“Well, Chris and Jack will both have someone, maybe I should look around so I’m not standing by myself.”
Drew’s eyes drifted toward Heather and he grinned. Yeah, she might be fun.
“Want to go to a wedding next weekend in Pennsylvania with me?”
“Why should I?” Hereyes narrowed.
“Because Callie and Jack will be there. And I need a date so I don’t look pitiful. It’ll be fun. I promise to behave.”
“If you behave it won’t be any fun,” Drew said.
Heather shook her head. “He doesn’t know how tobehave anyway.”
Running his finger down her arm, he sent her the crooked grin that usually worked. “Please.”
Rolling her eyes and sighing, she answered, “Fine, I’ll go.”
Yes, what else could he talk her into? Staying overnight in a hotel? Reenacting their little Christmas chalet scene?
“Do you have a date, Drew?” she asked.
“No. I’m not seeing anyone. Guess I’ll have to just look pitiful. Pick someone up at the wedding. Chris said Meg has a few bridesmaids.”
Drew wasn’t the type to pick up strange women, but he liked to joke that he was.
“My sister’s right over there. She might be willing if you ask real nice.” Drew’s head turned at Heather’s direction. “The thin blonde in the beige dress.”
The expression on Drew’s face indicated that wasn’t an option. “She looks like a strong wind wouldblow her away.”
Charlotte was wispy and delicate but if she was anything like her sister, she’d be tough as nails. He’d only met her a few times and hadn’t talked to her much.
Sighing, Heather clutched his arm. “Oh, God, my mother is waving me over. If I don’t come back in fifteen minutes, send out a rescueparty, please.”
“Sure, only so I don’t losemy investment.”
As she strolled across the room, Drew chuckled. “She’s very different from her sister. That one looks like she’d make my sugar level go through the roof.”
“My temper’s going to go through the roof if we don’t stop having all these delays in renovations.”
“What’s up now? I thought you solved the lostpermit issue.”
Shoving his hands in his pockets he made tight fists to try and relieve some of the stress. “The Historical Society has suddenly developed an interest in the building we bought. It’s practically falling down and they haven’t cared for years. But I want to develop it and now it’s got some sort of historical value.”
“You know, I saw Judge Stokinger here tonight. He’s a retired judge who went to school with my father. He was the one who gave me the push to apply for my job. I don’t know if he helped me get it but he’s always been good to me. I can introduce you. He knows everyone on every committee in most of Connecticut. He might have some influence.”
“I usually hate asking for favors, but in this case I’ll take you up on it.Lead the way.”
Following Drew through the room, he scanned the area for Heather. She was smiling brightly at something her mother was saying but it was as fake as some of the Rolex knockoffs he’d seen here today. The man with them only had eyes for her. Couldn’t blame the schmuck, but he had no chance with her. Her body language said it all.
“Judge Stokinger, this is a good friend and Army buddy of mine,Scott Holland.”
Scott brought his attention away from the sexy woman across the room and back to the man whomight help him.
“It’s nice to meet you, Your Honor. Drew says nice things about you.”
“Scott’s company did all the work on this addition,” Drew pointed out.
“Congratulations on a job well done. What other work have you done that I might have heard about?” The judge tipped his head and his mop of white hair fell across his eyes. He pushed it away andshook his head.
