Chapter Eight

Sara snuggled closer and, automatically, the arm around her shoulder pulled her in. They were cuddling on the couch in his home theater, watching a classic Hitchcock film. It seemed the only movies they could readily agree on were the classics. Hanging around watching movies hadn’t been their original plan for the day. They had discussed taking his yacht for a trip along the coast, but rain and high winds convinced them a day on the water might not be the best idea. Despite the change in plans, she wasn’t complaining. In fact, she found their current situation more enjoyable than a day on the water. When she returned home in a few days, it would be these moments she’d miss the most. Living and working in D.C. didn’t leave much time for nights like this. Although, even if she did have the opportunity, she wouldn’t want to spend the time with anyone else.

Christopher was slowly working his way into her heart. Not only did they share many of the same values, but he was also kind and truly seemed to care about her, not just her last name. He asked questions about her likes and desires, and he answered any questions she asked. She wouldn’t call what she felt love, yet she suspected her feelings could easily turn into that. And while she knew her own feelings well, she couldn’t gauge his. Instinct told her he wouldn’t risk his friendship with Jake for a short fling. The two had been friends for too long. Still, that didn’t mean his feelings ran as deep as hers.

Either way, when she returned to Washington, their relationship would endure its first big test. Many couples, regardless of how long they’d been together, couldn’t survive a long-distance relationship. The stress of not seeing each other, combined with the already present stresses of life, often proved too much even for the most dedicated couples. Not that close proximity guaranteed a successful relationship, but it did help. Right now, neither of them had a choice. Either they try the long-distance thing or call it quits when she boarded the plane in a few days. And although she hadn’t been considering a relationship with anyone a few weeks ago, she wasn’t ready to give up on this one yet.

“Are you up for another movie?” Christopher’s arm left her shoulder as he leaned forward to retrieve the remote control.

Immediately, she missed the physical contact. “Sure. How about a Bogart or Sinatra film this time?” She could only handle Hitchcock in small amounts.

Christopher pulled up a list of movies stored in his library on the screen and opened the classics folder. “Tell me when you see something you like.”

She read and dismissed half a dozen titles before something caught her eye. “Sabrina,” she said, picking the original Bogart version.

Christopher threw her a “you’re kidding me expression” but selected the movie. “Is this your way of sneaking in a romance movie?”

Sara clenched her teeth together to keep from smiling. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. This movie is a classic. They even remade it back in the nineties. Although, I think this version is much better.”

“The classics can be romantic films too. Ever heard of Gone With The Wind?” Tossing the remote down, he settled his arm around her again. “The things I’ll do for you,” he said with exasperation before lowering his head and kissing her.

The slow, leisurely kiss continued through the opening credits, and Sara only pulled away when she heard the first lines of the movie. “Maybe we should save this for later. The movie started.”

“Or we can save the movie for later,” Christopher whispered in her ear, his warm breath a caress against her skin. “And continue this now.”

Her heart jolted and her pulse pounded at his suggestion. “We could,” Sara answered in a silky voice. Turning toward him, she put her arms around his neck. In response, his arms encircled her waist, anchoring her against his body as his hands slipped under her shirt and caressed her back. The gentle feel of his hands on her skin sent a warm shiver through her. Jerking away suddenly, he reached for the hem of her shirt. With a quick tug, he pulled it up and over her head. Placing both hands on her shoulders, his gaze focused on her face before moving downward.

When his hands slid across her skin toward her bra, she almost moaned. Taking his time, he traced the outline of her lacy bra before finally unhooking the clasp between her breasts.

“I think you like teasing me,” she said, her breathing uneven.

“You have no idea,” Christopher said, just before his tongue darted out and licked her nipple.

Sara jumped as the intimate contact sent her desire into overdrive. Christopher took his time teasing one nipple before changing and lavishing his attention on the other. By the time he finished, her whole body burned and tingled.

“Now might be a good time to go upstairs.” Christopher picked up her T-shirt and handed it to her with a wicked smile on his face. “The movie will still be here later.”

Sara pulled the shirt over her head. If his sister wasn’t currently staying with him, she’d suggest they not waste any time and stay right where they were. “Let’s go.”

