Page 34 of False Evidence

“You think I need a babysitter?”

“No, I think you’re bored and maybe a little pissed.”

“Honestly? More than a little.”

“Who’s your date?”

“Russ Spaulding.”

The man grunted but said nothing. Probably not a good idea to diss on a coworker. For all she knew, Russ could be this guy’s boss.

She sipped her drink to prevent herself from saying something she’d regret. It wouldn’t be fair to either man.

She was the trophy date who got a free meal. Kendall was having fun. Classes were done, and she didn’t even need to fret that she wasn’t studying right now.

Plus, she had a free drink. “You work for Talon & Drake long?”

He shrugged. “Long enough.”

That was a nonanswer. “You like it?”

“Sure.”

“You ever meet the senator who owns it?”

“I have.”

“You vote for him?”

He looked at her askance. “Secret ballots are a constitutional right.”

“Ah. So that’s a no.”

He laughed. “I can’t vote in Maryland.”

“Ahh. Convicted felon. I get it. Don’t worry. I’ll keep your secret.”

The man tilted his head back and let out a full laugh. It was warm, and she felt a buzz at having triggered it. “No. I live in New York most of the time. That’s where I vote.”

“Most of the time? You have multiple houses?”

“I stay with family when I’m in the area.” He nodded toward averytall man who was approaching the bar. “Speaking of, I should get back.”

The tall man had dark hair, but his skin was several shades lighter. The two men didn’t look related, but that didn’t mean anything.

“It was nice meeting you,” the man said as he picked up two drinks from the bar. “Find me if Spaulding loses his shirt. I’ll see to it you get home safe.”

She sipped her drink as she watched him walk away. Nice ass. And the tall guy was fine too. He looked to be closer to Alexandra’s age. His gaze landed on her, and he smiled, but not with interest. Not like the man she’d just been chatting with.

His look was simple curiosity.

She wanted to ask the bartender if he knew who the men were, but it would be ridiculous. There were over three hundred guests at this party, employees of Talon & Drake and plus ones like her. The odds that the bartender would know anyone was slim.

She finished her drink and set the empty glass on the bar. It was magically refilled, but she hesitated before taking it.

“On the house. Don’t tell anyone.”

She drew a line across her closed lips, then added, “Thank you.”

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