Valentine Vote Read Online Free PDF Page A

in my tool chest.”
    “And I thought we knew everything about each other. You have a tool chest?”
    “Yes, I do. Let me know if you ever need a screwdriver.” Helen narrowed her eyes. “We’re off the subject. You haven’t told me why this guy fascinates you.”
    Courtney tapped a finger to her lips. “Because under his façade of hot Washington player, I think there’s a really nice guy. And besides, there’s more to liking a man than wanting to jump into bed with him.” Courtney shrugged. “But I’m still so emotional about my mom dying. I can’t imagine investing that kind of feeling in a man. Bottom line, I’m afraid to.”
    “I’m not buying the fear argument. Remember what Eleanor Roosevelt said, and I’m paraphrasing, but it had to do with personal growth based on stretching boundaries and facing fears. Don’t torture yourself over this man. Call him.”
    Courtney walked back to her office, hugging the storefronts to avoid the freezing rain. By the time she reached Montgomery, Haskins & Knoll, she wanted nothing more than to soak in a bath full of bubbles, but the afternoon held a stack of paperwork that threatened to implode her desk. Next time she was at Bed, Bath & Beyond, she’d pick up one of those over-the-tub writing desks so she could work while Calgon took her away. But for now, there was nothing to do but take off her galoshes and get a cup of coffee. She pondered Helen’s suggestion to call Eric, but what would she say? “Hi, Courtney here, the crazy lobbyist who still holds her V-card. Remember me?”
    Pencils sharpened, she settled into her work, but before she tuned everything out and focused, she allowed herself one fleeting thought of Eric. In her mind’s eye, his lips turned up in a provocative smile, exposing his dimple. Damn, he was enticing, like the best fantasy ever. When she left Eric last night, she’d thrown out a hint. She wondered if it had left an itch in his craw.
    Jumping when her phone buzzed, she stared at it a moment before hitting the speaker button. “Yes?”
    “There’s an Eric Morrison on line one for you.” Elise’s voice lilted playfully.
    Courtney’s windpipe constricted, and she had to gulp for air.
    “This is Courtney.” The “ney” sounded more like “neigh.” When had she picked up a British accent?
    “Hi, it’s Eric.” He cleared his throat. “How are you?”
    “Fine.” Her tone was brisk, clipped, to make sure her voice didn’t quake.
    “Working hard?”
    “Yes.”
    “Too hard to spare me an evening?”
    “No.”
    “Great. How about tonight?”
    “Sure.”
    “I’ll pick you up at eight.”
    “Right.” She hung up. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had a monosyllabic conversation with anyone. Oh, yeah, it had been with her dad, not long after her mom passed. She hadn’t wanted him to hear her voice crack. He’d had enough grief of his own to deal with.
    Tears welled in Courtney’s eyes. The tobacco campaign had provided a way to honor her mother’s memory. She’d been hell-bent on securing Eric Morrison’s vote, and now all she wanted was to see him again. Where was her dogged determination?
    She took a tissue from her desk drawer, dabbed at her eyes, and sniffled. She was tougher than this. She’d concentrate on the other votes she needed and then she’d circle back with Eric Morrison once she had some momentum under her belt. In the meantime, she’d try to enjoy being with Eric, the charismatic man. She promised herself she’d bite her tongue if she talked politics tonight.
    What would she wear? Helen had a hot pink sweater dress that she said she’d lend if Courtney would reciprocate with her ankle boots. Yeah, that’s the ticket. She’d already tried on the dress. It hugged her curves, and paired with textured stockings and pumps, it would be sexy, yet demure—just right for a virgin into sex toys. Speaking of which, what would Eric be expecting? And could she possibly live up to his