presidential affair

camp david

We decided to go to Camp David for a few days. To get away from everything. Take a small break, as much as you could while being the president. He wanted to go see the fresh outdoors. It may be winter but he didn't care. It was cold and snowy but that didn't stop him, he loved Camp David. Since it was one of the few places he could get away. He would've traveled outside of work more often if he was allowed. We all needed this small break. Hopefully, he would sleep better while we were here. Some of his staff, especially James and I, could tell that he wasn't getting enough sleep. We still had many things to work on while we were there. A few key speeches, an upcoming nato agenda, along with some personal time spent in the cabins. Hanna decided that it would be best if she and the kids stayed back in DC. She had many things to finish there and since it was such a short trip. It gave more alone time for me and Jack. I don't know if that's the best thing since I don't want this. I don't want him, that was a lie but it was what I was telling myself.

Once we all got settled we headed to dinner. It was the president's night to host and tomorrow would be James. We had a nice meal and a great talk, we tried to keep work out of it. Most of the talk was about their families, since I was single and had no kids I didn't have much input. I still liked to listen and drink my wine.

The dishes were cleared and James decided to head out for the night. We had a semi-early start and he needed his "beauty sleep", according to him. It was just Jack and I and I tried to make a quick exit but he pulled me into a conversation. It started off light, mostly about work then it turned personal.

"So you didn't have much to say at dinner?" He stated the obvious.

"Well, you and James both have spouses and kids to talk about when we are trying to keep work out of the conversation. I have neither of those so I don't have much input. Best if I just keep quiet."

"You're not seeing anyone?" Was this jealousy rising from him?

"No, I'm not and if I was I probably wouldn't tell you. I wouldn't have to and it's not like..."

"Not like what Emma?"

"Not like we are seeing each other Jack." The two of us had to stop with this back and forth all the time. It wasn't healthy for either of us. It wasn't fair to Hanna, because half the time she only got part of Jack and the other she got most of him. "I better go, like James said we have an early morning. Night Jack."

"Night Emma."

I made my way quickly to my cabin, I hated the situation I had put myself in. It felt like a never ended cycle of me walking away from him because he got too close to me.

The next morning was rough. I barely got any sleep because I was tossing and turning. Then after what I had said to Jack last night. The thoughts in my head just kept swirling. I couldn't stand being this close to him for much longer. We were toxic to each other. He was willing to give up his marriage for me, I couldn't allow that. I loved working for him but god this wouldn't end well. There was a knock on my door. 

"Good morning sunshine," James said as chirpy as ever. His beauty sleep must've worked, unlike mine. "I hope you are ready to have a great day, filled with fun and work!" 

"There will be no fun and work until I have some caffeine," He pulled a coffee out from behind his back and handed it to me. "Thank you, James, I love you." 

"I know you so well." 

"That you do. What's on the agenda today?" 

"Well I know the two of you have a few speeches to go over, I need to call the White House and check-in there. So why don't we walk over to Jacks and the two of you can get started on that and I'll do my stuff that I need to? Don't forget that we are leaving this evening also." 

"Yeah I know, I will come back later after we are done to pack everything up. Honestly, a little sad we are leaving the peace and calm but I'm ready to be back in my own bed." I closed the door behind me. 

"Yeah, I totally understand that. Honestly, time away from the kids has been good but miss them too. Good morning Mr. President." 

"Good Morning James, Emma." He said looking behind the two of us. 

"Good morning sir," I said looking towards him. 

"I see you both got your coffee, I'm glad." 

"Well yes you don't want to see Emma without coffee, It's not a pretty sight." 

"Oh yes, I remember from the trail," Jack said looking towards me, with the look. Yep, going to be a long day. 

We made quick of work and it was a very full day. I made my way back to my cabin to make sure I had everything packed. There was a knock on my door, I quickly opened it, Jack was waiting on the other side. 

"You ready?" He asked. 

"Almost, just need to grab a few more things. Come on in." He stepped inside. 

"You look good today Emma. I'm glad James took care of you and got you coffee this morning." 

"Yeah, it was good since I didn't get much sleep last night." 

"Oh, yeah you needed the coffee," he moved closer to me. 

"Jack..." I said looking at him. "You know better." 

"I just want you, Emma," Jack kept walking closer.  

"No matter how many times you say it, things still won't change,"  I tried to get away. "Jack stop. You have to stop this. I cant continue to work with you, every time we are in the same room you give me this look." 

"Because I will always find you in a room, I want you to like the look." 

"I don't like it, it's starting to make me hate everything. I feel dirty."

"Don't" 

"Why wouldn't I feel dirty, you are always undressing me with your eyes! You have to stop." 

"I can't Emma! I love you too much for that." 

"I hate you, Jack!" 

Before he could respond there was another knocking on the door. 

"Sir the vehicles are ready to leave." 

"Okay," he turned back towards me. "We will finish this conversation later." He was mad by this point I had just told him I hated him. We both knew it wasn't true but it felt good to say, maybe just for a while, he would lay off.