Page 100 of State of Retribution

“We only have to do five more sets of six months, and then we’re home free.”

“Five more sets.I was better off not knowing that.”

She laughed.“Sorry.What’s the word on the street about this meeting?”

“Among other things, they want to talk about Scotty and high school.”

“What about it?”

“There’s a suggestion coming that we might want to consider private school with enhanced security.”

“He’d hate us for that.”

“That’s what I told Ambrose when he gave me the heads-up about it.”

“We can’t do that to him.He’s made such a nice group of friends, and they’re all excited to stay together at Eastern next year.”

Most of Scotty’s closest school friends had played youth hockey with him and would be continuing into Caps Cup high school hockey next year.The thought of separating him from them at school broke Nick’s heart.“That’s what I said to Ambrose, and I mentioned how we’re products of public school and big supporters of the public path.”

“It makes me sweaty to even think about bringing this up with him.”

“I know.Same.”

“What’d he say about me?”

“The expected stuff.I pushed back.I think he understands our position, even if he doesn’t agree with it.”

“What does he want?”

“There’s no point discussing that, because it’s not happening.”

“So that means he wants me off the streets and cocooned in the White House, doing first lady stuff.”

“He wants you safe, which is our goal, too.So we’ll discuss how you safely do the job you love.I made it clear to him that any other alternative is unacceptable.I told him to figure it out.”

Sam waved a hand in front of her face.“Sohot.”

“What?”His annoyance was almost as sexy as him flexing his presidential muscles on her behalf.

“You.Fighting for me.Hot asfuck.”

“You’re a lunatic,” he said with a huff that made her laugh.

“You knew that when you married me.”

He leaned in to kiss her.“And I wouldn’t change a thing about my lunatic, except for the commentary about my alleged hotness.”

“Every woman in America with a heartbeat thinks you’re hot.”

“Stop it.You’re in the Oval Office, where serious business takes place.”

“Whatever you say, hottie.”

“Honestly, Samantha.Will you please grow up?”

“Nah, I’m good like this.”

He smiled.“Bickering with you makes my whole day worth living.I hope you know that.”

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