Somehow, between now and Wednesday, she had to figure out a way to make herself immune to Loyal.
Yeah. Somehow, between now and Wednesday, she had to figure out how to do the impossible. Unfortunately, she was more likely to get the numbers in her accounting program to add up.
Numbers.
Roxanna straightened as her brain started working again. That was the key. She’d make it all about business. Call his bluff and actually have him balance her books—and pay him money to do it.
She blew out a shaky sigh and brushed her hair back from her face before finishing up her closing procedures.
Tuesday morning, she made it out to vote and back again before opening the shop at nine. It was a busy day of stocking new inventory with Tessa and Darcy in between scheduled readings, and as soon as she locked the door at six, she went upstairs to change and get ready for the Governor’s election night party. Early exit polling put the race closer than expected after the opposition party had done everything they could to spin the hell out of the now-old secret love child story and discredit the Governor.
After checking her coat a little after eight, Roxanna made her way through the crowd into the ballroom at the hotel, her fingers clutched nervously in the skirt of her blue bohemian maxi dress. Another one of her clearance items she’d always liked, but hadn’t needed until after the fire. It was a bit summery with the off-the-shoulder neckline, but she left her hair down to mostly cover her shoulders and help keep her warm. She wore her black combat boots again, and the entire time she’d laced them up, she’d pictured Loyal taking them off.
She only had one more day to somehow become immune to him. As often as he popped into her mind, it wasn’t looking good. As keyed up as she was about seeing him tonight, it definitely wasn’t looking good.
Spotting his youngest sister’s long, dark ponytail not far from the doors by the campaign swag table, she went over to say hi as upbeat music pulsed through the ballroom speakers. Shelby gave her a warm smile and wave as a tall, chestnut-haired guy beside her leaned down to say something in her ear. She smiled at him even as her shoulder and lower body seemed to instinctively arch away. It was a minuscule movement, she probably wasn’t even aware of the reaction, but Roxanna’s radar kicked on immediately.
She shifted her gaze to the guy for a quick assessment. Probably mid-twenties—close to Bells’ age, wiry, but good-looking in an unassuming way. He seemed familiar, and when she joined the two, Shelby introduced him as Chad Mayer, one of the campaign workers.
She guessed she’d seen him at another event, but didn’t recall meeting him directly. He didn’t offer a hand to shake, so Roxanna extended hers to get a read. His grip was deferential, and he pulled away quickly. He didn’t strike her as negative or positive.
It wasn’t that she couldn’t read him like Loyal, or her mother, but more so the guy was neutral. His aura was a dull gray, indicating blocked energy fields. Not much emotion to work with, not even in the pale blue eyes that kept straying to Shelby, and that made her stomach flip uneasily.
“How’s the night going?” she asked. “Have they started reporting yet?”
Bell’s sleek hair swished with her headshake. “Not just yet. Should be soon though. You got any predictions?”
“No psychic ones,” she said with a laugh. “All I can say is he got my vote.”
At the word psychic, Chad’s blue gaze landed on Roxanna. When his aura took on a cloudy, grayish, blue-green tint, an icy shiver worked down her spine. She met his gaze but he quickly shifted his attention to Shelby while reaching to put a hand at the small of her back.
Again, she noticed the youngest Diamond make an infinitesimal shift away from his touch.
“You want anything to drink?” he asked her. “I can go get us something from the bar.”
“Um…no, thank you, I’m good. I think I’m going to find the rest of my family.”
“I’ll come with you.” Roxanna quickly hooked arms with the younger girl who was like the little sister she’d never had. “I want to thank your mom for the gift basket she sent over.”
“Have a good night, Chad,” Shelby said over her shoulder as they left. “Thanks again for all your help.”
Roxanna glanced back and caught a dark frown before his expression went blank. She waited until they were out of earshot by the buffet tables to bend her head and ask, “What’s the deal with him?”
Shelby grimaced. “We’ve been working together the last couple of months for the campaign. I know he’s interested, but there’s nothing there for me. It’s been a little awkward trying to discourage him.”
She frowned with concern. “Has he been pushy?”
“Oh, no,” Shelby assured her. “He’s harmless. Nice enough, and even kinda cute, but I just felt bad I’m not attracted to him when he’s made it clear he likes me.”
“You have nothing to feel bad about. We can’t help who we’re attracted to.” As she knew all too well.
“Yeah, I know. And I guess it really doesn’t matter, since I won’t even see him anymore now that the campaign is over.”
“Good.”
Shelby glanced up at her with a questioning smile as a voice called out behind them.
“Rox—wait up!”