hand into a fist. “And I couldn't do a damn thing. I knew if I did, it would come back and hurt you. Hell, me being in the room already did some of that. He wouldn't have pressed you, pushed you, if I wasn't there. If I wasn't in the picture at all.”

I huff out a deep breath and look to the ceiling.

“It's always been like this. Between Shawn, Kyle, and me, we've always been at each other’s throats, vying for the upper hand. So what you saw today was all about me and Shawn, about our shit, not you, but I pulled you into it. That pissed me off.”

“Not trying to be a dick here,” she says with a shove to my shoulder, “but that’s really arrogant of you.”

I whip my gaze to where she leans back against the headboard.

“What?”

“Shawn already hated me. He might have found a new angle to push my buttons, but nothing about today started with you. It started the minute he caught me sniffing the wallpaper last year.”

“Um, what?” I chuckle.This woman.

She swipes her hand through the air in dismissal. “All I'm saying is you're taking responsibility for something that isn't yours to take. I knew stepping into this spot, have known since I met Shawn, that he'll use anything and everything he can to bring me down.” Her gaze turns unfocused. “Do you think he'd say something to the media about us? Try to sabotage the campaign even though Kyle's his friend?”

An incredulous chuckle rumbles in my chest. “One hundred percent hell yes. I think he already did.”

Her mouth pops in shock, opening wide.

I can't help the dirty track my mind takes me down at the sight. I swipe my tongue along my lower lip. Oh, the things I want to do to those plump lips.

“You think he came over today with the intention of derailing my focus.”

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