Free Tempting by Susan Mallery

easy, are you?”
    â€œNever,” she said, but she wasn’t really focused on her answer. Instead she found herself caught up in what Alex’s smile had done to his expression. For a brief second, he’d seemed approachable and funny and sexy as hell.
    Interest perked up and stretched. Anticipation sniffed the air. Heat rolled over and made her insides quiver.
    Dani recognized the signs. Attraction to a man. Something she’d sworn off of. No way, no how, not ever. Or at least until she stopped picking the wrong guy.
    Alex might not be a lying, cheating weasel or an until recently ordained-into-service-to-God kind of guy, but he was the adopted son of her newly discovered biological father and deeply involved in said man’s campaign for president. Getting involved was not remotely logical or sensible or even sane.
    Not that it mattered. He wasn’t the least bit interested in her. He probably didn’t actually realize she was female. She was simply an impediment with a name.
    So she did what made sense—she ignored her hormones, pretended Alex was charming, but gay, and leaned in to enjoy a yummy dinner accompanied by a great side of dragon baiting.
    Â 
    â€œY OU CAN’T REALLY believe that,” Alex said as Eddie cleared the dessert plates.
    â€œWhy not?” Dani asked, humor brightening her hazel eyes. “The rich can afford it. Having everyone who makes over five hundred thousand a year financially sponsor a poor child makes perfect sense.”
    She was bullshitting, he thought, both frustrated and amused. She was smart and quick, but determined to find every button he had and stomp on it.
    â€œI’m changing the subject,” he said. “You’re not being serious.”
    â€œIs serious required?”
    â€œIt helps.”
    â€œYou’re a little stuffy. I think it’s the lawyer thing. We should—” She glanced at her watch. “Yikes. I’m keeping staff here late. That’s not good.”
    He checked the time and saw it was after eleven. How had that happened? He would have guessed they’d been there an hour at most.
    Dani stood. “I hate to make you eat and run, but I’ve got to get everyone out of here or they’ll hate me forever. Dinner’s on me.”
    He rose. “I don’t think so.”
    â€œDon’t get all macho on me, Alex. Seriously. Bernie won’t even let me pay for it, so we’re good. I appreciate you stopping by. Now leave.”
    â€œEver gracious. When do you go home?”
    â€œIn about fifteen minutes.”
    â€œI’ll wait.”
    She frowned at him. “Why?”
    â€œI’ll walk you to your car. It’s late. You shouldn’t go to your car alone.”
    She rolled her eyes. “I do it every time I work dinner, yet I’ve managed to survive. I appreciate the offer, but I’m good.”
    He shrugged into his suit jacket. “I’ll wait.”
    She sighed. “I recognize that stubborn tone of voice. Fine. You can sit by the door.”
    â€œI live to serve.”
    â€œIf only that were true.”
    He used the time to check his cell phone. There was a call from his mother.
    He called back on her private line, which only rang in her office. If she’d already gone to bed, it wouldn’t disturb her.
    â€œYou’re working late,” he said when she answered.
    â€œSo are you.”
    â€œI just finished dinner.”
    â€œA campaign dinner,” she said. “You’re working too hard.”
    He hesitated, then decided not to tell her otherwise. “I could say the same about you.”
    â€œThen we both need to reform. You mentioned you might come by later?”
    â€œIt would be close to midnight.”
    â€œI’ll be up another hour at least.”
    â€œThen I’ll be by.”
    He hung up just as Dani walked toward him with her purse over her shoulder. She wore a fitted red dress that