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  Kate’s smile nearly made Emmy melt on the spot. That smile, those eyes, her confidence, her warmth. Everything about her made Emmy more and more attracted to her. Over the past few months, she’d gotten to see the “private” Kate Stewart, the one behind closed doors. She was one tough woman, but she was also kind and warm and generous. Many would have let the power go to their head, but not this woman.

  “Uh . . . Agent Harris?” Kate laughed.

  “Oh, sorry, Madame President.” Emmy smiled apologetically. “Apparently my mind’s apt to wander today. My name is Emmy.”

  “Can I ask you a favor, Emmy?”

  “Of course.” Emmy replied.

  “When we’re in private, please don’t call me Madame President. It’s so formal and stiff. Please, call me Kate.”

  Emmy nodded, taken aback at the honor. “Uh . . . sure.” Getting to be on a first name basis with the President of the United States was not something that happened every day.

  “Is Emmy short for something? Seems like an unusual first name,” Kate added.

  Emmy, feeling a little more comfortable, smirked. “It is, but I don’t like telling people my full name. Only my father uses it and I kind of hate it.”

  Kate laughed. “Emmy, have a seat.” She motioned to one of the chairs in front of her desk. Emmy did as she was told, her heart starting to flutter uncontrollably at this private interaction with the woman of her dreams.

  “Now, let me tell you something, Emmy,“ Kate smirked, her dimples on display again. She leaned towards Emmy as if to lecture her, but the mischievous glint in her eyes gave her away. “I’m the President of the United States. If I ask for information, I usually get it, one way or another. So are you seriously going to deny me when I ask what your full name is?” She winked, letting Emmy know she was teasing.

  Emmy’s entire body was abuzz and aflame at this point. Was the woman flirting with her? It sure felt like it. The banter was definitely tinged with what seemed like a flirty undertone, but maybe her mind was just playing tricks on her. It was hard to believe that Kate Stewart would be interested in her. After a few moments of silence, she steeled her courage and responded, deciding to give as good as she got. “My name’s Emmaline. But no one gets to call me that unless there’s something good in it for me. Unless they’re somebody really, really special.” She grinned, her green eyes twinkling.

  Kate smirked right back. “Emmaline. I like it. It suits you. Yep. Emmaline it is.”

  Emmy was about to correct her, but held her tongue. First, was she really foolish enough to tell the President of the United States what she could or could not call her? Secondly, she kind of liked the way it sounded coming from Kate. It felt like it was their own private joke, and anything private between her and this woman was okay in Emmy’s book.

  “So tell me a little more about yourself, Emmaline,” Kate asked, not wanting their conversation to end.

  “Um . . . “ Emmy began, fidgeting nervously.

  Kate shot her another dimpled grin, which put Emmy at ease again. Something about those dimples . . . they did the trick every time.

  “I won’t bite. I promise,” Kate said.

  What if I want you to bite? was what ran through Emmy’s head. She thanked her lucky stars that her filter was still intact. Saying that aloud would have been mortifying. “What do you want to know?” she said instead.

  “Hmmm . . . Where did you grow up?” Kate asked.

  Emmy was relieved by the easy question. “I grew up in Miami, but I haven’t lived there since I graduated high school.”

  “Any siblings?”

  Emmy nodded. “I have one sister, Rachel.”

  “Where did you go to school?”

  “I went to NYU for undergrad and then I got my law degree at Harvard,” Emmy replied. The rapid-fire questions were starting to make her a little nervous, but then again, Kate was known for her quick thinking and for being straight shooter. This kind of subtle interrogation wasn’t entirely unexpected.

  As if reading Emmy’s mind, Kate apologized. “I’m sorry. This is starting to feel like a job interview and kind of one-sided. I just figured you probably already know all about my background. Not exactly something that hasn’t been in the press. How about this? Tell me your favorite book and I’ll tell you mine?”

  Emmy smiled a little, thankful not only that Kate had sensed the awkwardness, but also because she was about to be let into the personal side of this fascinating woman. “No question, my favorite book is Pride and Prejudice.”

  “No way! Mine too!” Kate responded. “I love the wit and humor of that book, but also the fact that it features a strong heroine who was prepared to sacrifice everything rather than live a life that wasn’t her own. Austen is a genius.”

  Emmy smiled. Kate had just summed up her exact reasons for that choice. “I agree 100%. Though, on a side note, I have to say, I always thought Lizzy’s friend Charlotte was a lesbian.” The minute the words were out of her mouth, Emmy immediately regretted bringing it up, afraid of Kate’s response.

  However, Kate took it in stride. “I can see that.” Kate said, after taking a moment to ponder. “No one else would ever agree to marry a guy like Collins. She must have been desperate. There weren’t exactly gay bars back then where she could have met a nice girl to shack up with. I felt sorry for her. Which film version do you prefer?”

  “Definitely the BBC miniseries with Colin Firth. You?”

  “The same,” Kate replied. “It’s a book that can’t be done justice in a 2 hour movie.”

