The Convenient Wedding: a contemporary romance (The Rosa Legacy Book 3) Read Free

me, I have to talk to a few other people before I leave.”
    She was in shock. Sexy socialite? Is that how people saw her? She was raised in California, far away from the wealth and prestige of her father’s family. Her father was a college professor and her mother a stay at home mom. How could he possibly have the idea that she was a socialite? She had always worked. Even during college, she had sought out internships and service trips. It was true that she had a substantial trust fund but she had been taught the value of money and living carefully.
    Francine approached her. “Was he impressed with your background?”
    “No.” She couldn’t believe she had bungled the entire approach. She thought the best way to approach Anderson Adams and his campaign manager would be at a social event. If she was being honest with herself, her family’s name allowed her access to the campaign. But in the world of public relations, contacts mattered. She hadn’t realized that his campaign manager would be overly concerned about his reputation as a single man. She knew in politics people assumed that a married man espoused family values and stability. But Anderson was a last minute candidate and a long shot. The public should be more forgiving of his background.
    Francine gave her a brief hug. “It couldn’t have gone that badly. He is making his way over here. I’m going to help your grandfather say goodbye to the guests leaving.”
    Glancing toward a group of people still mingling, Lucia caught Anderson’s gaze. She could feel a heightened awareness between them. It had happened when he took her in his arms to dance with her. Watching Anderson politely listen to each guest, she thought about her next move. He had glanced at her a few times, silently imploring her to wait for him.
    A young man from his campaign interrupted his approach and Anderson exchanged a few words with him.
    He stepped closer to her and said, “The helicopter is waiting.” He held her gaze and said, “I have another campaign event in Greenwich. Would you accompany me?”
    He asked her so nicely that she didn’t want to decline but she didn’t want to be drawn into a romantic relationship. “I’d love the opportunity to speak with you further about working for your campaign but I don’t if attending an event with you would be the right thing.”
    Anderson leaned toward her and said, “Instead of connecting with me socially, you mean?” 
    She couldn’t believe he was forcing her to spell out her intentions. “I find you rather intriguing but ultimately I’m interested in working for your campaign.”
    He lightly touched her bare arm and she could feel her heart accelerate. “You can use the time to talk about your ideas for the campaign.”
    Lucia could see Brain Gallagher in her peripheral vision trying to capture Anderson’s attention. She said, “Could we meet up for coffee tomorrow?”
    He shook his head, “My schedule is packed for the next few weeks.”
    Lucia held her small clutch tightly, thinking about the best way to proceed. She decided to take a chance and said, “Tonight works in that case.”
    Anderson turned her toward the exit without taking his eyes off of her.
    Leaving the mansion, they approached her grandfather and aunt, and Anderson smoothly explained inviting her to Greenwich for the evening.
    While Francine was speaking with Anderson, her grandfather pulled her aside and whispered, “Just be careful, Lucia. The press is watching his every move and you wouldn’t want to be seen as having a dalliance with him. It wouldn’t reflect well on the family.”
    Lucia gave her grandfather a surprised look, “It’s an opportunity to talk about the campaign.”
    He grandfather winked at her, “Keep your wits about you. I wouldn’t recommend getting involved with a man interested in politics.”
    Francine kissed her cheek. The moment passed in a blur and she allowed Anderson to take her hand and pull her outside toward the