Cole turns and follows his friend’s gaze. If his mouth wasn’t already open, it sure as hell would be as he takes in the view.
Oh, God, buddy, you’re screwed. Fat chance you’ll be getting that out of your head tonight.
He watches as the room takes her in, guys sneaking glances here and there. At least they’re being respectful.
“You know, there are times when I really enjoy my job,” Mark jokes beside him.
Cole catches her gaze as Keith hands her a glass of wine. She still looks nervous. What the hell did he do? Maybe he crossed a line touching her cheek. Oh, God, what a fool he can be. No, it’s that stupid magnetic hold she has on him. He takes a large sip of his brandy and turns to see his father grinning at him. Oh, shit. Just what he needs, his father inside his head.
Mark makes a quick exit as he spots Abigail walking by with a tray of stuffed pastries.
Yeah, thanks, man.He walks over to the fireplace, needing something to do. He sneaks a peek at her talking to Paul. This is the first time he’s seen her in a dress, and he hopes to hell it will be the last, because his eyes can’t help but rake up and down her long, slim legs. The way her dress hugs her body, the way her hair hangs in long waves, all make his stomach flip. Damn this woman!
“Pretty little thing, huh?” his father whispers over his shoulder.
Busted.
“Yeah, she is,” he mutters into his glass. His father chuckles, coming to stand in front of him.
“The mayor’s daughter,” he says, acknowledging who she is. “Her father is making quite the shit storm with the media. When will they learn to keep their mouths shut?”
“I fear we may only have scratched the surface of this case,” Cole replies quietly. “Plus, The American is involved with her kidnapping.” His father flinches almost imperceptibly at the name. “So, you know what that means.”
“Shit, yeah. He won’t stop until she’s found.” He swirls his drink. “Poor girl, her life will never be the same. Have you heard if they’ll relocate her?”
Cole’s stomach sinks. “I think its best she stays here. She’s adjusting well. Witness Protection could send her backward.”
“Mmmm.” His father coughs as he tries to hide his smile. “Well, I’ll see if I can talk to Frank. Maybe after some time passes, we could make a position for her, or she could get a job in town. I’ll get her some new paperwork lined up.”
“Savannah, this is Daniel Logan,” Cole says, introducing her to him as they approach.
Her eyes go back and forth as she realizes she is meeting his father.
“Oh-oh.” Her smile appears. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Logan.” She holds out her hand for a shake, but he wraps his fingers around hers and kisses the top of her hand. Oh, Lord…
“The pleasure is all mine. Please, call me Daniel.”
Her eyes shift to Cole’s, then to the floor.
What the hell is that? Christ, he wants to drag her into the corner and demand to know why she’s acting strangely around him.
“Dinner is ready,” Abigail calls. Mark makes a beeline for the table. “Boys,” she mutters, but a grin appears.
“Shall we?” Daniel asks Savannah, holding out his arm. She smiles. Giving in to his charm, she threads her small arm through his and walks toward the dining room.
“Abigail, you outdid yourself again,” Daniel compliments her as he holds up a rib. “Delicious.”
“Thank you, Daniel. It was my pleasure.” Her face warms at all the attention.
A few more stragglers come to the table. Savannah’s gasp gets Cole’s attention, and his head snaps up to see York sporting a black eye.
“Hello, everyone,” York mutters, taking a seat. He makes a dramatic nod. “Savannah.” Her hands are over her mouth, and she starts shaking. A moment later, she breaks into full-blown laughter. She reaches over and grabs Mark’s arm for support, and he starts laughing too. Cole’s heart skips a beat. He loves her laugh. But what is he missing?
“Something funny?” York raises an eyebrow at them, clearly not impressed.
“I-I’m…” She tries to speak, but she can’t form a sentence. Finally, holding her stomach, she manages to get hold of herself. “Excuse me,” she says to the group. “I wasn’t expecting that.” She points to York.
Mark wipes his eyes dry. “I thought this was the best way for you to find out.”