  Emmy was beaming at this point. She liked this woman. A lot. She was witty and entertaining and of course beautiful. And the fact that she was taking time out of her extremely busy day to bond with “the help” was beyond endearing.

  “What’s your favorite movie?” Kate continued, thoroughly enjoying their conversation. There was something about this woman that just put her at ease. She could already tell that she and Emmy Harris were going to be fast friends.

  “That’s a tough one. So many good ones, but I think the winner is A League of Their Own. No matter how many times it’s on cable, I always have to watch.”

  Kate nodded enthusiastically. “That’s a good one. Love it. My favorite . . . and you’re going to laugh, is The Happiest Millionaire.” Emmy looked at her, perplexed. “I know, I know, you’ve never heard of it. It’s this obscure Disney musical from the 60s about this eccentric millionaire who keeps alligators in his conservatory and runs a Bible class that’s really a boxing club. Even his daughter boxes. I don’t know why, but I love it.”

  Emmy smirked. Somehow, she could totally see Kate liking a movie like that. It sounded a little too perky for her taste though. “Sounds . . . interesting. Maybe I’ll check it out some time.” Emmy offered a small, sly smile.

  Kate’s heart warmed a little. She could tell that Emmy was humoring her, but it touched her that Emmy would even try. Most people just made fun of her. But then again, she was the President now, so it was quite possible Emmy was afraid to disagree with her. Brushing her doubts aside, she continued. “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

  Emmy thought about it for a minute. “Well, I’d like to continue being successful in my career . . . though I’m not sure how I go much higher than this assignment right here.” She smiled.

  Kate cut in. “I’m sure you earned this job and I know that I’m thankful to have you here with me. I really appreciate the sacrifice you’re making to ensure that I’m safe.”

  Emmy shrugged. “It’s my job. No big deal.”

  “But it is a big deal. I know a lot of people wouldn’t be willing to do this job. You’re brave, Emmaline. And I admire that.”

  Their eyes locked and Emmy blushed slightly, which made Kate’s heart beat a little faster. Something about this woman flustered her a little. And she was not one to get flustered easily – it was not something that the President of the United States could afford.

  “Anyway . . .” Emmy finally co
ntinued. “Other than my career, I’d like to find the right person, get married, settle down, maybe have a kid or two. But that’s not something I can just snap my fingers and create. Plus, my job doesn’t exactly make it easy to keep a relationship going.”

  Kate nodded in agreement. “I hear you. And now, though I’m determined to keep trying, it’s going to be even more difficult for me. Dating the President isn’t exactly a low-pressure thing. But I’m determined to keep at it, even if the press wants to continue painting me as a heartbreaking, love ‘em and leave ‘em type.”

  Emmy smiled, sensing that this was a touchy subject for the blonde. “I totally understand. I was married once. My husband couldn’t accept how much time I put into my career. We grew apart, and then I found out he was cheating on me. It hurt, but I knew that I wasn’t completely faultless. I’d put my career first.”

  Kate nodded in understanding. “I know what you mean . . . and I’m sorry about your marriage. But I definitely get it. I chose my career, to the detriment of my personal happiness. I sometimes regret it. Having to keep up appearances, having to make sure I don’t do anything that will be spun as a scandal. Even so, I’ve gotten this reputation as a serial dater. It’s not because I don’t want long term . . . I definitely do. Things are just complicated and I haven’t found the one yet. And it sucks. Seeing my name out there with this less than savory reputation. I’m actually sometimes surprised that it didn’t hinder my campaign. I don’t know, maybe the public saw through the lies. Or maybe they just don’t care as much about my personal life as the press would lead you to believe.” Kate finally paused, realizing she’d rambled. She didn’t normally open up to people, let alone to someone she hardly knew, but there was something about Emmy that just made her want to talk. Something that made her want to be completely open and honest. Something that had made her feel an immediate connection. She was comfortable. Emmy was comfortable.

  Emmy was a bit stunned by Kate’s openness. Stunned and happy. She got the sense that Kate didn’t open up often. The fact that Kate had poured out her feelings to her must have meant something, right?

  Kate’s next question interrupted Emmy’s thoughts. “If you could have any super power, what would it be?”

  Emmy chuckled. “A super power? Really?” This woman’s quirks were adorable.

  Just as Emmy was about to answer, Hollander strode into the office. The relaxed atmosphere was immediately gone. Kate shook her head. That man could kill a mood in seconds flat.

  “Madame President, you’ve got that date with Brad Marson at the Capitol Cafe in 30 minutes. We should leave, you don’t want to be late. The man’s got some great connections here in Washington that we can take advantage of. Plus, it’s been months since you were photographed with anyone and you know how the public loves reading about the personal lives of the powerful, rich and famous.” Kate rolled her eyes and sighed.

  Emmy didn’t notice Kate’s less than enthused response and her heart dropped at the mention of a date. She had no right to be hurt, but that didn’t stop her from feeling as though she’d been gutted.

