Page 75 of Powerless

Liam and I head over to swear in the cabinet before our back-to-back meetings begin.

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My neck is stiff and my shoulders are tender to the touch. It’s pushing midnight, and I haven’t had a chance to speak to or see Kathryn other than a moment when I needed to go to the residence.

I pack my laptop up and head upstairs to retire for the evening.

A pleasant aroma of garlic and onions hits me once I’m out of the elevator. I can hear Kathryn humming to music coming from the kitchen. I head straight into our room and place my briefcase on the bed before going to find my wife in the kitchen. I can’t help but smile when I see she has her back to me, but she’s moving her hips and humming horrifically as she stacks the dishwasher. She breaks out into the lyrics of the song, and I cringe at her terrible singing voice. “You sound...”

Kathryn bolts upright and clasps at her chest. “Shit, Bennett, you scared me.”

I walk further into the kitchen, lace my hands through her brown hair, and kiss her with passion. “Why are you up at midnight? You should be sleeping.”

“Because you haven’t eaten since lunch.”

“Who told you?” I narrow my eyes at her. She pretends to zip her lips. “It was Esther, wasn’t it?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Anyway, I had a feeling you’d be coming in late, so I’ve already prepared all the sides, I just need to cook the steak and mushroom sauce and that won’t take long.”

“Have you eaten?” I ask as I pull out a barstool and sit.

“I ate hours ago. But I know you’re stubborn and probably wouldn’t have stopped during the day.” She places a thick, juicy, steak on a plate and continues preparing the sauce. “Maybe I need to bring you food throughout the day.”

“Or, maybe not. What are you going to do, bring me a lunch box? What would the other kids say?” I chuckle.

She pours the mushroom sauce over the steak and brings the plate around to me. Placing the plate in front of me she pulls the stool out to sit beside me. “Maybe I need to add something extra to Esther’s chores.”

Before I have a chance to cut into my succulent, still-sizzling steak, I whip my head around to look at her. “Don’t do that; she already has too much to do. Actually, Liam thinks I should get a personal aide, so, I think I will.”

“Yeah? Who?”

“A kid who’s interning here. His name is Jamie.”

“How did you find him?”

The moment the steak is in my mouth it nearly melts, it’s so tender. “I was walking past and saw he had law books out, so I asked him what he was doing. He told me he was doing research for school.” I groan with appreciation as I inhale the steak.

“So, because he was doing research, you’re interested in him?” Kathryn’s voice is filled with surprise.

“I like the way he challenged me.”

“He challenged you?”

“When I asked him why he’s studying social work, he said because the welfare of the family is the core of our country, and I really liked his answer. He didn’t try to give me an answer I wanted to hear. He didn’t sugarcoat his answer. I also like the fact he goes to a community college.”

Kathryn’s lips turn up in a small smile. “If you like him, then I think you need to give him an opportunity to sit with you and see if he’s a fit for the office.”

“I do like him, which is why I told Liam to go ahead and put him on the list.”

Kathryn dips her finger in the sauce and brings it up to her mouth, licking the residue off. “I’ve been thinking. I want to head back to work soon.”

“You do? Wouldn’t you rather stay home and look after your husband?” I wink as I turn on the stool and drag her off hers and into my arms. “I could keep you tied to the bed.”

“You could, but you wouldn’t.”

“I would if you’d let me.” I pepper kisses down the column of her throat. Kathryn snuggles into me further and tilts her head to the side, giving me a better angle to adore her with my mouth.

“As much as I want this to continue I’m really tired, and I need to go to bed.” She breaks away from me and begins to walk out of the kitchen. I can’t help but watch as she walks away, her hips swaying from side to side tempting me with every step she takes. “Before you get any ideas, I’m too tired for any funny business tonight.”

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