William's Tale by Regina Morris Page A

leaned in closer once or twice. She thought surely when she touched his arm once before that it would be a prelude to something, but nothing was forthcoming.
    This man seemed different from the other men in her life, patient and kind. Any other man would take advantage of her alone in this room, and she was stupid even to venture in here with him, but there was something so honest about him.
    Her fingers sought out his fingers on top of the couch, and she returned the soft caress doing her best to warm him. “It’s nearly midnight,” she said playfully.
    Thank God.
    He sat straighter on his side of the couch, as if Jackie had announced she was Cinderella and needed to leave the ball. “The time is still early,” he protested.
    “The party ends at midnight. Everyone removes their mask and the auction winners are announced.”
    Finally, she would find out who he was.
    Smiling, he confessed, “I don’t know anyone else at the party, and I don’t care if I won any auctions or not.” His hand now left hers on the couch and lifted to the side of his mask. “You’re the only one who needs to know who I am.”
    He pulled the mask away, and Jackie let out a gasp. It was him. William what's-his-name, the Secret Service agent from all those months ago — the man she hadn’t stopped thinking about. She had no idea it would be him, and yet, a part of her wasn’t surprised to discover his true identity. Her heart raced at seeing him again.

Chapter Eighteen
     
    The feeling of butterflies erupted in Jackie's stomach when William said he wasn’t quite ready to end the evening, and that he wanted to take her out.
    After removing their masks, William had taken off his cape and said their outfits might be a bit showy for where he wanted to go, but that they would be passable. She at first suspected he planned to take her out dancing or to some other gracious event. But he hinted that he had something more special in mind.
    The drive was a bit lengthy, but she knew her way around the city and was familiar with the streets. William then turned down Pennsylvania avenue, and Jackie quietly smiled. She loved this street. Passing in front of the White House always had her turn her head just to get a look at the place. It was one of the perks living in D.C..
    Her head was already turned to take in the lovely image, when she heard the car blinker sound as they approached the impressive home. William past some protesters and then turned down the North Drive in front of the mansion.
    Jackie’s jaw dropped. “You’re kidding?”
    “I thought you’d like to see where I work.”
    She couldn’t even breath. He was taking her to the White House? My God! How cool was that? Her face now hurt with how big of a smile she now wore.
    As they pulled up to the impressive mansion, Jackie’s eyes grew wider in delight and she could feel her heart beating faster. “You’re taking me to the White House?” she asked again.
    Grinning from ear to ear, William drove onto the North Portico where guards awaited his identification. Before they reached the guard station, William stared intently at her, and for a moment Jackie thought something might be wrong.
    “You don’t intend to harm the President, his family, or endanger anyone within the White House, do you?”
    Before she could even think, she answered, “No.”
    “Do you now, or have you ever, planned to take over the government.”
    Again, the word “no” escaped her lips. She felt slightly dizzy and realized the car was now parked along the north staircase of the White House, but she didn’t remember the guard giving back the IDs. And yet, her driver’s license rested safely in her hands.
    She shook her head, realizing she had drunk too much wine earlier in the evening.
    A guard opened her door and let her out of the car while William came around to hold out his arm before escorting her into the building.
    “Have you ever been in the White House before?”
    Jackie shook her head.