Agents from her detail lingered around the estate, and although most were in the know by now, Blake had still pulled Elizabeth into the boathouse to privately steal a kiss before he readied the boat.
"I think I love you," he said against her lips.
Elizabeth's fingers brushed through his hair before her hand found a home behind his neck.
"I think I love you too," she said softly.
The doubt that the additional word in the sentiment created allowed them to teeter the edge, making their feelings appear less messy— less definite and more deniable. But, now, there was no denying the obvious tent in his pants.
Blake pulled her into him.
Their relationship felt as real as he'd hoped it wouldn't when they'd first slept together. Sex was one thing, but when their hearts had gotten involved… They were royally screwed.
When he pressed her against the wall, decorative ores fell. They both startled before, whilst giggling, they found each other's lips again. They continued to kiss. The sound of the water sloshing against the haul of the boat faded away as he zeroed in on the feeling of Elizabeth's body against his own.
As he bunched the fabric of Elizabeth's sweatshirt in his fist, there was a gasp, and then, "I—"
Blake turned, still gripping Elizabeth by the hips, to find Jenna standing by the Malibu.
Jenna nervously held up two thermoses. "Your mom forgot to bring down the coffee with the picnic basket."
His hands dropped away.
"Jen—"
"Ma'am, I have a secure call for you." Matt had appeared in the doorway. "They say it's urgent," he said.
Elizabeth's steps were loud as she disappeared out onto the dock.
"What the hell?" Jenna slammed the two travel mugs of coffee down onto a table. "You're sleeping with your boss? With the Secretary of State?"
Her eyes were wide.
Jenna was like a sister to him. They laughed, they loved, and they fought— just as siblings did. In the last eight years, he'd never seen her as mortified as she was now. Surely, the fighting would ensue momentarily.
"Jen, it's not what it looks like."
"So, you're not sleeping with her?"
His lips parted. "No, I am."
Jenna huffed as her hands found her hips. "God, Blake," she hissed. "This house already has enough tension as of late. You didn't have to bring your own secrets and lies up the damn coast! Your family doesn't need it."
He held up his hands, showing defeat. "Let me explain."
She arched one brow. "Go on."
