Free Queen of Diamonds by Sandra Cox

wine glass. “Would you like something before we go?”
    “Thanks, no.” He held out his hand to her father. “How are you, Bill?”
    “I’m fine.” Her dad grasped it.
    “Are you planning on wetting a line tomorrow?”
    “Haven’t decided yet. If I do, you’re welcome to join me.”
    “I’ll let you know.” Logan turned to Kendall. “We should be going.”
    Caroline and her dad walked them to the entryway.
    Kendall bent down and gave her daughter a kiss. “Be good and mind your grandpa.”
    “I will.”
    “Have fun, you two.” 
    “Thanks.”  Logan opened the door for Kendall and she stepped out onto the stoop. A soft breeze was blowing, the weather warm for an October evening.  A bird call carried over rustling leaves. A mockingbird, she supposed.
    Logan opened the car door then shut it when she scooted in. He went to the other side and got in. “Give me just a minute and I’ll put the top up.”
    She touched his hand impulsively. “Leave it down. It’s a beautiful night.”
    He turned his hand over and his fingers tightened around hers, his grasp warm and firm. He held it for a moment then let go and started the car. “You’re an unusual female. Most would be worried about their hair.  Which I might add I like a lot better loose on your shoulders then scraped back in a bun.”
    “You have no idea how unusual,” she murmured under her breath.
    “Excuse me?” He turned down the radio.
    “I said you sound like a typical guy.”
    “Really, it sounded like you said…never mind. How did you spend your day?”
    “Looking for this dress, getting a mani, a pedi and a facial.”
    He glanced at her then back to the road. “It was time well spent.”
    She cleared her throat. “Mr. Hunter, this isn’t a date.”
    “What exactly is it, Ms. Theron?”
    “Work. While you schmooze, I network.”
    “Glad you said schmooze not snooze.”
    “Oh, I think you’ll be able to stay awake.”  She pushed back a strand of hair whipping around her face.
    “Thanks to you. Normally, these are pretty boring affairs.”
    A few minutes later they pulled in front of one of the historic hotels. Soft music drifted out from open doors. A young man in red livery trotted down the steps to the driver’s side of the car. “I’ll take it, sir.”
    “Be careful. No scratches.” Logan slipped a folded bill into the young man’s hand.
    “Of course, sir.”
    Logan turned to Kendall and offered his arm. “Shall we?”
    She nodded, smoothed her hair and put her hand gingerly on his arm.  For coming across as somewhat of a dilettante the man obviously worked out.  Beneath the crisp tux was pure muscle. She remembered the hard planes and angles of his body pressed against her when he’d kissed her, then gave herself a mental shake as they walked through the door.
    A sleek, middle-aged couple moved toward them. The man had a head full of silver hair and his partner’s blonde, perfectly streaked hair was drawn back in a twist. Her features were beautiful but cold, her cheekbones sharp and prominent.
    Kendall stiffened in response.
    “Logan darling.” The woman’s expression warmed. She raised her face for a kiss. He placed his free hand on her bare arm and bussed her cheek. “It’s good to see you again, Grace.” Next he turned to the man and extended his hand, “Charles.”
    Charles shook it. “Just finished Murder at the Mission . Great read. Kept me up most of the night.”
    “Glad you enjoyed it. Looks like you’re going to raise quite a bit of money tonight.” Logan nodded at a couple heading for the dance floor.
    “I’m counting on it. Who’s your lovely companion?”
    Logan slipped his hand on her back and drew her forward. Her skin quivered and heat shot through her from the slight pressure. She wouldn’t have been the least surprised to find a handprint on her back glowing like a sunburn.
    “This is my publicist, and right arm, Kendall Theron. Kendall, this is Charles and Grace Kudlow.