Page 18 of An Impossible Love
Moxie and Charlie stood. “Say, Agent Hill, would you mind escorting Moxie back to her cabin? We sent her agent off to help with the rescue.”
“Of course, sir.”
Moxie rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything. She winked at Emmy as she left.
Alone with the president, Emmy didn’t say anything, waiting for him to begin a conversation. He rubbed his eyes and sighed, smiling sadly at her. “You went to the site, I hear?”
“Yes, Mr. President.”
“They won’t let me go.”
“May I be honest, Mr. President?”
Orin smiled. “Of course, Emmy, and please, while we’re alone, call me Orin. Please come sit down.”
Emmy hesitated, then nodded, moving to the couch. “Orin, your presence there at the moment would just create more problems. We would have to secure a perimeter which might mean parents not finding their kids or being denied access to the information they need. I know you wouldn’t want that.”
Orin sighed. “I wouldn’t.”
“Tomorrow is the appropriate day to visit and share your condolences, Mr—Orin.”
He smiled at her, his green eyes soft. “Emmy, thank you for coming, for breaking in to your vacation. You don’t know who much seeing your lovely face helps. I know that’s inappropriate, but just for now, I had to say it.”
Emmy didn’t know what to say to that, her face burning with shyness—and pleasure. God, this man… she didn’t know how it happened, but then his lips were against hers, and they were kissing. Sweet sensations flooded her body, taking her reason away, and his fingers were cradling her face. God, this kiss…wait.What the hell was she doing?
Emmy pulled away. “I’m so sorry, Mr. President.”
“No, no, I’m sorry, that was… I’m sorry.” His face was red, too, and he got up, chuckling. “I’m sorry but I’mnotsorry, Em. I can’t help myself.”
Emmy stood. “I think perhaps I should be reassigned, Mr. President.”
“Please, don’t. I’m sorry, that was entirely inappropriate, and it won’t happen again, I swear. God, what was I thinking?”
“Sir, it’s okay, let’s just forget it. You’re under a great deal of strain, and it’s an emotional day for all of us. Sir, honestly, it’s forgotten.” Emmy hoped he would believe her lie.
Orin studied her. “I swear, from now, I’ll keep my feelings to myself.”
Despite the situation, Emmy couldn’t help feeling pleasure that he liked her. “Sir, I would appreciate that. I’d also appreciate that this stayed between us, but if you think you need to say anything to Lucas Harper…”
“I don’t see any reason for that.” He smiled at her. “Look, Emmy, if nothing else, I like talking to you. Can we be friends?”
“Of course, Mr. President.”
They gazed at each other for a moment, the longing obvious, but also the realization they could never be together settling in. Orin held out his hand and Emmy shook it.
“Friends.”
“Friends.”