  * * * * *

  Shortly thereafter, Kate was seated across from Brad Marson as Emmy watched on. This was a part of her job that she definitely didn’t enjoy. Having to watch the woman that she wanted to date have a romantic dinner with someone else was sheer torture.

  “So tell me about yourself, Brad?” Kate began.

  Brad shrugged. “Can’t you just get some dossier on me or something and skip the small talk crap?”

  Kate sighed. This was going to be a long night. “I suppose I could, but I prefer to do some things on my own. “Where did you grow up?”

  “Does it matter?” Brad responded.

  Kate was taken aback. This guy was a piece of work. Where had Hollander dug up this creep? “What about your family, any siblings?”

  “I don’t talk about my family. 2 siblings. Next.”

  “Where did you go to school?”

  “I went to the University of Florida on a wrestling scholarship. In high school, I was all-state, baby.” He puffed out his chest with pride and leaned back in her seat, clearly expecting her to be impressed.

  Kate struggled to maintain her calm demeanor. She wanted to laugh out loud at this buffoon, but she was way too polite for that. She couldn’t help but draw comparisons between this jerk and the fun conversation she’d just had with Emmy minutes before.

  “What’s your favorite book?” Kate asked, regretting the question as soon as she asked it. She silently wondered if Brad could even read. How could a guy like this have any connections worth having?

  “I don’t read. Reading is for nerds and bored housewives. Unless you count Playboy. But no, I don’t subscribe just for the articles.” He shot her a self-satisfied smirk.

  Kate struggled to maintain a polite façade. “What about movies? Got a favorite movie?” She prayed for a decent answer. Movies didn’t require any brainpower, so he should have no trouble answering.

  “I don’t know. Anything with half-naked chicks and blowing shit up is good with me.”

  Emmy laughed out loud, but quickly turned it into a fake cough. Kate shot her a look, with a quick smirk, before turning her attention back to Brad.

  Kate knew she shouldn’t bother, but couldn’t resist. “Where do you see yourself in five years, Brad?”

  “I live for the now. We could die tomorrow, so we might as well enjoy today. That’s my motto. Seize the day and that kind of crap. Which is why I like girls who put out on the first date. No reason to wait. We could be dead tomorrow.”

  Kate nodded. “That’s an interesting philosophy, Brad.” Did this guy know whom he was talking to? Telling the President of the United States in a not-so-subtle manner that she should “put out!?!” Kate was stunned.

  Emmy wore an amused smirk on her face. Kate kept glancing up at her after each question, as if they had their own silent running joke, looking for Emmy’s response to each of Brad’s absurd answers.

  Kate asked another question, silently praying for an earthquake, a riot, a nuclear crisis, anything that would pull her away from this awful date. This had to be one terrible date if she was seriously wishing that kind of ill on the world just to escape a night with this guy. But forget it, she was Kate Stewart, damn it. She could get through this. Forging ahead, she asked another question. “If you could have any super power, what would it be?”

  Brad smirked and responded. “X-ray vision, so I could see hotties without their clothes on.”

  Kate sighed, struggling to keep a one-sided conversation with this pig going.

  Out of the corner of her eye, Kate saw Emmy hold a hand up to her earpiece. She nodded a few times before responding. “Right. Yes, sir. I’ll pass along the message to her right away.” She then stepped over to Kate and bent to whisper in her ear.

  Kate felt a twinge of guilt, realizing that her selfish wishes for a crisis might have come true. However, those thoughts flowed away as Emmy’s warm breath tickled Kate’s skin and sent shivers down her spine. “Looks like you might want an out with this jerk. Play along and we’ll pretend I just got an urgent message for you that requires your presence back at the White House. Or if I’ve read it wrong, just ignore me and I’ll keep my mouth shut from now on.”

  Kate nodded and smiled thankfully up at Emmy. This woman was a keeper. She thought she’d die if she had to spend another minute with this guy. Turning to Brad, she said, “I’m sorry, but we’ve got a bit of a crisis and I need to go handle it. You know, being President and all.” She only slightly regretted waiving her title in this jerk’s face. “I’ve had a nice time and my people will be in touch. We’ll take care of the check. Nice meeting you.” She put on her perkiest, kindest façade and shook his hand before leaving the restaurant with Emmy and the rest of her entourage.

  As they headed to the door, Kate looked up at Emmy and smiled. “Thank you so much, Emmaline. You’re a lifesaver . . . and a much better date than he’ll ev
er be.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  “You’re a lifesaver . . . and a much better date than he’ll ever be.”

  Emmy replayed those words over and over in her head constantly for the next few days. She couldn’t make heads or tails of it. Kate had continued on her way as if it were the most normal thing in the world to say. Clearly she hadn’t realized the effect that one sentence could have on Emmy. Emmy could think of nothing else. What had Kate meant? Probably nothing. Kate had most likely meant simply that Emmy could hold a normal, non-offensive conversation. And really, it didn’t take much to beat that guy – he’d been a stereotypical chauvinist pig. Emmy shook her head as she thought about it. She hadn’t actually believed that people like Brad really existed. Clearly she’d been naïve.