Page 51 of Accepted Precedent
My heart swells at her admission. I place my hand over hers and sigh, “It isn’t just you.” She turns her hand over and interlaces her fingers with mine. “If things were different, maybe?—”
“No.” Kristin quickly withdraws her hand. “I’d end up just like Evelyn, Jaclyn, or Ileah. It broke my sister; Ileah is miserable, and Jaclyn is now stuck married to one of the biggest assholes in Washington. There’s no way I could still work as a political strategist and be married to a career politician.”
“Lucky for you, I don’t want to get married,” I chuckle and bite my lip to mask my smirk. If she wants me, is there a chance we could be more? Hope blooms in my chest at the prospect. “I’m only married to Evie because it was the only way to win my first term, and now we’re stuck. Mickey and Evelyn want the fairytale ending, running off into the sunset to live happily ever after. I don’t see that for me. I’ve never felt one person could ever satisfy me emotionally and physically.”
She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “I don’t think I’ll ever get married, I’m basically married to my job, and I’d never want to sacrifice that.”
My gaze drops to her lips, wondering exactly how they taste. Would there be a hint of coffee lingering on her tongue? Maybea little mint from brushing her teeth this morning? Ignoring Finn’s warning, I lean in, unable to resist finding out for myself.
Kristin closes her eyes, and with only an inch between us, I let her close the distance if she wants this as much as I do.
She doesn’t.
“Anyway…” Clearing her throat, she opens her eyes and pulls farther away from me. “I need to prepare for the meeting. Can I use your office?”
I stuff down my disappointment, and reply, “Sure. Let me know if you need anything.”
Nodding once, she stands and leaves to work in my home office. My mind is reeling. For years, I’ve hidden my feelings for her, and I hate that one more person has suffered because of me. If I walk away from it all, would I get to keep her for myself?
Chapter 22
Evelyn
At Mickey’s insistence, I pack a bag with a first-aid kit, high-protein snacks, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and two water bottles with squirt tops. He also places a location tracking tag in the bag and attaches another to the inside of my waistband.
“Isn’t this overkill?” I huff, tying my hair up into a bun before slipping on a baseball cap.
“No, it’s not enough. If anything happened to you, I’d never forgive myself.”
“Don’t be so dramatic! This isn’t my first rodeo; I’ve been to protests since I was a child. Hell, I even organized a few.”
He places his hand on my belly and growls, “A protest is no place for a child.”
“Easy there, tiger. No kids to worry about today. I’m on birth control now, remember? You can paint the walls of my pussy with your cum over and over, and I still wouldn’t get knocked up.”
A rare grin splits his face. “A man can dream, can’t he?”
“Come on.” I roll my eyes. “We need to get going.”
“Not so fast, angel. The organization we’re counter-protesting today is secretly funded by a PAC that supported Andrew’s opponent last election. They aren’t just cunts with signs outside of a woman’s clinic.”
“So?”
“What if you’re detained—or worse? I need to make sure you’re hydrated and have had a proper breakfast. Did you drink enough water, or do I need to spit it in your mouth?”
I let out a full laugh. “Mickey! I’m fine. I promise. But in case something does happen…” I remove my ring and place it in his palm. “Keep this safe.”
“I will. But I’ll put it right back on your finger where it belongs the minute we’re home.”
“So bossy,” I tease. He possessively pulls me to him, and I brace myself with my palms on his chest. I enjoy it a bit too much when he’s growly like this; I’ve never felt safer or more wanted than when I’m in his arms. “Are you ready to go?”
He flips his hat backward and leans in to kiss me. Unlike earlier, it’s sweet and gentle, almost like…Andy.
“Andrew! Fuck!” I pull back. “I forgot to text him when I got here last night.”
Nipping at my earlobe, he purrs, “We were a little busy. Message him on the way and let him know about the protests.” He peppers soft, teasing kisses on my neck, and I melt into him. “Do you already share your location with him?”
Heat pooling in my belly, my pulse kicks into overdrive. “Uh huh,” I whimper.
