Chapter Text
He was sitting on a bar with an almost finished glass of whiskey in his hand. He kept swirling the brown liquid absentmindedly, as he enjoyed the nice music playing in the background.
He downed all that was left and was ready to ask for the check, but then something, or rather someone, caught his attention. He turned his head slightly to see who it was and from the distance, he saw the most beautiful blonde he had ever seen in his life. She was dressed in a black sleeveless pencil dress that went down just above her knees. It was simple, but it had a v-neckline that enhanced her cleavage drawing his eyes to it; a beautiful silver belt that hugged her waist perfectly defining her already perfect silhouette and a slight slit on the side that exposed her right leg up to mid-thigh.
Her blonde hair flew freely just below her shoulders as she made her way inside the empty bar, her high heels clicking with every step. She took a seat one stool down from him and placed her bag in the stool between them. As she was about to call the bartender, he quickly waved his hand, signaling he wanted another drink and took the opportunity to ask the woman: “What are you drinking?
She turned slightly, narrowing her blue eyes as she frowned, just to turn again without even acknowledging him. When the bartender brought his drink, she didn’t even look at him as she ordered: “Single malt, neat. Thanks.”
Something about her husky tone made him turn his head and stare intently at her. She was observing the bartender closely as he poured the drink in front of her. He couldn’t help but notice how her legs were crossed seductively one over the other, her right tight thigh exposed further by the slit of her dress.
“I could have taken care of that you know…” he attempted again, once the bartender left them alone again.
“I bet you say that to all the women you meet in bars.” she said, giving him a stoic face.
“Not all the women. Just the beautiful blonde ones who are sitting alone.” he joked.
“Oh, ‘cause that’s much better…” she stated, taking a small sip of her drink.
“It is. There are not that many, you know…” he continued. “Will you let me know your name?”
“How do I know you’re not some creepy stalker? Or a serial killer?” she said, arching her brow, her eyes boring right into his.
“I would have probably chosen an ally to approach you. But I suspect your security detail out there would kill me before anything happens to you.” He said, nodding towards the men securing the door. “Come on. I mean no harm and, if I’m going to keep you company, at least I should know your name…” he insisted.
“Elizabeth.” she finally conceded. “And I’m married.” she added, flashing the rings on her left hand.
“It’s nice to meet you, Elizabeth.” he said, putting a slight emphasis on her name. “And I’m sure your husband won’t mind, I’ll only pay for your drink and keep you entertained.”
“Who says I want to be entertained? I just came in here to unwind a little.” she explained, sipping her drink again.
“Hard day at work?” he asked, curiously.
“To say the least. I’ve been traveling non stop for the past month and I just got back.” she added.
“And you came straight to a bar? Interesting…” he smirked.
“Yup… I came looking for someone, but I totally forgot who that was…” she said.
“I’ll do my best so that you can’t remember it for the rest of the evening.” he smiled at her. “So, what do you do, Elizabeth?” he asked, genuinely interested in knowing more about the beautiful blonde’s life.
“I’m just trying to land myself a job for the next four to eight years.” she told him.
“That’s a pretty steady job you’re fighting for. I’ll confess I’ve seen you on the news… And you’ve got my vote.” he said, winking at her.
“So you knew my name already.” she quipped.
“I did. But I needed to hear you say it.” he said, raising his drink to his lips casually. “And you’re even more beautiful in person.” he added, flirting openly with her.
“You’re just saying that because you’re already drunk…” she said, pointing at his already finished glass.
“I’m not drunk, yet. I’m just intoxicated by you.” he told her sincerely.
“That’s the worst come-on line I’ve ever heard…” she said, laughing as her cheeks blushed slightly.
“Is it working?” he asked, hopeful. The sound of her laugh made his heart beat uncontrollably. He wanted to hear it again, wanted to make her laugh, smile, blush. He wanted her. All of her.
“Maybe.” she answered as she sent him a playful glare.
They sat there talking and flirting as they finished another round of drinks. He saw how her body relaxed as the time went by and alcohol started to take over. She stood up and moved closer to him, settling on the stool next to him.
“You’re not afraid anymore that I might be a serial killer?” he asked, leaning closer and whispering to her ear.
“I think I’ll take my chances.” she replied, touching his wrist lightly and leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake as her electric blue eyes met his. They were so close.
“You’re playing with fire here,” he warned her, placing a hand on her knee, his eyes never leaving hers.
“What if I am?” she teased, a seductive smirk on her face as her fingers trailed slowly her collarbone.
“You might burn yourself…” he growled, his hand moving from her knee up to her tight.
She slowly leaned in and murmured it against his lips: “Maybe that’s the reason I came here in the first place…”
“I thought you came looking for someone…” he quipped, fighting the urge to claim her lips right there.
“Maybe I just found who I was looking for.” she murmured, closing the gap and finally kissing him passionately.
His fingers tangled in her hair as they kissed each other, him being able to taste the whiskey on her tongue. He felt her shiver as he pulled away for air.
“Hi.” she said.
“Hi.” he responded.
“I’ve missed you so much, Henry.” she said as she cupped his face gently in her hands.
“I’ve missed you too, babe. I’m so glad you’re finally here.” he added, kissing her again.
“I have to say… you were right about this little game. Every time it feels like the first time.” she said smirking after breaking the kiss.
“It’s incredible how, no matter what, I’m always going to fall in love with you over again.” he said as his brown eyes locked with her blue ones.
“Well played, Dr. McCord.” she said, a smile tugging at her lips.
“You’re not the only one in this marriage capable of a charm offensive…” he murmured softly with his deep voice.
“Oh, I saw that. And your single seductive vibe, it's a real turn-on…” she said, biting her bottom lip.
“More than my big moral compass?” he asked as he let himself be teased. That lip bite never got old.
“It comes as a close second…” she said, smirking.
“Well… you played quite a part too. For a moment I felt like you were really flirting with a stranger.” he said. “What do you say if we head home and celebrate that you have a few days off campaigning” he suggested.
“I thought you’d never ask...” she said, as her hands cupped his cheeks pulling his lips to hers again.
His heart pounded faster and harder for his amazing wife, his eyes shining with adoration for her as he murmured softly against her lips: “By the way, happy anniversary baby.”
“Anniversary? Oh my God, Henry, I’m so sorry! I’ve been so busy lately that I didn’t even recall that it was today…” She apologized, placing her hand over her mouth.
“Hey, it’s okay. It’s not even our official one. It’s just nice to remember that it's been a year since the accident. We’ve come a long way and you’re here now. That’s all that matters. And… we’ve got the weekend all to ourselves to celebrate.” he said, winking and kissing her softly on the cheek. “Shall we?”
Henry slipped his hand in hers and intertwined their fingers helping her stand.
“I love you.” she said.
“I love you too. More than anything.” he added.
They head back home after almost a month apart from each other. Running for President was proven to be another bump on the road for them. Lots of traveling, late calls and public appearances were involved, and they didn’t have much time to spend together.
But if they had learned anything from this past year was to take advantage of the adversities and try to fully enjoy every moment they had. And why not, to throw in a little game once in a while to never forget or to remember what they felt for one another. True love.