Page 70 of Powerless

“Good, so you should be.” I reach up and place a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth. “We’ve got this.”

“Yeah, we do.”

Seeing Bennett so vulnerable isn’t something I’m familiar with. He’s always so controlled and cool, even behind closed doors. But I know today he’s been nothing but nerves.

“Eagle on the move,” Mark says into his headset.

I look to Bennett and mouth eagle in question. “My code name.”

“Ah, yes, that’s right. What’s mine?”

“Echo, ma’am,” Mark responds.

I glance at Bennett and nod. “I can get on board with that. I like it. Echo.” I nod as we’re lead toward the garage. The motorcade is impressive and intimidating at the same time. There’s a plethora of Secret Service agents everywhere, ready to take us to the first of the inaugural balls.

Bennett helps me into the back of the car, then slides in next to me.

I clasp his hand as we make our way over to the first venue. His knee is bouncing slightly, and the palm of his hand has a faint hint of moisture. I squeeze his hand and he looks over at me. I smile, trying to ease his nerves. He leans over and kisses my cheek. “We’ve got this,” he whispers.

We certainly do.

4

BENNETT

“Are you ready?” I call to Kathryn from outside the bathroom door.

“I will be when you stop harassing me,” she shouts.

I chuckle as I step back and shake my head. “Hurry up.” Pacing back and forth in our bedroom, I wait for Kathryn to emerge.

“Why? It’s not like we have far to go to get to work.”

“Stop being a smart-ass, and hurry up.” She opens the door, and I can’t help but fall more and more in love with her. “You look incredible.”

She lowers her chin to cast an eye over her office attire. “Have to make a good impression with the press corps today.” Kathryn glances up and down my body. “You look pretty good too.” She smiles when she sees my wrist. “Nice watch.”

“This incredibly sexy woman gave it to me last night.” I wrap Kathryn in my arms and peck her lips. “Don’t tell my wife, she’ll get mad at me, and she might try to poison me.” I playfully screw my mouth up. “I’m a bit of a bigwig now, and I might have some pull, so...”

Kathryn lightly smacks my shoulder before stepping away from me and lifting her chin with pride. “Are you ready for your first official day in office?”

“I certainly am.” There’s a knock on the bedroom door interrupting us. I walk over to open it and find Liam waiting. “Liam. Come in.” I wait for him to enter before shutting it again.

“Mr. President,” he says with a smile. “Mrs. Adams.”

Wow, I thought that was going to sound peculiar coming from my best friend, but I like it. “Liam, you don’t have to call me that, call me Kathryn, like normal.”

“No, ma’am, this is anything but normal. You’re the First Lady, and I’ll address you as the First Lady should be addressed.” Liam is a good person, and I completely respect him. “Are you ready?” Liam turns toward me.

“I think I am.” I hold my hand out for Kathryn. “Are you?”

“Of course.” She smiles warmly toward me, then Liam.

My heart is beating rapidly in my chest as we walk out of the bedroom. Mark and Grayson are both in the hallway, waiting for us. “Mark.” I give him a small nod.

“Mr. President.”

With my shoulders pulled back, and Kathryn by my side, a sense of relief washes over me. This is what I was born to do, what we’ve been preparing for. Once in the elevator, I gently squeeze Kathryn’s hand for reassurance. She looks up at me and shares a comforting smile. Kathryn leans over and places a small kiss on my cheek, then brings her hand up to wipe off any lipstick residue.

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