Page 37 of Power
“And you two are together?”
“Kind of,” Reece replies.
“Yes, we are,” I answer. Reece slowly turns to look at me. “We are.”
“But.” Tash points to me. “You’re...” She points to Reece who nods. “And he’s...” She points to me, Reece nods again. “And you know what her profession is?” Tash looks like she’s about to explode if I shake my head.
“It’s how we met,” I say.
“What are you doing?” Reece whispers. She turns to Tash and wets her lips while reaching for her hand. “You can’t say anything.”
“I’d never say a word, but why didn’t you tell me?”
This conversation is between the girls. They need to sort out this among themselves. “I couldn’t,” Reece says. “Besides the fact I’ve signed an NDA, you know I never talk about my clients.” I clear my throat, not particularly appreciating the word client when she uses it to refer to me. Both Tash and Reece look to me before returning their attention between themselves. “If it makes you feel any better, I wanted to tell you.”
“Oh my God! That explains the cute guy hanging around you.”
“Cute guy?” I ask. My voice deceives me.
“She’s talking about Grayson.”
“Yeah, him. He’s Secret Service?” I nod my confirmation. Tash nibbles on her bottom lip as she remains quiet, deep in thought. “That’s an abuse of power, Mr. President. You can’t order the Secret Service to be your girlfriend’s bodyguard, especially considering Reece’s line of work. If the public finds out, she’s going to be in a world of pain. Not to mention you, and let’s not forget Emily, either.”
“Reece is quitting her profession,” I say.
“No, I’m not,” Reece pipes in to reply.
“Yes, you are,” I react adamantly. “There’s no question about this, Reece. You’re not doing this any longer.”
Tash’s lips purse together before making a popping sound. “Look, are you okay? Do you need to see a doctor? Have you called your doctor?”
“No, I’m fine. The only thing I’m concerned about is how I’m going to explain this when Emily comes home on Friday.” Reece points to her face. “And obviously, I won’t be able to work until all the bruising and swelling goes down.”
“You’re not working again,” I say with conviction.
Tash’s eyes widen as she looks everywhere around the room, attempting to avoid looking at either of us. “Um, are you okay? I’ll cancel my date, and stay with you.”
“No, don’t do that. I’m fine. I’ll draw a bath and relax. I just need to get today over with.”
“You’ll come home with me,” I say.
“Can you stop?” Reece says to me.
“Um.” Tash shakes her head. “Are you sure? I can stay, we can eat ice cream, you can tell me all about...” She slightly angles her head toward me, giving Reece big eyes. When she peers over at me, she smiles innocently. “Or not.” She shrugs. “Look, I don’t know what the deal is here. You’re you.” Tash points to me. “And Reece is my best friend. I’m not sure what the proper thing to do is.”
“In this room, I’m Bennett.”
“I have to be honest, I got patted down out there, and Grayson looked through my bag, and there’s like forty-five million Secret Service agents out there. It’s a bit hard to have a conversation with Reece while you’re here.”
“Forty-five million?” I ask smiling.
“Maybe a slight exaggeration,” Tash replies. “Maybe ten agents out there, and that one around the corner.” Tash points toward Mark’s feet. “We’re getting away from the point that Reece is hurt.”
“I’m really not that hurt. It’s superficial. You don’t have to worry about me. Go on your date and enjoy yourself. Call me when you get home to tell me how it’s not going to work out because one ear is bigger than the other,” Reece teases Tash.
“That’s not fair.” Tash crinkles her forehead, then cracks a smile. “Actually, yeah, it’s a fair representation of what’ll happen.” She stands and looks at me. Wringing her hands together, she finally points over Reece’s head. “I’m going to grab my sweater.” Tash looks me up and down, then back to Reece. “Take care of her. Don’t let her stay here alone tonight.”
“It’s already decided; she’s coming home with me. She’s in good hands.”
