Page 51 of Innocent

Sure, things developed quickly between us, but when we started this, Leo could’ve just fucked me and made no future plans with me. He could’ve lied to me and said he was single and unattached.

The transparency Leo’s shown throughout our courtship tells me this is the right path for me.

Mimi always told me to trust my gut instincts, good and bad.

Everything in my gut screams that Leo’s my forever man, and like hell will I rush things along.

Christopher Bruunt offers me a job in the East Wing, and it takes everything I have not to embarrass myself by doing a silly victory dance during our discussion. Somehow, I manage to maintain my composure and gracefully accept the offer.

Later, when I’m alone with Leo, I let out awhoopand jump into his arms as he laughs and kisses me. I know he talked to Mr. Bruunt on my behalf, but I will work my ass off and prove I deserve to have the job. I’ll be a deputy assistant to his chief of staff. My job duties will include helping plan events, making decorating decisions for things like floral arrangements and holiday themes, and social media work.

I mean…this istotallymy jam. I’m literally going to be using my skills and training.

In thefrickingWhite House!

I think Mimi would be okay with me putting my master’s degree on hold for this.

She probably would have grabbed me and shook sense into me if I’d turned it down.

Meanwhile, I’m working closely with the Chief Usher and his office to finalize the plans for Inauguration Day. He’s been great and assures me I haven’t dropped any balls, even though my nerves feel frayed.

At least I have Leo’s solid strength to ground and calm me most nights. The thought of Elliot being alone every night is the strongest anchor I have to hold on to empathy for the man and remind myself that I’m the lucky one.

If I’m struggling with my nerves right now, I can only imagine what Elliot’s going through as he closes in on taking the oath of office before the entire world.

When I awaken Christmas morning—at least we get to sleep in until eight—I find Leo smiling down at me.

“Good morning, baby.” He kisses me, driving all other thoughts out of my head.

“Good morning, Sir.”

We’re not exchanging gifts this year. Hell, it was all I could do to find time to put up a little two-foot tree in the middle of the dining room table. It was a pre-made kit, with lights and ornaments and everything included.

But I didn’t want to not have a tree this year. Mimi and I used to decorate the entire house for every holiday. I still have all our ornaments and lights and everything in the storage unit. They are precious memories I’ll treasure.

Next year, I’ll have them for our apartment, and can really get into the spirit.

This year, we’re so busy that if I didn’t have a calendar on my phone, I wouldn’t remember what the hell day it is.

“Merry Christmas.”

I snuggle closer. “Merry Christmas, Sir.” I close my eyes, but then I feel him nudge me with something. I open my eyes again to realize he’s holding a small present in his hand.

“What’s that?”

“I got you a little something.”

Guilt fills me. “I thought we weren’t doing presents? I didn’t get you anything.”

“I know. This isn’t just a Christmas present, though. Open it.”

I sit up and take it from him. It’s light, and I’d be lying if I denied I was a little underwhelmed when I realize it’s a necktie. It’s a gorgeous jewel-tone blue with thin, pale green and ruby stripes. It’s an adult-looking tie. Responsible.

I’m struggling to understand why he’d get me anecktie…

Until the meaning slams into me and takes my breath away.

I look at him. “Matchies?” It’s something he and Elliot have—matching neckties.