I swivel on my heels and head off as calmly as possible, blood roaring in my ears. I can hear his cackle behind me and I really want to turn around and slam my fist into his beefy face. It’s behavior that’s typical of people like this, thinking they can get away with whatever they want with the bourgeoisie. I just so happen to have an overdeveloped sensitivity to it, being that my husband did the same thing to me as soon as he got a little power.
Lola catches my attention as I pause to settle down. She points discreetly to the other end of the room and mouths, “Over there.” The gleam in her eye tells me she's spotted the mayor, but I can't see him.
I shuffle through the crowd and finally spy the man of the hour walking out, his arm around the waist of a woman that's been acting crazy all night. Her head is leaned on his shoulder, her hand resting on his backside. Laughing, I catch Lola's eye and nod to the exit.
"Bitch," she mouths as she approaches the same man that approached me earlier. I want to warn her, but don’t. For one, I know it won’t do any good, and for two, I can’t take my eyes off Landry.
People literally part for him to walk through. It's like he's Moses. They're more than willing to be led through the Red Sea, divided by his power and influence, and into the Promised Land.
I’m off in space about what precisely that land might entail, when my shoulder is bumped, rustling me out of my Landry-induced haze.
"Excuse me," I say. When I realize who I've just ignored, my cheeks heat in embarrassment. "I'm so sorry," I stutter, handing Camilla Landry, one of the Landry sisters, a glass of champagne.
She’s even more beautiful in person, a textbook example of poise and sophistication. In the media a lot for charity work with her mother, her face is easily identifiable with her high cheekbones and sparkling smile.
"Don't worry about it," she breathes, waving me off. "I can't take my brothers anywhere without women getting all mesmerized. Especially that one," she laughs, nodding to the doorway Barrett just went through. "Although, between me and you, I don't get it."
Her grin is infectious, and I can't help but return it.
"I'm Camilla," she says, extending her long, well-manicured hand like I don’t already know.
I balance the tray on one side and take her hand in mine. "I'm Alison. Alison Baker."
"You helped clean up a sauce spill earlier. You put the lady that had the accident at ease when you took the blame and kept the attention off her. I wanted you to know I saw and respected that."
"It really was no big deal.”
"In this world, everything can be a big deal. Trust me. You probably just saved my brother a couple of votes."
"Just doing my part," I laugh.
She smiles again, her chic sky-blue dress matching her eyes and heels. "Well, on behalf of the mayor, thank you. He seems ... occupied, at the moment."
I wink. "I have no idea what you’re talking about. I didn't see a thing."
She nods, looking a touch relieved, and thanks me again before turning away and greeting the older lady from earlier, the one that spilled her dinner all over me. Camilla takes her hand and helps her into a chair.
Her elegance is breathtaking and she has a charm about her, an easiness even though she’s clearly blue-blood, that I’ve never seen before. It’s exactly what the kitchen is buzzing about with Barrett—a charisma you can’t quite put your finger on.
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BOOKS BY ADRIANA LOCKE
The Exception Series
The Exception
The Connection
The Perception
Landry Family Series
Sway
Swing
Switch
Swear
Swink
Sweet
The Gibson Boys Series
Crank
Craft
Cross
Crave
Crazy
Dogwood Lane Series
Tumble
Tangle
Trouble
Mason Family Series
Restraint
Reputation
Reckless
Relentless
Resolution
Honey Creek Series
Like You Love Me
Cherry Falls
608 Alpha Avenue
907 For Keeps Way
Standalone Novels
Sacrifice
Wherever It Leads
Written in the Scars
Lucky Number Eleven
Battle of Sexes
The Relationship Pact
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I always thank my Creator first. This time is no exception.
My family is so patient and supportive and I am nothing without my husband, Saul, and my four sons Alexander, Aristotle, Achilles, and Ajax. I love you.
They aren’t here to see me publish this book, my thirtieth. Still, I know my parents would be so proud of me. Thank you for raising me with a solid work ethic, Mom and Dad. You’re incredibly missed.
I’d like to give a warm thank you to Peggy and Rob Williams. You aren’t my parents but you treat me like I’m your daughter. There aren’t really words to say what that means to me.
My assistant has been with me for twenty-two books now. She’s more than my right hand; she’s a dear friend. Thank you, Tiffany Remy, for keeping me in line and focused on all the right things. (Usually.)
Kari March is the best. She’s my oldest “book world” friend and the most creative person I know. Thank you for creating another cover that I adore and fully embodies both my characters and my vision.
I would like to thank Marion Making Manuscripts for working with me yet again. Your tireless energy and attention to detail are the best in the game. You helped polish this manuscript in so many ways and I’m forever grateful to work with you.
Thank you to Jenny Sims for cleaning up the edits. You do such brilliant work on my crazy deadlines. Thank you for always saying yes to me.
I’ve known Michele Ficht for years and am blessed to now work with her as a proofing partner. Her eyes are so sharp and her positivity and encouragement so appreciated. I adore you, Michele.
This book is what it is in large part due to Carleen Riffle. I’m floored by her mind, her creativity—her innate sense when something is just a little off. Her honesty and brilliance are two of the many things that I love so much about her. Thank you for bringing Team Mess back to life, my friend.
Anjelica Grace is a trusty critique partner that didn’t quit on me, much to my surprise. This one was a challenge in a number of ways and she hung right with me. Her trademark honesty and humor really pulled me through. I appreciate you, Anjelica.
A special thank you to Susan Rayner. I rely on your positivity and energy more than you’ll ever know. You are a light in my life and I can’t thank you enough for your friendship.
And, I suppose, I should thank Jen Costa. You didn’t quite have the endurance for this one, my friend, but I love you anyway. Ha!
Mandi Beck knows most of the reasons I love her, but I do look forward to seeing her again in person and telling her all the other reasons that probably slipped her mind. That is, if she’d let me. But she won’t. It’s a small part of her charm and a big part of why I love her so much.