“He was just named Rochester’s most eligible bachelor,” Ford laughed. “That would be a one-eighty.”
“My personal life is not on the ballot,” Theo said tightly.
Charlotte, always the voice of reason, nodded. “It shouldn’t have anything to do with whether or not you can lead the town, Theo, but that’s not how politics work. It’s all about perception. Right now, you’re seen as the fun mayor, not the family mayor. Four years ago, that got you elected, but now voters want to see you settling down. They want to see that you’re committed to the needs of the families here. We need to shift the narrative fast.”
Ford sat forward. “If you need to cut some of your girlfriends loose, I can help with that. Take one for the team and all.”
“Why are you here again?” Theo glared at his younger brother.
“To provide brotherly support,” Ford said with a wounded look. “And my date is meeting me here later,” he added.
“Son, you can play with anyone you want, but you need someone steady by your side, someone who knows how to play the politics game, leading up to this election and after.” Neal looked him in the eye. “Do you want to be reelected or not?”
Theo scrubbed a hand over his face. He did want to be reelected more than he could put into words. Aside from a brief rebellion in college, he’d always known he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. He loved his job, loved making Northfield a better place and planning for the future. His father used to tell Theo that leading a town took a servant’s heart, and Theo never forgot it.
He’d gone to college for political science and then went on to law school, all the while preparing to run when his father retired. When that day came, Theo won by a landslide. He’d spent the last four years working his ass offto make this place he loved better for everyone, and he couldn’t help the resentment that his job was in jeopardy because of his sex life.
“It’s not just the dating, Theo,” Neal said. “It’s who you’re dating. These women are not exactly cut out for a life in politics. You need to settle down with someone who’s wife material. Find yourself a nice woman who’s ready to have your babies. Someone who…who…knits?” Neal looked around the pub as if a magical knitting woman was waiting in the wings before his eyes homed in on Charlotte. “Someone like Charlotte.”
“Me?” Charlotte asked, a hand to her chest. “I’d never marry Theo, and besides, what makes you think I knit?” She sounded inexplicably hurt, Theo noticed.
Theo glanced at her in equal horror. “I’m not marrying you. I’m not marrying anyone.”
Neal leaned forward and Theo recognized the look. Theo respected Neal’s experience, but he was out of his mind. He wasn’t marrying anyone for his job, especially not Charlotte. She was like his sister. He glanced at Charlotte and was relieved to see the look of horror still on her face.
“I meant more like finding a nice woman to date steadily for a while,” Charlotte hurried to add.
“Amber,” someone near the pool table yelled, and Theo’s gaze drifted to the bar to look for her. She wasn’t hard to find.
In all the years he’d known her, he had been aware of her as soon as he stepped into the same room.Her laughter rose above the music and the noise, vibrant and dazzling, attracting people to her like magnets.
She was weaving her way in and out of the crowd of off-duty firefighters and police officers, passing out drinks and pocketing money, teasing and bantering with each of them. Amber’s energy practically sparkled in the dim lights of the bar, but he turned back to the table.
“Look at her,” Charlotte said. “She’s beautiful.” Theoglanced sharply at Charlotte’s wistful tone, but she was staring at Amber.
For a split second, Theo let himself drink her in. Even when he met her as an eighteen-year-old girl, Amber Hart was the kind of woman who demanded attention. He just didn’t make a habit of giving it to her.
She was bent over the pool table, in her little sparkly skirt that made his eyeballs throb, taking a practice shot while Northfield’s finest shouted encouragement and envisioned themselves behind her, no doubt. Her pink hair and lush body made her impossible to ignore.
It always surprised him how strong the bolt of lust was when he let himself look at her. He’d always gone for tall, cool brunettes—refined women who were as motivated and driven as he was. Not someone who dressed like a six-year-old with a bedazzler had gotten a hold of their clothes. Yet he reacted with a primitive awareness that took him by surprise whenever they were in the vicinity of one another.
She was striking, with her heart-shaped face and big hazel eyes that seemed perpetually amused. Of course, he was a man, and had noticed those generous curves too.
He dated women who were…predictable wasn’t the right word. From her wild hair to her too-short, too-tight clothing, there was nothing predictable in the package in front of him.
That didn’t stop him from admiring the way her tight skirt moved over the curves of her ass as she walked away. Her tanned legs were on perfect display, and as he watched along with the rest of the bar, she leaned over to shimmy even farther over the pool table for a shot. Theo had the distinct impression she knew exactly what she was doing, and she was enjoying every minute.
“We could use someone with connections like hers,” Nealsaid idly. “Do you think it’s true she’s slept with most of those guys?”
Ford’s normally easygoing expression turned hard. “Watch yourself. Amber’s a friend.”
“Are you really suggesting I date the local bartender for the sake of politics?” Theo said icily. “Do you hear yourself?”
“I was suggesting you hire her, not date her. I know she’s looking for a job,” Ford said. “She has some experience as a personal assistant, and I told her I’d put in a good word for her.”
“You can’t hire her.” Neal scowled. “But you could get to know her and use some of her connections. If anything else happens, well, I’ve heard she’s a good time.” He smirked.
Theo was momentarily stunned into silence. That was low, even for Neal.
