I glance over Charlie's shoulder to Colin McKenna and Caden who have gravitated closer, standing just behind her. At the same time, I remember the intensity with which the President told us to drop the Gavin Lawless topic. Needles of apprehension track down my arm. I don't want to piss off the leader of the free world.
"Is this a good idea, Charlie? I mean your husband was clear about his cease-and-desist order."
She leans closer to whisper, "I invited Lockman more than a week ago. It's not as if I can withdraw the offer just because Colin dictates we stop. And we're not doing anything. We don't know if Lockman is involved and the chances of learning anything of consequence are slim. But . . . if we happen to stumble across information that will shed some light on what happened to Commander Lawless, then it's a win –win. Colin will never know but Caden will. He said you know Lockman?"
I nod and she continues, "I placed the two of you next to each other at dinner. Chat him up, dance with him afterward. Maybe scotch will loosen his lips."
She smiles, and it's easy to understand why America loves this woman. Charlie Carter McKenna is beautiful, fun yet vulnerable, and she is true. It's also apparent she loves her husband. When he moves, she moves, and vice versa. They're shadows of the other with looks and touch.
"I hope you're right, and that our ruse isn't discovered." I say it to her, but I'm staring at Colin McKenna.
"Not to worry," Charlie says. "My nights are oh-so fun when I'm in trouble."
She giggles a soft lilting sound that draws the President's attention. His eyes sear into hers until she blushes. He twists and bends, taking her mouth in a devastating but short kiss. Hot damn. Gram was right. Those two are about to burn the house down. Charlie breaks away, breathless and apologizing for interrupting the President's conversation with the decorated Navy official and Caden.
And Caden. His gaze is just as hot, and it's narrowed in on the flush rising on my chest. But Charlie nudges me with an elbow and smiles, not the kind I've seen from her up to this point but a canned version of her genuine grin.
"This introduction is for you." She nods over my shoulder, and I turn to find slicked back hair and a smarmy smirk. Lockman.
"Piper Stevens?"
"Morgan," I say holding out my hand. His grip is tight, and he bends to brush his lips over my knuckles. "How lovely to see you."
"The pleasure is mine. I hadn't realized you know the President and Mrs. McKenna."
"Ah." Charlie waves away the statement. "We go way back. Many moons. Lots of time, long time. Piper and I have known each other for ages."
"Ages." I bite back a grin. It falters when Lockman's brow crinkles, and I draw on every bit of fandom stalking I've done on the First Lady. "College. My studies took me to the University of Michigan for a summer where Charlie's dad is a professor. Who knew then she'd live in the White House one day?"
I laugh, Charlie laughs, and I hope we look like long-lost friends and not crazy, snorting liars.
"Wonderful," he says eyeing us both as if we've had too much wine. I raise my glass so he'll take it as a conclusion and not just suspicion. "It's my hope we'll have time to catch up later this evening, Piper. A dance perhaps?"
My blood runs cold, but it's why I'm here. "I look forward to it."
He nods, almost deep enough to be a bow. "Ladies," he says, and then disappears amongst the mingling crowd.
A beautiful sun-kissed blond woman pokes her head between ours as Lockman walks away. "Creep alert. Who's the dude with stock in Dippity Do?"
Charlie giggles and hands over the wine glass she has yet to sip from. "Piper, Ali, my sister. Ali, Piper, my new best friend from college. Nice save by the way, but really?"
Fire races up my chest. "I know, I'm sorry. I watch too much Entertainment Tonight and Fox News."
"Oh, then you've heard about the buns in the oven, eating for three, peas in the pod?"
"Ali," Charlie admonishes.
"And my favorite-bats in the cave. What's for dinner, by the way? It better not be a Rueben. If Chef Rene gave in to your ridiculous corned beef craving I'm having a chat with him tonight. He needs to consider the rest of the family because sauerkraut isn't cutting anything but the cheese."
"Oh my God, Ali. How much wine have you had?"
She tosses back the remnants in Charlie's glass and waves a waiter down for another. "Not enough. You didn't tell me he was coming."