was getting underway. Waiters glided between the bejeweled guests with platters of mouthwatering appetizers and flutes of champagne. The thousand-dollar-per-plate affair was a fundraising event for the incumbent congressman. And with the downward spiral of the economy on the watch of the Democrats, he needed all the support he could get.
Jeremiah and Branford had been friends since they were in knee-highs and had followed each other throughout their school years, served as each other’s best man at their weddings and were godfathers to their chidren. There was a bond between them that was stronger than most brothers, and the Lawson clan adored their Uncle Jerry.
“It’s about time you all got yourselves here,” Jeremiah said, kissing cheeks and shaking hands.
Jeremiah could only be described as round. Everything about him was round, from the top of his head down to his bowlegs. He often reminded Lee Ann of one of those children’s toys that rocked back and forth and rolled around without ever falling over.
“Hi, Uncle Jerry,” Lee Ann said, becoming enveloped in his hearty embrace. He held her back at arm’s length and looked her over.
“Looking more like your beautiful mama with every passing day,” he said softly.
Lee Ann smiled. What could she say? She’d run out of words from the often heard comment. A part of her felt so complimented to be compared to her mother, then there was another part that felt overwhelmed by the comparison that she felt she could never live up to.
Her sisters and brothers had already dispersed into the crowd. They’d been trained well, since they were old enough to be introduced to the world. They knew how to work a crowd, gain information without giving any, befriend newcomers and leave an indelible impression on everyone that they met. They were the epitome of the political elite family, which was often as much of a burden as it was a badge of honor.
Lee Ann slipped her arm through Jeremiah’s. “And where is Aunt Lynn? I don’t see her.”
“Probably worrying the waiters to death.” He chuckled good-naturedly. “You know your aunt. Walk with me outside. I need some air already.”
Lee Ann laughed lightly, and it stopped as if a cork had slid down her throat. A warm wave fluttered in her stomach as they drew closer to the group assembled near the balcony.
She’d only seen him from a distance in the past, although she’d watched him closely during his run for the junior Senate seat and listened to her father extol his virtues. Although Lee Ann worked closely with her father as his personal consultant, she tended to steer clear of the interactions of the power brokers, rarely visited Washington and worked out of the family home or occasionally at her father’s local office in Baton Rouge.
“Congressman,” one of the ladies announced. All eyes turned in their direction.
Jeremiah let out a hearty laugh. “Now that’s the way I like to make an entrance, introduced by a beautiful woman.” The group dutifully chuckled. He turned to Lee Ann. “I’m sure most of you know Lee Ann Lawson, the real power behind the senator.”
Lee Ann’s face heated. She looked from one to the other. “He gives me too much credit.”
“All deserved, my dear.” He slipped her arm out from his and patted her hand. “Senator Preston Graham, have you met Lee Ann?”
“I’m sure if I did I would have remembered,” he responded, his dark eyes doing a slow stroll across her face. He extended his hand toward her.
Lee Ann stretched out her hand, and he leaned down and kissed the top of it. “My pleasure.” A smile teased the corners of his mouth. “I feel as if I already know you.”
She tilted her head slightly to the side. “Why is that?”
“Your father talks about you all the time.”
Her gaze darted away for an instant. “He does the same about you.”
“Is that right? Hope it’s all good.” Light danced in his eyes.
“Yes, it is. He thinks very highly of you. And congratulations, by the way, on your win.”
“I’m still getting my feet wet. Your father is an excellent mentor.”
“That he is.”
“Can I get you a drink?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
After they both realized that he was still holding her hand, Preston chuckled. “Maybe it’s a sign that we should go out together.”
Lee Ann’s soft laugh brushed against him like a caress. He tucked her hand in the curve of his arm.
“I’m surprised we haven’t officially met before,” Preston said as they crossed the expansive room.
“I try to stay behind the scenes except when my father needs me front and center.” She smiled and tried to keep her feet moving one in front of the other even as the electric energy of Preston Graham bounced off her, short-circuiting her brain.
“You do a very good job of it, considering that you are his political adviser of sorts. At least that’s my understanding.”
“I do oversee his activities, but it’s more like a personal assistant,” she said.
They reached the bar. “What will you have?”
“A white wine spritzer.”
He gave the order to the bartender and ordered a bourbon for himself.
“My brother’s favorite drink,” she commented as they were served.
“A man after my own heart,” he joked. “And apparently the ladies, as well,” he added with a lift of his chin in the direction of her brother.
Rafe was in a close conversation across the room with a stunning woman who Lee Ann hadn’t recalled seeing before.
She shook her head in amusement. “Rafe does keep busy.”
“And what about you? When you’re not personally assisting your father, what do you do?”
She was thoughtful for a moment. “Running the house and keeping an eye on my sisters and brothers is pretty much a full-time job.”
“It doesn’t sound as if you allow time for yourself.” He stared into her eyes over the rim of his tumbler.
Her heart fluttered. “I find ways to enjoy myself,” she said in her defense.
Preston studied her for a moment and decided to let the topic go. “What’s it like growing up with a father like Branford?”
They walked together to an available table and sat down.
Lee Ann’s smile was wistful. “Where can I begin?” She gazed around the room. “My life has been pretty much like this for as long as I can remember,” she said with a sweep of her hand. “Politics and parties and entertaining and being in the spotlight has been a way of life.”
He