***

“During the movie last night, I had a thought.”

Sara’s hand paused with her tea raised almost to her mouth. The tone of his voice gave no indication of what kind of thought it had been. “About?”

“The senator’s education initiative. I think it could use a few more heavy hitters to endorse it.”

Sara sipped her drink, enjoying the taste of the freshly brewed English breakfast tea. “It couldn’t hurt. Anyone in mind?”

Christopher reached for a scone and her eyes followed his every movement, the memory of his hands touching her earlier making her hot everywhere.

“Your sister Callie. She has the credentials as an educator and the public loves her. She’s like a modern-day Cinderella in their eyes.”

The hunger and desire she’d felt moments ago died. His reasoning held merit. Everything he said was true. How could she possibly ask her though? While their relationship remained cordial, they were far from friends. Hadn’t she already explained to him about her relationship with Callie?

“I’m not sure, Christopher. She and I don’t interact much except when we have to.” Sara took another sip of her tea to wash away the bitterness in her mouth. So many times she’d wished to go back and change her initial meeting with Callie.

“Not even for something like this?” he asked, breaking his scone in half. “Think of how many children will benefit if this goes through.” The easygoing attitude she’d come to know disappeared. “It needs as many supporters as possible. If you ask her, I’m confident she’ll do it.”

If anyone else asked her, Callie would probably do it, Sara had little doubt. If she asked Callie, the outcome didn’t seem likely.

“Imagine the publicity it would get if both the president’s daughters supported this.”

He made a sound argument. Dad’s approval rating was at an all-time high for a US president. He had blown away the competition in the last election, and political analysts already predicted he would win hands down in the next one. People liked and trusted him.

“If you wanted me to ask Jake, that would be one thing, but Callie…” Sara’s voice trailed off. She considered telling Christopher to ask her himself.

“Sara, you’re both adults. I think she’ll put aside any personal feelings for something this important. I’m suggesting you ask Callie to help, not become your best friend.”

For a split second, she thought she detected annoyance in his voice, but then it disappeared, leaving her to wonder if she’d imagined it. Sara focused on her teacup, Christopher’s words swirling around in her head. He might be right. The only way to find out was to ask her half sister.

“I’ll try, but I can’t make any promises, Christopher.” Her stomach knotted up at the thought of calling Callie. “Maybe I’ll talk to Jake too.”

Neither spoke much during breakfast. While Christopher polished off a full meal of eggs, fruit, and scones, she merely picked at the fruit—her appetite gone as she envisioned calling Callie. A face-to-face conversation was out. If Callie couldn’t see her, she’d never know how uncomfortable Sara was. And she needed to do it soon for two reasons. If she waited too long, it only gave her time to reconsider, and if Callie agreed, they could get the word out faster about her support.

Sara spent the rest of the morning searching for the perfect wording. She knew Callie understood the importance of improving public school education. Callie had been a public school teacher in Massachusetts for several years before moving to New York and the private school where she now taught. But she didn’t know if Callie could put aside her personal feelings toward her. During those first few months, she treated Callie horribly. She didn’t know if she’d be willing to help if the tables were reversed. She’d like to think so considering what was at stake, but an inkling of doubt remained.

In the end though, all the careful consideration and worry proved useless. By the time she came up with a speech and called, it wasn’t Callie who answered the phone but Dylan.

“Callie’s not home. She had to attend an event at school,” Dylan said after she asked to speak with Callie.

“Oh, can you can pass along a message for me?” Sara’s anxiety level dropped when Dylan told her Callie was gone. “Christopher Hall and I hoped she would contribute her support for Healy’s Education Initiative. It’s due up for a vote soon. I could send her all the details.”

“Is that the plan Healy worked on with Senator Kenny?” Dylan asked.

Sara didn’t recall telling him about it before this conversation, but she was glad he already knew of it. “Yes. The senator pulled in Christopher as a supporter earlier this month.”

“E-mail her the specific details. I can’t speak for her, but I think she’ll do it based on what I already know about it.”

The lead weight on her shoulders slid off. She’d gotten out of asking Callie directly, and Dylan felt confident she’d do it. Maybe, if she was lucky, they could communicate about the project through e-mails, and make things even easier.