Restraint - Adriana Locke Page 0,100

I can’t take my eyes off Landry.

People literally part for him to walk through. It's like he's Moses. They're more than willing to be led through the Red Sea, divided by his power and influence, and into the Promised Land.

I’m off in space about what precisely that land might entail, when my shoulder is bumped, rustling me out of my Landry-induced haze.

"Excuse me," I say. When I realize who I've just ignored, my cheeks heat in embarrassment. "I'm so sorry," I stutter, handing Camilla Landry, one of the Landry sisters, a glass of champagne.

She’s even more beautiful in person, a textbook example of poise and sophistication. In the media a lot for charity work with her mother, her face is easily identifiable with her high cheekbones and sparkling smile.

"Don't worry about it," she breathes, waving me off. "I can't take my brothers anywhere without women getting all mesmerized. Especially that one," she laughs, nodding to the doorway Barrett just went through. "Although, between me and you, I don't get it."

Her grin is infectious, and I can't help but return it.

"I'm Camilla," she says, extending her long, well-manicured hand like I don’t already know.

I balance the tray on one side and take her hand in mine. "I'm Alison. Alison Baker."

"You helped clean up a sauce spill earlier. You put the lady that had the accident at ease when you took the blame and kept the attention off her. I wanted you to know I saw and respected that."

"It really was no big deal.”

"In this world, everything can be a big deal. Trust me. You probably just saved my brother a couple of votes."

"Just doing my part," I laugh.

She smiles again, her chic sky-blue dress matching her eyes and heels. "Well, on behalf of the mayor, thank you. He seems ... occupied, at the moment."

I wink. "I have no idea what you’re talking about. I didn't see a thing."

She nods, looking a touch relieved, and thanks me again before turning away and greeting the older lady from earlier, the one that spilled her dinner all over me. Camilla takes her hand and helps her into a chair.

Her elegance is breathtaking and she has a charm about her, an easiness even though she’s clearly blue-blood, that I’ve never seen before. It’s exactly what the kitchen is buzzing about with Barrett—a charisma you can’t quite put your finger on.

Acknowledgments

I would like to take a moment and acknowledge the incredible people that have supported me and stood by my side as I wrote this book.

No one comes before the Creator. I see your hand in my life and the blessings I don’t deserve every day. You’re always there for me. I know I can turn to you even after I’ve done something foolish. Thank you for never turning me away.

My husband, Saul, is the most remarkable man that I’ve ever met. He selflessly takes on all the roles while I tuck myself in my office and play with the voices inside my head. He’s my biggest supporter and picks me up when I start to fall. He’s everything a man and a partner should be. I love you. Forever.

No book will ever come close to comparing to my sons, Alexander, Aristotle, Achilles, and Ajax. I look at each one of them every day and wonder how I got so lucky to be their mother. They have kind hearts and excellent senses of humor. They’re strong, sensitive, and give the best hugs. You four are the best thing I’ve ever done. Mommy loves you.

I work so hard and love even harder because it’s all I know. I learned that from my parents, Mandy and Denny. My mom is my biggest fan. She steals all my bookmarks and passes them out like a one-person marketing team. My dad would’ve loved to see me write books. I have so many memories of him with a book in his hand. Thank you both for teaching me that I can do whatever I put my mind to. I love you.

When I married my husband, I got the best set of in-laws. Peggy and Rob take as much joy in my career as anyone. They’re always there with a helping hand or a word of encouragement. I feel so blessed to know you and love you. You’re the greatest.

When I think of Kari March, I think of gummy bears and her strange way of eating them by color. That’s where Blaire got it. Kari is the most creative and loyal person