Summer Reading is Killing Me (Phee Jefferson Book 2) by Amy E. Lilly Page B

before Anthony arrived. I planned to be a
sophisticated socialite rather than a frumpy bookworm.
    I chose a light blue sundress with small pink
flowers embroidered around the hem of the skirt. Pearl stud earrings with a
matching choker-style necklace contrasted nicely with my light tan. I twisted
my red curls into a quick chignon and pulled a few curls loose to frame my
face. A hint of blush and mascara, then I was ready to go.
    I heard a knock on my front door. Anthony stood on
my porch in a navy blue polo shirt and khakis. “Would you like to come in for a
minute?” I offered.
    “Just for a minute. The Senator is a stickler for
punctuality.” Anthony stepped into the hallway and looked around. I had a large
art deco mirror hanging above a demi lune table. A small Tiffany lamp sat on
it. Anthony walked over and touched the shade. “Is this a real Tiffany lamp?”
    “Yes. It belonged to my grandmother. I credit her
with making me an antique hound. She left me several beautiful pieces. You’re
welcome to walk around if you’d like. I need to grab my purse, then I’ll be
ready to leave,” I said. He wandered into my living room and perused my
bookshelves. In my room, I dumped my large messenger bag out onto my bed. It
didn’t match the sophisticated ensemble I wore, so it needed to go. I found a
small blue clutch in a drawer and put my wallet, cell phone and a lipstick in
it. I smoothed my hair one last time in the mirror and spritzed perfume on my
wrists and neck.
    Anthony had found his way into my kitchen and
gazed in wonder at my antique kitchen appliances. “I love your house. All the
treasures you have tucked in here are amazing,” he said.
    “Thank you. I spend my free time digging through
antique shops and flea markets for things to restore. Some people don’t like
antiques, but to me, they are gently-loved pieces of history looking for new
homes,” I said.
    Anthony guided me out my front door to a dark
sedan. As he drove out of town and towards the lake, I told him about growing
up in Miller’s Cove. “It sounds like an amazing place to raise a family. Good
schools, peaceful town, low crime. This is the kind of town I’d like to move to
once I start a family,” Anthony said.
    “Are you married?” I asked. I hadn’t seen a
wedding ring, but not everyone wore one.
    “Not yet. I haven’t found the right woman to put
up with me. I might seem like an awesome catch, but looks can be deceiving. You
aren’t looking for a husband are you? I’m fairly fresh off the showroom floor,
low miles, easy maintenance. The only downside is the long hours I work and the
amount of travel involved.”
    I laughed. “No, I’m not in the market, but I’ll
keep you in mind.”
    “I hope you don’t mind, but I did a little check
into your background. You graduated top of your class. You’ve lived here in
Miller’s Cove and in Burlington while in college. Rumor has it you date a
deputy sheriff. No criminal record or unseemly gambling habits. So in a
nutshell, you’re attractive, smart and somewhat single,” Anthony summed up. He
pulled the car up to a large cabin and turned the engine off. He turned and
said, “I’m interested. I’m being a little bold, but my time here is short. You
intrigue me, Phee Jefferson. There’s something sweet
and sexy about you.”
    “Um, I’m…um,” I stuttered. I coughed and tried
again. “I’m flattered and a little overwhelmed. I don’t even know how to
respond.”
    “Don’t say anything right now. Just consider it an
open invitation. We’d better get inside before the Senator sends up a flare.”
He stepped out of the car and walked around to open my door for me. He crooked
his elbow to escort me inside. I hesitated for a moment, but then recalling the
sight of Clint laughing with the blonde, I placed my hand on his arm and walked
inside with him.
    Richard Campbell waited on the back deck for us.
Anthony excused himself and left me alone with the Senator. There was a