Free Gone Too Far by Angela Winters Page B

The only thing missing is a family, and who better than an American princess?”
    Leigh rolled her eyes. “I’m not a princess. I’m a doctor, and I have patients to tend to.”
    Leigh accepted the prescription pad and made her way back to the rooms. She didn’t doubt that a man like Max could be president. He had all the superficial qualities that voters seem to like no matter how much they consistently prove to be insufficient in the long run. He certainly wouldn’t have her vote.

4
    L eigh knew something was up when her mother walked into the state-of-the-art gym located in the basement of Chase Mansion. It was a little after one in the afternoon, and Leigh had just gotten home from her shift and hoped to get some exercise in.
    As Janet approached her, Leigh jumped up on the sides of the treadmill so she could stop moving without having to pause the machine. She removed only one of her iPod earphones.
    â€œI thought you were going to be secluded in your office planning the charity breast cancer ball,” Leigh said.
    â€œI just happened to be walking past the foyer when Maya was receiving a messenger.” Janet’s voice was tinged with genteel excitement. “It was a lovely invitation in a very classical black and ecru envelope. The lining and design are just choice. Very elegant.”
    Leigh was amused at her mother’s stir. A lady of the best breeding, Janet was given an Emily Post etiquette book at age eight. She was the epitome of self-restraint and appearances, but every now and then, she let herself go and could have a good time. She seemed ready to burst right now.
    â€œSounds intriguing,” Leigh said. “Stop teasing and tell me. Is it an elaborate invitation to some high-society wedding? What?”
    â€œIt’s funny you should say wedding,” Janet said, holding up the opened envelope in her left hand. “Because that is exactly what I was thinking of when I read it. It’s for you by the way.”
    â€œWhat is it with people?” Leigh jumped off the treadmill and snatched the envelope away from her mother. “Everyone feels free to open any card with my name on it?”
    â€œYou’ve been holding back on me.” Janet watched eagerly as Leigh opened the card.
    When Leigh realized who the card was from, it all made sense. She turned to her excited mother with a look of dread on her face. “Sorry, Mom. This isn’t what you think.”
    â€œI can read,” Janet said. “Senator Max Cody has invited you to dinner. At Bastide no less.”
    â€œI know what’s going on in that mind of yours.” Leigh stuffed the paper back into the envelope. “You’re always trying to marry me off to some upper-class well-to-do society guy. You know, Max comes from the middle class. You’ve never been too keen on those types.”
    Janet waved a dismissive hand. “He’s like your father. It’s just a mistake of the stars that he wasn’t born in high society. He’s of superior quality. High society is where he’s always belonged.”
    Although she shouldn’t be after all this time, Leigh was astonished. Not because of what her mother was saying, but because she knew she meant it. “Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but I am not dating this man, and I never would.”
    â€œThen why the invitation?” Janet asked.
    She was treading lightly. Janet knew that her involvement in Leigh’s personal life usually led to disaster, but she wanted so desperately for her angel to be happy. She had had such bad luck with men. Leigh had always been the jewel of the family, and Janet expected greater things for her than even herself in life. Max Cody could offer that.
    â€œI was trying to get his support to lobby the governor for the health insurance bill.” Leigh handed the envelope back to her mother. “But he isn’t on board. He just likes to be lobbied. I think the