Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 42379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
Beau had known the draw of Colt as a country-singing celebrity would lead to them being mobbed, but he hadn’t expected so many would want to rub elbows with him. As people approached, he asked Maisie, “Would you rather stay with me or talk with the ladies?”
“With Amber and Harper, definitely,” Maisie said instantly.
Beau winked at her before responding to his name being called by the first man headed toward him. “Hi, Eddie. I haven’t seen you for a while. You’re living in a different state now, aren’t you?”
Continuing the conversation, Beau kept an eye on Maisie as she chatted with Amber and Harper. Well versed in dealing with a variety of issues, he navigated complaints about the government, suggestions, and offers bordering on bribery.
“Sean, I’ll be glad to talk to you about donations to the party or my election fund in my office either here or in DC. I’m afraid tonight I’m here as an Avondale Dragon only. You’ve obviously done well since high school. Congratulations on the business,” Beau said, changing the subject smoothly to avoid any problems at the social event.
He noticed Rio checking with the ladies before heading to the bar. When Rio glanced at him and mouthed “Scotch,” Beau nodded gratefully. Thank goodness Rio was there.
Finally, Beau was able to extricate himself from the conversations and returned to Maisie’s side. “Sorry, sweetheart. I’m afraid a politician doesn’t get any days off.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I’m not. Most days, I love my job and think I’m making a difference,” Beau said with a smile.
“We need more people like you in the government,” Maisie agreed.
Rio appeared in front of them with a tray of drinks he’d gathered from the bar. He dispersed them quickly as the conversation continued.
“So, we’ve talked about what we’ve been doing for the last twenty years. What are everyone’s plans for the next five or more?” Amber asked.
Beau was pleased to hear that Rio and Amber were moving in together and that Colt had Harper corralled with him for the future. The latter would take some convincing, but he had no doubt that Colt would be able to prove his resolve not to waste any more time away from Harper.
Beau shared his own plans. “I’ll maintain a home here and spend time here when we are on breaks. The only person who won’t be officially living in town will be Maisie. But I think she could do her think tank thing here.”
“Lots of people are doing things remotely,” Colt pointed out.
“Slow down, everyone. I have no intention of moving back to this judgmental town. No matter if I create a cure for the common cold or grow a fully functional human heart, I’ll always be the trailer trash from the wrong side of the tracks,” Maisie said, smoothing the elegantly fitted cocktail dress into place.
“Looks like she’s going to be a challenge,” Colt suggested.
“Definitely,” Beau confirmed.
Maisie glared at her two grinning friends in an epic stare down. It should have been a challenge with Maisie having to divide her time between the two men, but she held her own. No one could ever accuse Maisie of not being spunky.
“Perhaps you should come back to visit more often,” Beau suggested softly.
After an unpleasant encounter with Miranda, everyone took their seats at the table. Settling in his seat, Beau made a note in his phone to investigate their former classmate. He didn’t like her picking at others. Harper wasn’t the only one Miranda seemed to target. He’d learned years ago to stay alert and informed to deal with any situation.
A veteran of many banquet meals, Beau helped the group focus on their opportunity to spend time together instead of the food. The conversation at their table was lively and everyone seemed to relax. To his delight, when the band began playing, Rio invited Amber to dance. Instantly, he stood and asked Maisie to dance as Colt invited Harper.
“Beau, I don’t really know how to dance,” Maisie said, shaking her head.
“Trust me, Maisie. You’ll enjoy this.”
Beau swept her into his arms. To him, dancing reigned supreme in all the social event activities required for a candidate for political office. His mother had required him to learn to dance at first, but Beau had enjoyed it so much that he’d enrolled in many more dance classes. It had served him well through the years.
“Relax,” he whispered to Maisie when she remained rigid in his arms. “I’ve got you.”
To his delight, he felt her soften against him. An extremely skilled dancer, Beau could easily support a new partner through the movements. He didn’t throw in any intricate steps but added a bit of flair to the basic moves. As he expected, when she lost her fear of looking foolish, Maisie mastered the patterns easily. He enjoyed the feel of her lithe body moving against his.