Read Online Midnight (McKenna Chronicles Book 1) by Elizabeth Miller - Free Book Online

indecent.”
    It’s
true. This plunging, black satin number leaves little room for my breasts and
not much more anywhere else. I should have left my hair down for modesty, but
it’s piled on top of my head in a loose knot.
    Turning
the corner, Molly gets her first look at me. “Shit. Tim will be panting when he
sees you.”
    “Then
get me something else to wear. That’s the last thing I want to happen,” I say
while rolling my eyes. 
    I’ve
enjoyed my time at campaign headquarters. Sally and Molly are fun, and after
working independently for such a long time it’s nice to have the camaraderie of
a team. Tim, on the other hand, has presented a challenge. His invitation on my
first day has transpired into an insistent appeal to dine with him at lunch
daily, and sometimes a dinner invite, asking me out incessantly. He’s nice;
Molly thinks he’s cute, but absolutely not for me.
    Everyone
who works at Colin’s headquarters, along with three hundred other people, are
attending a cocktail reception in his honor tonight; my multiple excuses as to
why I couldn’t attend were derailed each time by Molly. She’s persistent, I’ll
give her that, and here I am, getting ready at her apartment for the reception.
    “Look
at these!” I say poking at my ample cleavage. “They’ll enter the party ten
minutes before I do.” Cringing, I pull at the plunging neckline to draw the
fabric over my breasts to no avail.
    “You
look fantastic, Charlie. Stop adjusting. It’s supposed to look like that.”
    Turning
from the mirror I accept my fate. I’m going, I’m going in this dress, and I’ll
just have to figure out a way to get comfortable with it.
    Colin
has been in and out of the office for the last three weeks. Evan wasn’t lying
when he said there was a change in plans from the original itinerary Colin
reviewed with me when I agreed to work with him. I’ve been here for these past
few weeks, learning more about him, his campaign and the people who work for
him.
    He's
remained aloof, even tense with me since he cared for my injury. It’s almost a
relief when he and Evan are traveling; thankfully they take Ms. Bitchy with
them most of the time, which is a nice reprieve from her hostility.
    Dragging
me from my thoughts, Molly pipes in, “I'll never get another opportunity to
attend an event like this. Never in my lifetime, Charlie.” She pleads again,
desperately. “You have to go with me. I need your support.”
    “I
doubt that, Molly. You could have fun anywhere, with anyone.” I grab my clutch
purse before slipping into the stiletto heels, also on loan. Her wardrobe looks
more like a Nordstrom rack than a closet; I don’t think she’s ever worn a
T-shirt in her life. Silk, satin and sexy are the details she looks for in
clothing.
    “Okay,
I’m ready. Let’s get this over with.”
    She
catcall whistles at my final product. “You clean up nice, Charlie Carter.
You’re going to steal all of the men away from me tonight, and I was hoping to
meet my future husband.”
    “I’ll
be sure to kick some back to you when I’m through with them,” I tease, knowing
very well she’ll have men groveling at her feet the minute we walk in. Molly is
beautiful and has a personality that matches.
    When
we pull up in front of the venue, I’m surprised at the location. It’s not far
from campaign headquarters in an industrial district of the city. The building
looks like a warehouse, yet it’s been revitalized with large floor-to-ceiling
windows. Inside, bright lights hold the night at bay and allow arriving guests
a peek at the party before walking in. Metal and wood combine in the interior
to create a distinct and surprisingly comfortable atmosphere.
    As
soon as we enter our coats are whisked away, replaced by champagne flutes.
We’re directed into a large room with exposed beams and white walls holding
old, blackened machine parts. The eclectic mix of materials creates an
interesting and somehow modern décor. Lights,