Page 12 of Bourbon and Proof

If I had blinked, I would’ve missed the way his shoulders tense and he pauses mid-sip. But he plays it off when he tilts his head to the side with a sly smile. “Why, Foxx? You interested in donating to my campaign?” Sippingmybourbon, he continuesto leer at Hadley. “Your support is always welcome. But I still have the funding I need for getting elected another term.”

I doubt that. The details I have on Governor Hawkins’s background are mostly predictable. On-again-off-again women, never married. But his brother is his only family. He has investments that prove lucrative, but have been shuffled with curious timing to the current events in my small town. Add that to the fact that his campaign donations are mostly private and anonymous. Anyone who paid attention knows the governor and Wheeler Finch rubbed elbows for a long time. There have been plenty of events where both were present.

I watch the mayor out of my periphery lean forward to take in the burlesque performance that was just beginning. My soon-to-be sister-in-law, Faye, puts on one helluva show. She’s also an incredibly talented private investigator, a certain skill that not too many know about. A little detail that I, as well as the local PD and FBI field offices, have found valuable recently.

My phone vibrates, allowing me a brief escape from watching these men embarrass themselves with how oblivious they are to their own lack of power and influence.

LUCIFER

A heads-up about the company you’re keeping today would have been nice.

ACE

Heads-up, the governor is going to make a pass at you.

LUCIFER

You say that like it’s anything new.

ACE

You’re seeing his brother.

LUCIFER

Sounds like a challenge.

ACE

Please tell me you’re joking.

LUCIFER

Why? You worried about me, Daddy?

I puff out my cheeks and blow out an exhale.Jesus Christ, that nickname.Pushing my buttons is her favorite hobby. I’m going to learn my fucking lesson one of these days. I don’t know why I engage. When I do, it’s like fuel for her. And then I end up in a bad mood, slightly dizzy, and with a fucking hard-on.

I can’t recall exactly when she turned into a fixture in our lives, only that it happened overnight. I hadn’t been paying attention, and all of a sudden, she was there. Dinners turned into fishing trips and Saturday morning card games. Lazy moments and long days before the years seemed short and our lives became too hectic. She’s been here, and it’s been an incessant hurdle to avoid looking like I care.

Smiling at whatever the governor’s rattling on about now, I pocket my phone and glance at the bar to find her attention up here and on me. I’ve become exceptional at masking feelings and schooling reactions to every sideways bullshit that crosses my path. Except when it comes to her.

Her mouth tips up a fraction of an inch. She knows she got to me.

Chapter 4

Hadley

I remember hearingonce that nothing good ever happens after midnight. Old, patronizing theories about being a lady and not looking for trouble or some bullshit. I hate the insinuation so much that I named my speakeasy Midnight Proof. I wanted a place where people could escape. A forbidden location where music and cocktails were sexy again. Somewhere someone could walk in and be completely consumed by the experience. It’s the one thing I’ve done that I’m proud of. From the chandeliers to the coupe glasses to the entertainment and everything in between. Midnight Proof is mine. It defines me.

“You’re killing me in that dress, Hadley,” Faye says as she digs in her bag. The low-cut, billowing neckline isn’t my usual game, but I’m leaning into the flair of the bride being a burlesque dancer. Sequins and sparkles are necessary. It’s a complete juxtaposition to what I wore this morning, wading in a river with galoshes and a trucker hat that read, “Reel Master Baiter.”

I opened the speakeasy today with limited service and closed up about an hour ago. Faye decided she wanted to fit in a performance to work off some nervous energy before the festivities.

Lincoln and Faye had requested late-night cocktails hosted at Ace and Griz’s house instead of a typical bachelor or bachelorette party. The wedding ceremony and reception are tomorrow night, but they wanted to celebrate as much as possible while friends are here from out of town.

I glance at Faye when I feel her looking at me. Her blonde hair is pinned to the side, and while she always looks impeccable, tonight, in a tight white cocktail dress, she’s goddess-level gorgeous. The cool-toned blues and purples from the dashboard lights show off a smile dancing on her lips when she asks, “Is Hawk coming tonight?”

With a casual side-eye, I pause, trying to play off my answer as casual instead of cold. “It’s not like that with us. It’s nothing serious.”

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