Read Online The Magnolia Affair by T. A. Foster - Free Book Online Page A

And I like that attitude. You’ve come a long way since our first talk on education.”
    “You know I’m going to vote for you.”
    “You better.” He rubbed his thumb along my lower lip.
    “What other office? What’s your next campaign?”
    “Well, this isn’t public knowledge.” There was an assortment of cheeses he started grating.
    “I think I’ve proven I can keep a secret,” I teased.
    “That you have.” He wiped his hands on the apron and picked up the spice canisters, reading each label. He was precise in the kitchen. “There are experts on political projections. We’ve brought in a few. I’ve had some meetings, and we’re starting to set our sights on the governor’s office.”
    “You want to be the governor of South Carolina?”
    “Don’t sound so shocked.”
    Paxton was an attorney, or at least he had a law degree, but he never discussed cases. He was a professional politician. Groomed and molded for the role. But governor. Governor was influential and powerful. It sounded ambitious, but if he wanted it, I knew it would be his. He was the kind of man who got what he wanted.
    “I’m not. I think you would make an excellent governor. A sexy one at that.” I winked.
    He abandoned the pasta and walked toward me, brushing his lips over mine. “Are you implying I’ll only make it to the governor’s mansion because of my sex appeal?”
    I inhaled deeply. “Something like that.” I waited for the kiss to leave me breathless.
    His finger outlined my throat. “That sounds rather sexist.”
    “How does it feel?” I tilted my chin forward.
    His eyes rested on my mouth. “Are you trying to bait me into a discussion on how women are objectified in politics and men aren’t?”
    I studied him, his dark bedroom eyes, the squareness of his jaw, the way his lips always seemed to be ready to smile.
    “Oh, I think you’ll be objectified plenty.” I let a giggle slip.
    “Is that so?”
    He swiveled on his heels and returned to arranging the plates, leaving my un-kissed lips feeling heavy.
    “You know everyone in book club is going to vote for you.” I hopped off the counter and refilled my wineglass. “All I hear from them is how amazing Paxton Tanner is.”
    “I’d like to think it’s because I have a strong stance on women’s issues.” His brow furrowed. “I’ve really been pushing wage increases in every county.”
    “Pax, you know I’m playing with you.” I squeezed his shoulder.
    I wanted to turn the conversation to something lighter. I sensed he was stressed about the Hughes situation, although he was trying not to let it interfere with our evening. I didn’t need him to convince me he would fight for women’s rights.
    “The issues matter the most to people, not how hot you look on a magazine cover.”
    “Hot?” he asked.
    “Yes. I can say you’re hot.”
    He chuckled. “Votes are votes I guess.”
    “They are. You’re always telling me it doesn’t matter how you get there, just as long as you do. You’ll show all those women you can help them from the senate seat.” I paused. “Or from the governor’s office.”
    He grinned. “I like how you say that.”
    I don’t know why I blushed. I felt like I had navigated him around the edge of a cliff, and I was proud. I made him smile.
    “Dinner is served.” He lit a candle in the center of the table. “I hope you like it.”
    “It smells delicious. I’m sure it will be great.” I stabbed a shrimp and blew on it to cool it.
    “It only took years of burned shrimp and soggy pasta to get it right.”
    I giggled. The wine was strong. Pax said it was something he had imported. I was impressed with his culinary skills. The meal was prepared with just the right amount of seasoning.
    “I’m glad you’re spending the night. I like waking up with you.”
    “Me too.” I smiled.
    “I don’t like sleeping alone.” His voice lowered.
    I looked at him. “You won’t tonight.”
    “Do you think we should do something to