Letting Go Read Free Page A

like Mr. Cleans’ on their asses. Queers are everywhere. Not my business. I’m not getting into that, just here to practice talking in front of a crowd and that’s all,” he said in a low voice.
    “What’s up with you today?”
    Grant rubbed his forehead, putting his thoughts together. The good doctor had already checked him twice on not saying what he meant. “Dad’s on his way over with Uncle Ray.”
    “Oh, well yeah. I’m not surprised they’re checking on you, there’s a lot riding on this election. Your dad made that clear to me when he found out I was introducing you today.”
    Grant’s father had invested a lot of money and personal capital in getting him on the conservative ticket. “Yeah, he’s on-board big time, hope he’s not disappointed, the competition’s stiff.”
    “Hey man, just do your best, these are kids. They aren’t interested in much but the guys in charge think this is a good idea, so we give it our best shot.” He shrugged.
    Grant wondered if Kip would have the same offhand attitude if his name were on the ticket. He doubted it and looked across the auditorium again for Kelly. A flash of rust caught his attention. The lights in the back weren’t as bright, but the sway of her hips and curvy figure sent a curl of warmth to his belly.
    She’d come.
    When he hadn’t seen her earlier, he worried he’d pushed too strongly. The chill of dismissal radiating from her had spooked him. He refused to accept defeat. Not with her thinking he was a dork. He still couldn’t believe he’d blushed when she asked who he was. Had he become so vain he assumed everyone knew him on sight? And then she corrected him on his grammar, twice. Hot. But she sealed the deal when she said she listened. No one listened these days. He knew then he wouldn’t leave today without arranging to see her again. They’d talk tonight.
    Looking around at the crowd, he exhaled and ran his hand through his hair. That’s when he noticed his dad and uncle standing in the shadows at the back of the auditorium. Their faces were obscure, but their combined aura leaked power and dared anyone to ask questions. If he had half the confidence his father had in his ability to do this job, it would make his life easier.
    “Your dad’s here, in the back.” Kip tipped his head to the side and released a breath. Was Kip nervous? “We’re up soon. You know I’ll be brief; no one wants to hear a New York hillbilly. I’ll wear my game face, say the magic words and punt. Then you take us across the goal line, we score and get outta here. Deal?”
    “Solid. Thanks for coming man, I appreciate it.” He had asked Kip to come along so he wouldn’t be stuck on stage alone. His friend didn’t care to be in the spotlight, no matter how brief. The fact he agreed the moment Grant asked, and kept his word, meant a lot. Good friends were hard to come by these days.
    “No problem. In and out, that’s how I roll, in and out, keep 'em moving.”
    Grant grunted. “I think you’re talking about something else, not these kids.”
    Kip pulled his sunglasses down the bridge of his nose and looked at him. “I am. Oh, I am.”
    “You’ve met one of my vice-principals, Dr. Kelly Riley. Dr. Riley is also responsible for our community involvement programs and is a walking book of knowledge on every youth program in the county. She’ll speak first and then I’ll introduce Mr. Stevens, who will introduce you, Mr. Whittaker.”
    Grant hadn’t heard them approach, but didn’t bother looking at the principal, his gaze zeroed in on Kelly. She’d added a print scarf around the scoop neckline of her dress and looked delicious. Prim, proper and perfect to have that entire look spoiled by his hands. His fingers itched to peel back her calm façade and reveal the fire beneath. How’d he miss her full lips and wonderful smile before? The woman’s understated sexiness teased and taunted, sending a “rise” signal to his cock. He’d be patient.