Devastating Secret™

Dinner For Two

They return to the White House in the dead of night as per Noah's orders. He wasn't in the mood for the fanfare and neither was Eva. The next day, they proceeded on their duties, as usual, not speaking for another two weeks. Noah gave her the space, but checked in on her regularly. He never pried, but with her past suicidal tendencies, he ensured she was never left alone for long and had even enlisted Kate to help. Kate had smiled brightly at him for the first time since he'd known her as she always took Eva's side in their disagreements, but it seemed that she was on board with his plan to protect Eva from herself.

She was packing her office up when he knocked on the open door.

"Can I come in?"

"You're learning," Eva stated without looking up.

"We all have to do what we have to do. Speaking of which, I'm not running for re-election. Maybe when I'm older, but not right now." Noah declared.

"What made you change your mind?"

"You..." Noah stated as she finally looked up he added, "and the kids of course, but mainly I think we need to focus on being a normal couple and family."

"It's mainly because of me you're doing this, isn't it?" Eva whispered.

"It's mainly because we need to focus on each other and our kids before we take on the world. Eric's running, and Wayland wants me for the Chief of Defense. It'll mean more free time for us." Noah clarified as he wrapped his arms around her.

Eva relaxed in his arms and closed her eyes, sighing in contentment of his nearness. "I don't know what I did to deserve you, but thank you." She whispered.

"No, thank you," Noah countered as he kissed her hair, "I'm the one who doesn't deserve you. Besides, how will I get my beer gut without the little woman back at home bringing me my beer."

Eva chuckled and turned in his arms and kissed him. "Sometimes you can be the sweetest thing and the weirdest asshole, all at the same time and, yet I foolishly love them both."

"And you can be a murdering..."

"Quit while you're ahead, baby." Eva interrupted covering his mouth with her hand.

Noah nodded, and they briefly kissed then they stood there just hugging each other in silence. After some time had passed, Eva murmured to him, "Mi manchi piccolo."

"Mi man chi anche ti amore mia."

"Am I interrupting?" Wayland asked from the doorway, causing them to finally release each other.

"Not really, but we just needed to catch up." Noah explained, looking at Eva before asking, "You wanted to see me?"

"Actually, I came to speak to Eva ..." Wayland hedged looking at their joined hands, "but I think I just got my answer. Have a good evening." He finished with a smile as he left.

"What was that about?" Noah asked.

"I think he wanted me to change your mind," Eva said tiredly.

"Why didn't he ask?"

Eva lifted an eyebrow and Noah connected the dots. "Oh!"

"So, what do you say to a little dinner, just the two of us. I'll cook and bring the beer."

"I can get my own beer and for dessert, you can have Naked Noah Surprise," Noah replied, wagging his eyebrows at her.

Eva laughed and teased, "How about a normal desert, like Eva Naked Surprise.

"I've heard of this. It's quite exotic and very flavorful. I hear it goes well when paired with a vintage Washington Italian."

She laughed some more and asked as she hugged him, "I wonder where I could find a vintage Washington Italian."