My Bluegrass Baby Read Online Free PDF Page B

rounded the table and stood as close to him as I comfortably could. With a flourish,
     I tapped on my iPad and brought up images of Bonnie posing in front of huge display
     boards filled with pictures of blues and country-and-western legends. Bonnie had created
     a display explaining the history of a defunct dance hall, complete with detailed historical
     perspectives and mounted digital players from which emanated samples of the music.
     Two large flat-panel screens showed looping archival films. I sorted through several
     photo file folders to find the right shots. “When she’s not setting these displays
     up, she’s traveling to schools, speaking to students about state history.”
    Vaughn stood, invading my personal space bubble as he took the tablet. It was absolutely
     unfair that an unrepentant jerk could smell so damn good, like summer grass and rosewood.
     But if I’d learned anything about him so far, it was that he was conscientious about
     grooming. Good cologne was just part of the basic “well-coiffed boob ogler ” package.
    I moved to help as Vaughn fumbled at opening the files. Our hands brushed and I felt
     a jolt of tingling electricity travel up from my arm to my chest. His mouth popped
     open in surprise, but I ignored the sensation, even as it traveled down my spine and
     warmed my stomach. Later, I would rationalize this feeling away as the rare—but not
     completely unheard-of—five-second flu. I could feel Vaughn’s warm breath feathering
     over my neck as he bent to get a better look at the screen. I pulled my hand away
     abruptly to avoid another shock and his features twisted back into the characteristic
     frown.
    The scrolling images showed the office staff at various events around the state—the
     Highland Festival in Glasgow, the American Quilt Society Show and Contest in Paducah,
     Tater Day in Benton. Josh the Job Bandit placed his finger on the screen, swiping
     through the pictures. He stopped on a shot of Bonnie and Melody laughing hysterically
     as Ray tried to land a rubber frog on a moving lily pad at the Tater Day carnival.
     My heart ached a bit at the images. This was why I had to stay with the commission,
     I reminded myself. The people here were more than mere coworkers. And I would never
     find another office atmosphere to match it. I would get through this. I would find
     something good about Josh Vaughn, focus on that, and find a way to work with him.
    This new leaf lasted for a grand total of three minutes before Vaughn said, “You know,
     these pictures bring up an interesting point. I’ve noticed there’s an above average
     percentage of the travel budget devoted to the staff attending these little festivals
     and fairs around the state. But there’s no real reason for you to be there, right?
     The locals run these events themselves, or the state parks staff does. It seems like
     a waste of time and resources.”
    “Most state marketing teams don’t go to so many events,” I admitted, moving back around
     the table and taking a seat. “But Commissioner Bidwell likes it when we make an appearance.
     Even if we’re not assisting in running the event, we can at least show our support.
     And nobody takes pictures like Kelsey. We use those pictures on our Web site and in
     our publications, which actually saves us the costs of hiring an outside photographer.
     Besides, it’s fun.”
    Vaughn frowned and sat down across from me, but before he could grumble any further,
     Ray appeared at the conference room door, looking a bit harried. Vaughn’s posture
     went ramrod-straight and I half expected him to salute as Ray swept in with Kelsey
     hot on his heels. She slid quietly into the chair beside me, a pleased expression
     playing on her full lips. Ray dropped some files on the table and propped himself
     against it, as if he’d just finished running one of his marathons and couldn’t hold
     himself upright a moment longer.
    “Okay, kids. I’ve thought about this