Page 13 of Protected
“Darci! I'm so glad you came, darling.”
“I wouldn't miss it. You're raising awareness and money for a worthy cause. Sexual assault on college campuses needs more spotlight.”
Darci had tried to talk Tessa into attending, but the girl had declined.
“I’m so glad you came to the club last night.” Marlie said with a wink. Darci felt her face heat. This was not an appropriate place to discuss this. Marlie seemed to sense her discomfort. “Oh, I’m sorry darling. That was terribly indiscreet of me, but honestly I hope you’re back for good.”
Darci smiled. “I just needed some time to myself.” Marlie rubbed her shoulder.
“Of course, dear. I’m glad you’re here. We wouldn’t have this big of a crowd if it weren’t for the ACSL. Thank your boss again for me.” She agreed she would, and Marlie excused herself to greet high-profile guests.
Darci headed for the open bar. It was Saturday, a few drinks wouldn't hurt. Halfway to the bar, she stopped when a man entering caught her eye. He was tall and broad shouldered.What on earth is Bradley Givens doing here?Helooked damn fine in a tuxedo. She was having trouble deciding if she preferred him in the jeans from last night or his current evening wear.
• • •
“Three days in a row, Mr. Givens. I’m starting to think you’re stalking me.”
Bradley froze with his drink midway to his lips at the sound of Darci’s voice behind him.
“Or perhaps it’s the other way around.” He turned and winked.
She gave him a tight smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. He really wished he knew what he’d done to offend her so.
“What brings you to an event like this?”
Bradley glanced at the large banner at the front of the room. “It’s a good cause. I enjoy supporting good causes. Not to mention the organizer is a friend.”
“You know Marlie? And she doesn’t object to your current employer?”
He took her elbow and led her to a high-top table along one wall. “Is it my employer that has you shooting daggers at me with your beautiful green eyes, Miss Sanders? Or is there something else?”
“Isn’t that enough of a reason?”
He snagged a glass of champagne from a passing server and placed it in front of her. “You look like you could use this. I know you hate my boss, and I’m not saying you shouldn’t. But I would ask that you not judge me solely on his political platform. I am my own person, and you’ve never asked why I work for him.”
She drank half the champagne and stared at him for a moment. “I just don’t see what possible good reason you could have for working for that man.”
“Loyalty means something. Before I joined the military, he gave me my first job in politics. When my unit was facing scathing accusations that were not true, it was Atleigh who made people see the truth. It’s all on record, if you’re curious. I may not agree with everything he believes, but I’m confident I can be a voice of reason in an Atleigh White House.”
She put a hand on his. “Or you could run for office yourself or work to put your father in office.”
He jerked his hand away. “I’ve told you, I don’t want to talk about my father.”
“He’s a good man.”
“The very best. And he treats my mother like the queen she is. But I will not ride his coat tails my entire life.”
“So you would put a man in the White House who doesn’t support gender equality or same sex marriage?”
His heart constricted. She was so passionate and so beautiful even in her irritation. He could still taste her from all those months ago, and he wanted to tug her into a closet or empty room and taste her again now.
“You’re staring, Mr. Givens.”
He blinked and smiled at her. “My apologies. You’re just absolutely stunning when you talk about the things you care about.”
The band struck up a song and Bradley pulled her champagne flute away from her. “Come. Dance with me.”
She sputtered as if she wanted to object but ultimately took his hand and let him lead her to the dance floor.
