Page 23 of Innocent

When I walk into the office, our receptionist looks up. “Oh, Jordan, glad you’re here. Dr. Sently asked me to have you stop by her office immediately when you arrive.”

Alarm bells ring in my head, but I keep my expression calm. “Why?”

“She didn’t say.”

“Am I in trouble?”

“Not so far as I know.”

I grab everything from my box and weave my way through the cubicles in our department to her office, where I knock on the open doorway.

She’s sitting behind her desk and smiles when she sees me. “Ah, Jordan. Please, come in and close the door.”

I do, and she waves me to a chair.

“What’s going on, Dr. Sently?”

“I’ll be brief. Would you be interested in a short-term, all-expenses-paid design job in Washington, DC?”

This isn’t what I expected at all. “Say again?”

Her smile widens. “A once-in-a-lifetime job opportunity. The president-elect wants a design student from FSU to handle decorating the White House residence and her office.”

I damn near choke. “You’re…serious?”

“Absolutely.”

“What about school?”

“I’ll help you handle that.”

“They’ll pay all expenses?”

“And you’ll get paid, too.”

Hot damn!“I’m in. What do I have to do?”

“I’ll call them back and they’ll want to talk to you. Can you hand off your students to others?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Perfect.”

Four hours later, I’m once again sitting in Dr. Sently’s office, this time with Kevin Markos. I recognize him from TV—he used to have his own show on conservative cable news network FNB, and his infamous on-air meltdown made news on all the networks. He now works for the president-elect as her chief of staff.

He’s also a hottie, and I wonder if he’s single. I wouldn’t mind giving up my V-card to a guy like him, even if he is older than me. He looksdamnedgood in a suit.

Hmm.I might have a suit fetish, along with one for older guys.

We’re also video-chatting with President-elect Samuels and her husband, Christopher Bruunt, which…helloooo,reallyfreaking out now. Mr. Bruunt is another hottie, and President-elect Samuels is wonderfully kind and gracious. Her VP, Congressman Elliot Woodley, is alsohaawwt.

I’m glad I voted for her. Otherwise, this would beawwwwkward.

Yes, I researched before I voted. It wasn’t just because her VP is hotter than fuck.

Mostly.

Okay, maybe a little. Atinylittle. He looksamazingin his suit.