Page 58 of Beneath the Blue Moon

***Ethan***

“Ethan, great job on the capture of Croger the other day,”

Mayor Burton says. “How did you do it?”

“Just followed up on a good lead.”

“I think it pretty much cements your place in the next

election.”

“Well, I hope I won’t be judged on that single act but on my

work throughout the years.”

“Absolutely, but it doesn’t hurt.”

I think most men would envy my position—rubbing elbows with

three mayors and various members of the so-called social elite. Me? All I want

to do is take my woman home and fuck her all night. Is there something wrong

with that? I glance in the direction of the bathroom, and I see her standing

there, searching the faces of the crowd. Our eyes meet and her smile answers my

question with a resounding “no.” There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I

watch her as she makes her way to me, walking as if she glides on the wings of angels.

She takes my arm, flashing her dazzling smile to my companions.

“Hello.”

“Well, hello there,” Max says. “Ethan, who’s this?”

Here we go. I wrap a possessive arm around her waist

and pull her close. “Max Ramos, Stan Finch, Mike Dresden, Mayor Whitley, and

Mayor Chandler… Meet Casey Bryan. Casey, you already know Mayor Burton.”

“Pleasure to meet you, gentlemen.”

“I think I speak for all when I say the pleasure is ours.”

I shoot Max a look of warning. He smiles and elbows Stan in

the side. So they mean to tease me?

“Where did you find this enchanting young lady?” Stan joins

in.

I look down at her in time to see her blush.

“Technically, you found me, right?” I ask.

“I guess. It took you long enough to make a move, though.”

The group chuckles and Mike steps forward. “If you ever get

tired of this one, give me a call.”

“I’m afraid that would be a mighty long wait, Mr. Dresden.”

She stares into my eyes, and my heart feels like it’s about

to rip through my chest. She’s perfect. And she’s mine.

“Please tell us, any sisters?” Mayor Whitley asks.

“Only child. Sorry, gentlemen.”

“They’re all married. Don’t listen to them,” I tell her.

“Hey, we could be un-married for a woman like this.”

“I bet you could, Stan.”

“Ethan, your friends sure know how to stroke a girl’s ego.”

“That’s not all—”

“Don’t go there, Mike,” I stop him.

He takes one look at my face and backs off. I’ve had enough

of this conversation; it’s time to dance with my beautiful date. Besides, the

song that’s playing expresses exactly how I feel—Thompson Square’s “If I Didn’t

Have You.” It could be our song.

“Excuse us, gentlemen.” I nod to them and lead her to the

dance floor, pulling her into my arms. She smiles, and my heart skips a beat. God,

I love this woman.

“Stan was right. You are enchanting.”

“First you’re bewitched, now enchanted. I see a pattern here.”

“I’ve been waiting for you for a long time, Casey.”

“For me?”

“Yes. You… and only you.”