“You look like something’s bothering you,” Hunter said after he handed his keys to the valet.
“Nothing to worry about. Let’s get this over.”
Hunter had never been one who understood passive-aggressive behavior. Byte was great one minute, flirting even, and then she went quiet, dismissive.
“Let’s enjoy ourselves while we’re here,” he whispered when she stepped one step higher and could feel his breath on her flesh. He didn’t miss the slight shiver her body gave or the confused eyes that never left his.
Before she could pull away, he slid his arm around her waist, pulling her as close to him as possible, and gave their names to the security team. They separated to go through metal detectors, then resumed as if they’d never left each other’s side.
When she looked up and smiled, Hunter felt a shift in his chest. She was so beautiful. He doubted she even knew it. She didn’t seem the kind to stand in front of a mirror, primping and complaining if her hair wasn’t just right.
He had to say, as much as he loved her black hair, he kind of missed the blue. It fit her. She wasn’t made to blend in. He needed to remind her of that before the night ended.
“There’s the representative.” Byte pointed out the gray-haired man.
“He’s not lacking for attention,” Hunter said of the women surrounding him.
“That’s what I was hoping for. Why don’t we move in a little closer. You go get me a glass of champagne while I ease into their conversation.”
“Just be careful,” he asked. He smirked when he remembered she was probably better trained than him in hand-to-hand combat.
“Yes, yes, yes. Now go.”
Byte eased herself into the conversation, looping her hand through the politician’s arm.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am to know you’re still fighting for us,” Byte said in an upper-crust, Southern debutante voice.
“Well, darling. I’m always happy to fight for those in the great State of Texas. I’m not sure we’ve met before.”
“Oh, sorry. I just assumed everyone knew who I was. I’m Heidi Wainscott, of Wainscott Oil. Daddy and I are relieved the democrats didn’t take the seat. You know how much oil companies need support by those who have the power.”
“Well, Miss Wainscott, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Heidi. Just call me Heidi.”
“Well, Heidi, I’d love to share a dance with one of my constituents. Care to join me on the floor?”
Well, goobers! She wasn’t a dancer. Embracing her inner Ivy, she smiled and accepted his hand.
“I’m not a great dancer. Can you make sure to hold me tight so I don’t trip? That would be a world of embarrassment.”
“It would be a pleasure.”
Resting her handbag against his chest, she let her cloning device do what it was intended to do. From this point forward, everything the representative said, texted, or read would be recorded for Aaron’s team to dissect.
After a very awkward dance, Byte wanted to clap when the music ended.
“I’m so sorry I’m not a dancer. Momma wanted me to take ballet, but Daddy said my place was by his side.”
“Sounds like a smart man.”
“Oh, he is. He told mamma that ballet would never make me a millionaire, but being his protégé would. And he was right.”
“I’d like to meet your father someday.”
“I’ll make sure he calls you. Tootles.”
Byte walked away from the dance floor and practically fell into Hunter’s arms.