in for a moment.
“You forgot about sex.”
“As long as I have batteries, I’ve got that covered.” Hale tossed her hair as she relaxed and joked with Jasmine.
“Oh, honey, keep your sexy ways quiet, here comes Major Reynolds. I wonder if he would be into handcuffs?” Jasmine stage whispered.
“Quiet,” Hale whispered back and elbowed her friend. “I don’t think he looks that adventurous. He introduced himself at the funeral. I think he was attempting to flirt with me, while he was with a woman that he introduced as ‘his date.’ Real classy.”
“He usually has lovely manners, he really must have wanted to meet you. You’ll need to play nice, not that other kind of Play…isn’t that what you call it?” Jasmine teased.
Hale raised her eyebrows at her friend’s question. She had never hidden that she had developed certain sexual tastes over the years. She liked sex to be physical, to dominate and to be dominated. She was open to experimentation and had been honest with Jasmine about her experiences. “No more cocktails for you, loose lips. I don’t think that you need to share all of my secrets tonight.”
“It’s a child-free night, and I have Izzy all to myself after the fireworks. I’m feeling like I want to be a bad girl.” The beautiful blonde giggled as she wiggled her eyebrows.
“Poor Izzy, I hope he can handle Bad Jasmine.” Hale gave a deep laugh.
****
Finn enjoyed being the mayor, but there were times that it sucked. Like tonight. He wanted to join Hale and Jasmine as they talked and laughed. However, people kept stopping him as he tried to make his way to them.
He watched Hale relax in the company of her best friend. He could only guess at what those two were discussing. Hale had flipped her hair several times and poked Jasmine with an elbow. Hale’s eyes were sparkling and he wanted to join in their fun.
The event hostess took his arm to halt his progress. Bitsy Campbell was a brittle woman, too thin, too bleached, and too tan. She had recently separated from husband number three, and Finn had made it very clear that he was not interested in being number four. Her small hand looped around his wrist, trying to slide lower to mesh her fingers with his. “Oh Finn, I’m so glad to run into you. Wonderful turnout, don’t you agree?”
“Good evening, Bitsy. Yes there certainly is a wonderful turnout.” He took a sip from his glass and scanned the crowd.
“Did you know we have exceeded our fundraising goal? I’m going to make the announcement later.” Bitsy fluttered her lashes and did not give up her hold.
“That’s wonderful news. I was going over to say hello to Hale and Jasmine, would you like to join me?”
“Humph, I’m surprised that Hale is here, I thought she’d still be staying out at her farm. Joe’s only been gone a few weeks.” Bitsy eyed Hale with an unhappy look.
“I think it’s great that she’s out. The town needs her support, and she’ll need the support of her friends .” He made sure to emphasize the last word. Obviously, Bitsy was not a fan of Hale’s. She was the type to dislike any attractive woman, viewing them as competition.
Finn stopped a passing waiter and took a glass of champagne, handing it to Bitsy, forcing her to release his wrist. “Then I will leave you to mix with your other guests. Enjoy your party, Bitsy.” Finn continued across the crowded floor.
As he approached the group, he noticed that Major was standing next to Hale, speaking quietly to her. She was scanning the area, and when her eyes found his, she smiled warmly.
“Oh there you are.” She moved away from Major and took Finn’s arm to bring him into the group. “I thought you had invited me, and were going to ignore me.” She pouted dramatically.
“I was delayed a few times on my way over.” He smiled down at her. “I did get to watch the two most beautiful women arrive.” She held his arm lightly, and it felt nice.
“Always the first with a
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