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I noticed Dr. Windell clear his throat as both he and Mrs. Windell send all three men a harsh look from their opposite ends of the table. The brothers sit up straight and look a little abashed.

Once their parents dive back into conversation with their guests, David whispers, “Behave, or Mom won’t let us have dessert.”

Madden must have sent another kick under the table because Brooks flinches. I can’t help but laugh. Seeing them mess around makes me wish I had brothers of my own to tease.

After taking a few more bites of turkey and mashed potatoes, I hear a small yipping sound from under the table. I look over at Madden in surprise and see him looking next to him at Heidi. She smiles and pulls her large handbag from under the table, setting it on her lap. A fluffy, distinctly canine face peeks out of the purse and begins yipping even louder.

“Oh, Pompom!” Heidi giggles and looks at Madden. “Would you like to pet her?”

“No, thank you.” He scrunches up his nose at the fluffy little dog. Heidi looks very annoyed.

I clear my throat to break the tension between Madden and Heidi, finally mustering up the gumption to make conversation. “So, Madden… what do you do for work these days?”

His eyes briefly shift to his brothers, almost as if he’s warning them not to say a word. David and Brooks quickly stuff their faces full of food and look down as if the tablecloth has suddenly become extremely interesting. “I worked with Bennington and Associates law firm for a few years, but I just quit a few weeks ago to pursue other opportunities. How about you?”

I squirm uncomfortably in my chair. “Actually, I haven’t found work yet since moving back. I’ve looked into a few jobs, but it’s hard to find anything that would still allow me to help my parents during the day.” I avoid his eyes. Here I am, unemployed, sitting next to a successful lawyer.

“Right, that makes sense.” Madden changes the subject, thank goodness. “What are your interests, then? Do you have any hobbies?”

I relax a bit, far more comfortable with this topic. “I’m a bookworm, actually. All I need for entertainment is a book and a strong cup of coffee.” I answer before taking another bite of mashed potatoes. The man certainly knows how to mash a potato. Must be those biceps I see flexing through his shirt every time he moves.

“Did you visit The Library of Congress when you lived in D.C.?”

I bring my eyes back up to meet his and hope he didn’t notice me staring at his brawny arms. “It’s by far my favorite place! I tried to make it over there as much as possible. You’ve been?”

“Yes! I stop by whenever I’m in town. It’s the most beautiful library I’ve ever seen.”

My stomach flutters with butterflies. I am a sucker for a man who appreciates a wonderful library.

Drew, seated on Heidi’s other side, overhears our conversation and jumps in. “Did I hear you mention the Library of Congress? I haven’t been yet, but it’s on my bucket list.” This is the first time I’ve heard him speak since he’s been busy with his daughter all evening.

Madden chuckles. “Drew is from Seattle. He hasn’t been to D.C. yet.”

“Oh, how long have you lived in Kansas?” I lean forward to ask Drew, raising my voice slightly so he’ll hear me over the other conversations around us.

Drew smiles. “Ten years now. I work in the OR with Dr. Windell, so I have little time to travel.”

Heidi has moved her attention to Madden now that Drew and I are chatting. I watch her rest her long fingernails on his shoulder as she bats her eyelash extensions at him. An unknown heat spreads through me. I feel tingly, but not in a good way. More like a lioness protecting her territory, which is ridiculous since Madden isn’t mine.

And I don’t want him to be. Right?

Madden

As I wash my hands in the bathroom, I take a deep breath and look in the mirror. I look like I’ve aged ten years during this one dinner. My skin is pale, I have bags under my eyes, and is that a pimple?! What am I, fourteen again?

Attempting to get to know Odette with Heidi and her dog here is brutal! I’m usually so charming with women–I mean, maybe not as much as Brooks, but I’ve had no issues getting a woman’s attention before.

My shock at how much Odette has changed isn’t helping matters, either. It would be much easier to have a levelheaded conversation if she was still gangly and frizzy-haired. But no, she had to grow up. Now I can’t help but notice the light dusting of freckles across her skin, how her gangly limbs have turned into lean curves, and how she has clearly learned to smooth her unruly hair into silky auburn curls.

I can’t believe I didn’t recognize her at our reunion. No wonder she seemed annoyed and made up a fake name. As soon as I realized this evening that Odette was the woman from my reunion, all thoughts of faking sick to get out of here vanished.

I splash my face with cold water and rest my forearms on the bathroom vanity. Come on, Madden! If you can get Odette alone for a moment, maybe she’ll agree to go on a date with you. Alone. Without Heidi and her freaking dog.

This is my chance to get her number. She’s well educated, poised, gorgeous, and doesn't carry any pets in her purse. She could be perfect, and would definitely look striking on my campaign pamphlets.

When reality hits again, I wince. How can I ever convince her to fake-marry me? There’s no way she would ever agree to that.

At this point, I’m running out of options. I have to try or give up my campaign. It’s worth a shot, at least. I sigh.