Chemical Attraction Read Online Free PDF Page A

two,” Madeline said from behind them. “I forgot how exhausting it is to network for project funding. Doctors are boring and executives are even worse.”
    Matt groaned. “I hate mingling. Trying to be civil to people you can’t stand is like being shot in the leg. I don’t know how you and Eva can do it,” he said as Joe joined them. “What kind of pep talk did you give those boys?”
    “I just told them to have fun and that women love musicians.”
    Matt looked at Eva. “You really are related to him, aren’t you?”
    “Madeline, how’d you like the music?” Joe asked.
    “I thought the boys played great, but the drummer had a hard time keeping a steady tempo.” Madeline smiled while Matt laughed.
    “What? I did not.”
    “You’re right. You’ve developed quite the following.” Madeline casually pointed to a group of young giggling women staring at Joe. “Eva, have you put in your bids for the silent auction yet?”
    “I have, but let’s go anyway.” She kissed her husband’s cheek.

    Madeline wrote a check while Eva visited with a few physicians.
    “How much are you donating?” Alan Shaw asked, standing behind her.
    “I don’t think that’s any of your business,” Madeline replied, looking down at him. His heeled shoes didn’t help.
    He glanced at her check for five hundred dollars. “I think we’re paying you too much.”
    “As BennTech’s CFO, I’m sure you can afford to triple that amount,” she stated loud enough for the table to hear.
    “I’ve already donated,” Alan replied.
    “Oh, I don’t think so.” Amanda smiled. “I’ve been working here all night.”
    Bill Bennett chuckled from the end of the table. “Get out your checkbook, Alan. It’s for a good cause and you know it.”
    Madeline smiled and walked away. That turd wasn’t even going to donate. She scanned the crowd and visited with a few small groups before joining her aunt for another break.
    “You haven’t danced at all, dear,” Sylvia said.
    “I’m not up to it.”
    “I’m sure there are a few nice men who’d dance with you.”
    “Most of the men here are old and stuffy.”
    “What about him?” Sylvia gestured. “He’s handsome.”

    Joe watched Madeline leave with his sister. “What’s her story?” he asked Matt.
    “Don’t take it personal. She has a stressful job. Eva said she’s been jumpy lately.”
    He considered Matt’s analysis and watched Madeline move from one small group to another. She finally sat next to Mrs. Folkert and her lady friends. The band returned to the stage with Nelson Packert on drums. They seemed more relaxed this set. David nodded. He smiled and saluted. The band started the set with their first slow song of the night. Joe excused himself and walked over to Madeline’s table. An old guy with a walrus mustache eyed Sylvia and stood from the next table. Joe beat him to her.
    “Sylvia, may I have this dance?” he asked, holding out his hand. He held her in his arms as they danced slowly around the room.
    “I’d much rather dance with you than with Earl.”
    “That guy’s glaring at me. Is he sweet on you?”
    “Earl? I hope not.”
    He spun her and smiled directly at Earl. “He’s jealous,” he said, leading her into a few complicated steps. She followed easily while he continued to smile at Earl.
    “And you’re making it worse.”
    “Can I dip you right in front of his table?” he asked as the song ended.
    “Don’t you dare, and thank you, Joseph. You’ve brought back some wonderful memories.”
    He kissed her hand. “When you’re ready to leave, let me know so I can walk you home.”
    She patted his cheek. “Stay away from those two blondes by the auction table. You deserve better.”
    He laughed. “I won’t pursue anyone unless I get the thumbs up from you. Okay?”
    She nodded and returned to her table. He wandered around the room and stopped at the punch bowl. One woman made him blush with a marriage proposal. She wanted to skip the