[Chapter 83: One Night in LA]
"Yeah, I'm swimming. Want to come down and join me?"
Madonna's mansion in Beverly Hills. The open-air pool glistened under the night sky.
Orlando smiled and called out to the wife of the Arkansas Governor, who was just getting home from work.
"But..."
Orlando could read the hesitation in her mind.
"Maybe you should rest first. I know you must be exhausted today. Diana told me you were out early this morning."
"I'm definitely tired. By the way, I have to say, this afternoon's interview went perfectly!"
"Really? As long as I can help you, that's all that matters."
Hillary was stunned.
"Proper swimming can relieve fatigue... and I'm really wiped out."
"Well, then, why don't you come on down?"
"Okay, I'll go change into my swimsuit."
"No problem!"
---
After a few minutes, Hillary appeared, having changed into her swimsuit. A hint of hesitation flickered in her eyes.
She spotted him already in the pool, wearing swim trunks.
'Fuck--'
Hillary exhaled softly, unsure whether to feel disappointed or relieved.
"Come here!"
Orlando waved her over. Hillary smiled and walked toward him.
"Sit down, Diane, sit down. Let me warm you up first."
"Um?"
"You've been busy and tired all day. Your body must be spent. Even though swimming helps, you can't just jump in cold. Lower your legs slowly, let your body adjust. That way, you won't shock yourself."
"That makes sense!"
Hillary obediently sat at the pool edge, dipping her long legs into the cool water.
"You said you wanted to help me warm up. How exactly?"
"Just like this."
Orlando casually started massaging her calves.
"This is a trick I picked up from the masseuse today. She said it's great for easing leg fatigue, especially for women who stand in heels all day!"
She felt warmth radiating from his hands -- and, again, that strange tingling sensation! For a moment, she wondered if he was secretly carrying some kind of electric device because every touch sent a mild shock through her!
But he acted like nothing was unusual, casually chatting to keep things light.
"Before he left, Alan Peterson from World Vision asked if I'd like to be honorary Vice President of their North America branch. Diane, what do you think? If it sounds right, I'll give him a call."
"...Sounds like you've had a bit too much to drink. Diane, alcohol's a known carcinogen, classified as Class 1 by the WHO. As a woman, I hope you can cut down."
"Diane, I've been reading the tabloids from Arkansas. They're spinning lies again. You and Bill are head over heels, and you're beautiful. I don't believe the gossip that Bill's cheating or has some new flame."
"Diane..."
"...."
Despite her rational mind, Hillary couldn't ignore the massage on her calves and the persistent electric current coursing through her skin.
She caught the intoxicating scent of a young, strong man again.
All she could hear was the care and affection Orlando showed her.
Not to mention she and Bill had their own complicated history early on. Even as a loyal wife, handling this kind of situation was tough.
'Fuck...'
She sighed, gathering her last ounce of composure. "I think I'm warmed up enough, coach. Can I get in the water now?"
"Oh sure, you can jump right in if you want. Since I'm here, nothing will happen to you. I promise."
Hillary pursed her lips, smiled, and extended her hand. "Then help me down. I'll swim with you."
"Great!"
He sensed a hesitation in her and felt she gradually began to change psychologically.
Orlando smiled knowingly. "Careful now, just jump."
Thump--
She actually took the plunge.
"Ah!"
Orlando playfully "lost" his balance, falling backward into the pool almost swallowing water.
After a few panicked flails, he regained his footing.
But in the chaos, Hillary, right beside him, slipped.
In that brief moment, their bodies pressed together -- except for their swimsuits.
Even though the swimsuits offered a bit of electrical insulation, being in the water lessened it.
Hillary was stunned...
She lost her composure for over a minute.
By the time she reacted, her face was flushed.
Was it shyness? Or just a natural response to the situation?
Finally, Hillary struggled to regain control and gently pushed him away.
"I... I can swim on my own."
Orlando, able to read her thoughts, smiled. "No problem. I've been swimming a long time. I'm gonna take a breather on the shore. You go ahead and swim. I'll be your lifeguard."
"Well..."
Orlando climbed out and watched the 'mermaid' in the pool -- the woman with complex emotions, who could probably win any guy any night.
---
Though his employer hadn't asked him to return, Frank knew Orlando was home alone and wanted to talk.
Even though it was early to call it a night, Frank came back.
Unexpectedly, upon arrival, he learned Orlando was spending time with Mrs. Clinton.
Frank wasn't a rookie; he instantly knew it wouldn't be appropriate to interrupt.
He alerted the servant to tell the bodyguard on pool duty to keep an eye from a distance and then sat alone in the rarely used living room.
Though it was dull being alone, and after drinking quite a bit at MJ's party, he drifted into a light daze.
Suddenly, he thought he overheard a snippet of conversation between Orlando and Mrs. Clinton:
"Diane, do you have work tomorrow?"
"What's up?"
"I was wondering when you'll be free."
"Maybe tomorrow or the day after."
Then Frank heard Orlando's surprised voice:
"That's great! There's a game tomorrow at the Forum between the LA Kings and the Detroit Red Wings. Maybe you'd want to come with me?"
Frank noted the lady, a powerful politician, paused for a few seconds.
"Well, if you get tickets."
"Don't worry, two seats to the hockey game aren't hard. Just a phone call away."
"So... that's it, huh?"
"Well, good night. Hope you have a great dream tonight."
"Um... yeah, you too. I hope you have a good dream, good night."
The lady's last words sounded suggestive.
Half asleep, Frank sensed the tone was more like an invitation to her room.
But Frank, unaware of Orlando's pursuit, was confused.
She was the wife of Bill Clinton -- the governor, tipped as the future liberal wing leader of the Democratic Party.
Late-night invites to her room for Orlando? Was that really possible?
...
Snap--
Frank jolted awake from a slap.
Blinking, he saw Orlando wrapped in a big towel, just coming back from the pool.
"Did you hear that? Two tickets to the Kings vs. Red Wings game at Forum tomorrow!"
"Oh, you like hockey?" Frank shook his head awake.
"Luckily, I caught the news at noon and they mentioned this match. Help me get tickets."
"Easy enough, but..."
"Not hard at all. Didn't I tell you to have fun? Why'd you come back halfway through?"
"I..."
Orlando didn't care much for Frank's excuses. A little regret lingered.
He wished he had taken the chance to head up to Mrs. Clinton's room -- sleep with her in his arms.
But the reason he hadn't?
It wasn't about being a gentleman or fearing Bill's possible backlash.
If she wanted to play around, he wasn't scared of her husband's revenge!
It was the mind reading.
Though Hillary probably wanted the same, deep down she was thinking: 'If something happened tonight, I'd try every way to avoid you afterward.'
Because she worried she might truly fall in love with him, instead of just casual flirting she was used to.
What could Orlando do?
He didn't want just one night in LA.
He wanted something long-lasting -- whether a business alliance or a real relationship.
So he'd have to keep dealing with this older political powerhouse, playing these little innocent games for now.
*****
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