Dear Mister President by Fitzroy Adam

Author:Fitzroy, Adam [Fitzroy, Adam]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Manifold Press
Published: 2013-02-09T06:00:00+00:00

The President was in the informal sitting room tucked away at the end of its private corridor. He was lounging in jeans and a casual shirt, his hair mussed, his eyes tired, briefing papers spread out before him. However important his work might be, however, he abandoned it as soon as Ryan walked in and got up to hug him enthusiastically.

"Hey, welcome back. How was your flight? How's my daughter?" He ushered him to a chair and bustled about, shuffling files out of the way.

"She's great. So are her grandparents. They're wonderful people, aren't they?"

"The best." Kearney grinned and seated himself comfortably beside Chad. "Kirsten's pa tell you some of his war stories?"

"Certainly did. He's had a fascinating life."

"True. Did Berry make you go on that damn Death Ride thing?"

"Three times."

"Three?" The tone was frankly incredulous.

"She dared me, Doug; what did you expect me to do?"

"Call her bluff, I guess. Which of you went green first?"

"It was a close thing. But we were both able to eat dinner afterwards, so I guess there's no harm done."

"You're a brave man, Chad. Insane, but brave. Very brave."

And, since he knew they were not only talking about the Death Ride, Ryan merely nodded. "Thank you." But he found himself laughing. "Wouldn't you honestly think her life was exciting enough already?"

"Huh? Well, maybe she feels she can cope with just about anything when you're around. I know I do." Kearney had not really been concentrating on what he was saying. Now he set down his coffee cup and threw an amused look in Ryan's direction. "I look up and see you there and I know for certain everything's going to be okay. You have that effect on me, honey."

"You … " Ryan began to speak, then stopped. "It's the same for me," he admitted, awkwardly.

"Yeah." The tone of Kearney's voice altered. "So, did you miss me?"

It was a revealing question; since the showdown with the Vice President Kearney had been in retreat, the shock of near-exposure driving him to discretion bordering on denial. Other than the occasional touch and a kiss or two snatched in the locker room or private sitting room, there had been no conduct to which Maddocks could have objected even if he had been present. Accepting the need for caution, however, was the easy part; reconciling abstinence with their desire for one another only demonstrated the magnitude of the gulf between logic and emotion and that this relationship conformed to the dictates of neither.

"Of course."

"You realize we promised discretion, rather than celibacy? We never said we'd stop wanting each other, just that we wouldn't do anything in public."

"No more misuse of Government facilities," smiled Ryan. "What exactly does that mean, anyway? No sex in the East Room during a reception?"

"Nor the Oval Office during a live broadcast," was the laughing reply.

"I'd probably do that, if you wanted."

"I know you would." The image was unreasonably distracting, however, and it was only with difficulty that Kearney fought his way back to practical and immediate considerations.

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