Page 87 of Powerless

“You’ll have a lot of work to do for the next four to eight years. You can take half an hour and have a picnic with your wife,” I say with unyielding determination.

“Well, seeing as you asked so nicely, how can I refuse?” He stands and stretches his arms up over his head. “It’ll be good to get me out from behind this desk.” Bennett reaches for the picnic basket. “Where are we going?”

“The South Lawn. One of the former First Ladies started a vegetable garden there, and I thought we could spend the next half an hour enjoying the sun and each other.”

“It’s January twenty-fifth, and it snowed last night.”

“You have a coat,” I say as I eye his suit jacket. “Besides, we’re not sitting on the ground.”

“It’s forty degrees, Kathryn.”

“Stop being a baby. Yes, it’s cold, but look, the sun is shining and it’s absolutely magical out there. We’re not going to be out for long, so come on.” I tilt my head to the side and flutter my eyes at him in an attempt to get my way.

“Ugh,” he grumbles as he removes his suit jacket and walks over to put his coat on. “Here.” He takes his scarf off the coat rack, then walks over and places it around my neck. “You have this.” Bennett kisses the tip of my nose. “I don’t want you getting sick.”

“Such a gentleman,” I tease.

Bennett links his fingers with mine. “Better believe it,” he quips with a smirk. Holding the picnic basket, we walk toward the patio doors, where one of the Secret Service agents opens the door for us. When we reach the South Lawn, a table has already been prepared, thanks to Esther, who rallied the team for me. “Are you sure you want to sit out here? It’s cold!” Bennett asks with a healthy dose of skepticism.

“It’s a little cold weather. Don’t tell me the president of the United States is whining about it?” I take the basket from his hand and place it on the table. I look over to him and can’t help but notice the cheeky smirk. “What?”

“Keep teasing me, and I’ll have to fuck that right out of your mouth.”

I roll my eyes and slightly shake my head. “Want me on my knees right here for everyone to see?” I slowly unpack the beautiful picnic Louise prepared for us.

“I want you on your knees with your mouth open for me all the time.”

My hands still as I slowly raise my chin and stare at Bennett. “Well, if that’s the case, then why are we out here? We should be back at the residence.”

“If only we had the time. Hmm.” He taps his finger to his scruffy chin. “I’ll be sure to inform Jamie to block an hour out of my schedule every day.”

My brows lift as I stare at Bennett with wide eyes. “I have to make an appointment with you to get laid? Wow, how romantic,” I scoff sarcastically.

Bennett chuckles and reaches out to grab me around the waist, bringing me down on his lap. He pushes his fingers into the base of my neck and pulls me into him. His mouth is on mine. His tongue dances passionately with mine. Pulling back, he angles his head up to lay a gentle kiss on my forehead. “I can touch the sky with you by my side.”

I try to hide my smile, but I can’t. “Alright, you can be romantic,” I concede. “Sometimes.”

Bennett reaches across to one of the cherry tomatoes, picks it up, and brings it to my lips. “Let me feed you,” he says, laying it on thick.

“Oh man, you’re scoring major points here, mister.” I open my mouth and let him slide the tomato in.

Sly bastard pushes his thumb into my mouth with the tomato. I flick my tongue along the top, making sure to keep eye contact with him. He clears his throat as he slides his thumb out from between my lips. Adjusting the tie around his neck, he smiles and glances around. “Well,” he says, his voice cracking with desire. “I um...” He gulps and smiles wider. “I enjoyed that.”

I lean forward and place my forehead against his. “I thought you would. Now, have something to eat, because I only have you for a short time.” I stand to move off him and sit in my own chair beside Bennett. As we’re eating, Bennett is watching me. “You’re staring.”

“You look tired. Are you okay?”

“I think everything is catching up with me, that’s all. I’ll be okay.” I shrug as I nibble on the amazing food prepared by Louise. “Maybe I’ll see the doctor. I could be iron deficient. Remember, that happened to me when we started on the campaign trail, and I ended up needing iron supplements. It’s most likely something like that.”

“Don’t let it go on too long. Get yourself looked at soon.”

“Yes, sir,” I say with sass. “Anyway, day five in office.” I look over to him, hoping he can give me an indication on how he’s finding his new job as president of the United States.

He inhales deeply and shakes his head. “I knew coming into this that things move at lightning speed, but I wasn’t expecting things to move this fast. It feels like we’re moving at the speed of light. It’s surreal, yet so amazing.” He takes another calming breath and runs his hand through his hair. “Nothing stands still; everything is roaring full speed ahead,” he speaks with such respect and amazement. There’s no doubt in my mind that he was born to be the president.

“Mr. President, Mrs. Adams, I’m sorry to bother you,” Liam interrupts our lunch. He offers me a kind smile, one that screams how Bennett is about to be torn away from me.

“Hi, Liam.”

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