Page 37 of Powerless

“The political sharks are circling.”

“In all fairness,” I start. “This arrangement politically makes sense. Two powerhouses combined to make the ultimate winning combination. That wasn’t Senator Samuel’s words, that was direct from his wife.”

“Probably because she knows with the merging of our two surnames, you’d be unstoppable.”

“We’d be unstoppable,” I correct. I lean closer and lower so my lips are near her ear. “If you weren’t gay, and if I was in love with you, then we’d be in the White House when I turned thirty-five.”

Jen chuckles and pulls back. “You can still do that, but it won’t be with me.”

“No offense, but I don’t want it to be with you.”

She lifts her free hand in surrender and shakes her head. “None taken.” Jen looks around the room and a large smile lights up her face. “Kathryn’s here.” She’s genuinely happy for me to be with Kathryn.

I can’t help but turn to look in the same direction, and when I see Kathryn, all the air leaves my body. “Wow,” I whisper as I stare at the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen.

“Back up, Romeo,” Jen says as she places her hand on my forearm to stop me from heading straight over to Kathryn. I look to Jen and crinkle my forehead. “Be careful,” she warns. “Actually, let me come with you. We need to keep up with appearances.”

My heart leaps into my throat because I know Jen’s right. If Jen hadn’t stopped me, I would’ve gone to Kathryn, wrapped her in my arms, and kissed her with everything I have. “You’re right.” I glance toward Kathryn, then back to Jen. Jen hooks her arm through mine and we head over to Liam and Kathryn who are now talking with my parents.

“Here they are,” Mom says as she places her hand on my shoulder. “Liam and his girlfriend Kathryn are here.”

My blood boils when Mom calls Kathryn Liam’s girlfriend. Jen tightens her grip on me, forcing me back to the here and now. “I’m glad you could both come.” I shake Liam’s hand formally and step in to give Kathryn a kiss on the cheek. My lips touch her warmth and I close my eyes, staying in the moment far too long. Kathryn discreetly grazes her fingertips over my hips making my heart shudder with desire. “You look beautiful,” I whisper, then pull back when I feel like the entire room is watching us. Of course, no one notices our tiny exchange.

“Thank you, Mrs. Adams for allowing me to accompany Liam to your Christmas party. Liam and Bennett have said that it’s the party of all parties.”

Mom stands taller with a proud smile. “I knew I liked you for a reason, Liam.”

Liam chuckles, as does Kathryn. But all I can see is Kathryn in her amazing dark-green dress that hugs her delicious body. She’s simply the most breathtaking woman who’s ever walked on this earth.

“Liam, would you like to dance?” Jen asks and reaches for his hand.

“Sure.” Liam takes Jen’s hand and they move away to where the band is playing in the back room.

“Kathryn?” I stand taller and offer her my elbow.

“I’d love to dance.” Kathryn links her arm through mine and we too head toward the ballroom. I take her in my arms and fight with my head to not draw Kathryn closer to me. “Your house is massive.” She looks around before her eyes land on mine. “You have to stop looking at me the way you are.”

“I can’t help it. All I want to do is claim you in front of everyone.”

“That’s not the plan, Bennett.”

“I know,” I admit with disappointment. “I wish things were different and I could let everyone know you’re mine.”

She arches a brow and tilts her head to the side. “I’m my own person.” I twirl her around and bring her in closer, but Kathryn fights me on it and maintains the distance between us. “Stop trying to pull me into you. People will talk.”

She’s right, and I hate that. My jaw clenches as I make sure there’s a safe distance between us. “I just want to hold you.”

“Well, you can’t. Not yet.” Kathryn glances around the room, smiles at someone and gives them a small nod. “Your mom is staring at us.” I look to Mom, whose eyes are locked on us. “This house is beautiful.”

“I guess so.”

“Guess so? You have a mini ballroom in your house.”

“Dad’s idea, because he says that we need to be able to host dinners and parties. Like this one.”

“You don’t seem particularly interested.”

“It’s always the same shit over and over again. Who has more money, who can be a bigger donor.”

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