Amber knew how to make an entrance. She had none of the reserve most people do when walking into an open space. No demure looks or half smiles while she looked for a familiar face. Amber walked into the lounge as if the sharp tap tap ofher heels didn’t echo off the walls and draw every eye toward her.
Amber spotted them and headed over. “Hi, I’m Amber, the mayor’s assistant. Can I get either of you anything?" she asked as if she hadn’t just been reamed out.
"No, thank you,” Theo said curtly. "We're going to do the interview here. Why don’t you come back in half an hour?”
“Actually, I'll take a seltzer,” Pippa said. She smiled up at Theo and shifted closer until her expensive perfume wafted around them.
“You got it.” Amber said brightly. “Be right back.”
This interview forCityScape Magazinewas an important one. He knew Pippa was interviewing Beckerman too, and he needed to be on his game.
Pippa sat and patted the cushion next to her. “So, Mr. Mayor, you've had a little competition this go-round, haven't you? Beckerman’s support base is growing. Why do you think that is?” she asked slyly, when Theo took a seat. She was one of the most skilled reporters the city had. Theo wasn’t surprised she went straight for the jugular. In fact, he enjoyed her sharp mind as much as he had enjoyed her soft mouth before their jobs got in the way and things naturally ended.
“I think that’s a sign of a healthy democracy, to have a range of voices and ideas presented for our town’s diverse needs, and I welcome the debate that this election brings,” Theo answered easily. They went back and forth until a familiar laugh peeled through the quiet lobby. Loud, uninhibited. Undeniably charming despite its complete disregard for anyone else’s peace of mind.
It took effort, but he kept his gaze focused on Pippa’s face and tried to remember the last question. “I respect Mr. Beckerman’s commitment to serving Northfield, just as I’m committed to fostering a town that thrives of inclusivity and innovation,and I look forward to continuing to engage with all members of our community.” It was his usual response to the media, thankfully, because his attention was diverted.
From the corner of his eye, he watched Amber lean over the bar and adjust the bartender’s collar, and, from the look on his face, he was thoroughly enjoying her attention. The bartender was tall and lanky, blond hair curled to his shoulders, and a good deal younger than Theo was. Amber laughed again, and Theo realized she had yet to do that with him. She had laughedathim plenty, but that sound, that light, joyful sound, was one she had been keeping to herself. He frowned.
"Theo?” Pippa’s voice brought him back to the present. “Did you hear my question?"
“Excuse me. I’m distracted this morning." Theo tried his best to get back on track. “What were you saying?”
“I wonder why.” Pippa mused, looking toward the bar. Amber was in the center of an audience now, apparently telling a story that had the waitstaff enthralled. Probably about how she had almost landed him a ticket earlier, he thought sourly. “Looks like I’m not getting my drink after all.”
“Sorry about that,” Theo apologized. “It’s her first day on the job.”
“Hmm,” Pippa hummed thoughtfully. “Well, I should go. Hopefully, we’ll catch up soon,” she said. “I’ve missed you.”
“Yes, see you,” Theo said, already heading toward the bar.
“Are you ready to go?” he asked with icy formality.
Amber turned, her lashes a dark fan against the smooth, silky skin of her cheeks, creating a striking contrast. Her pink hair stood out like a blaze of color in the middle of all the gray and chrome in the restaurant. No wonder she drew an audience. She was like a live wire and, God help him, he was drawn to her too, he thought, not without some ruefulness.
While he watched, her smooth, bare throat drew his attention.In the delicate hollow there, her pulse fluttered fast and furious, belying the mischievous look she was giving him.
“It’s been fun, boys,” she said, shimmying off the barstool in her tight skirt and teetering in her heels. He reached out to steady her, gripping her arm. It was like an electric shock to his system, touching that smooth, tender skin on the inside of her elbow with his thumb, and they both froze.
She looked up at him, that little chin pointing up in defiance, and held his eyes while a teasing smile tugged her full mouth.
Theo dropped her arm. "If you're done playing, we have to get to work." He gestured for her to go first.
She blew a kiss to the bartender. "Bye, Anthony. See you soon.” Her heels clicked on the floor, every bit as captivating as her entrance.
“Another boyfriend?” Theo asked when they got outside.
“Nah, I never date men who are prettier than me. Too much competition.” She started for the driver’s side, but Theo held the passenger door open pointedly.
“If I promise to drive like a grandma, can I drive?”
“Not a chance. Get in.”
She sighed and slid in. “Fine. But I’m choosing the music. How do you feel about eighties hair bands?”
Chapter Seven
The rideback to Northfield was subdued. Amber tried to talk to Theo, but he switched on talk radio and turned it up. She got the message.
