Page 45 of Eclipse Bay

Rafe glanced at the tall, photogenic man talking to Tom Lydd. “And so has Trevor Thornley.”

“You can say that again. He’ll do okay in Washington. He’s got all the right instincts, including good timing.”

“You always said that timing was everything.”

“It sure as hell is in politics. Thornley is also into long-range planning. Another big asset. In addition, he’s smart enough not to neglect his home base here in Eclipse Bay. Pols that take their local support for granted always get into trouble fast.”

“The fact that he married Marilyn Caldwell didn’t hurt him either,” Rafe said dryly.

Jed grunted. “You can say that again. Her father’s money has come in real handy. Like I said, the guy knows how to plan.”

“He sure pays a lot of attention to the institute.”

“With good reason. He was its first important political client, and he’s still the most faithful. The higher he climbs, the more prestige and power this place acquires.”

“And the more it backs him.”

“That’s how it works.” Jed swirled the wine in his glass. “I remember covering his first public relations events here. I knew even then that he had what it takes to make it big in politics.”

Rafe thought about the night he had walked Hannah home. The institute had been ablaze with lights that evening. He had seen them from Bayview Drive. Hannah had mentioned that her parents were attending a reception for a politician named Thornley who had just announced that he was running for the state legislature.

Rafe hadn’t paid much attention. Politics had been of little interest to him in those days. In any event, he had been too busy obsessing on Hannah’s list of criteria for Mr. Right that night.

The memory made him look around for his date. He spotted her coming toward him through the crowd. The sight of her sparked a thrill of intense awareness deep in his gut. She looked great, he thought. The snug-fitting little black number she was wearing underscored a whole lot of her best assets, including the neatly curved breasts, slim waist, and full hips. Her hair swung in a sleek, gleaming curve every time she moved her head. Her legs were incredibly sexy in dark stockings and black high heels.

The most exciting woman in the room, no doubt about it. At least so far as he was concerned.

He watched her weave her way toward him. She had Decatur in tow, but Perry looked more irritated than ever, so that was okay for now, Rafe concluded. Irritated was good. Irritated meant that Decatur had not liked the fact that Hannah had brought her own date tonight. The jerk had probably counted on taking her home after the reception, maybe even planned to take up where he had left off that night in the front seat of his car eight years ago.

Not bloody likely.

Hannah came to a halt in front of Rafe. She looked flushed and glowing, and there was a sparkle in her eye. He was almost positive that Decatur had nothing to do with the look. She was up to something. He had sensed it when he’d picked her up earlier. She had a scheme cooking tonight. He was content to stand back and watch it unfold.

She smiled.

“We’re back,” she said.

“Yeah, I can see that,” Rafe said.

“You’ll have to excuse me,” Perry muttered. “Got to say hello to some very big people. I’ll catch up with you later, Hannah.”

“Yes, you will,” she said very sweetly. “I’ll look forward to it.”

Perry hurried off into the throng.

“He doesn’t look real happy,” Rafe said. “What did you do? Step on his toes?”

“I’m saving that for later.”

Jed looked interested. “That sounds promising. Anything you want to tell the press?”

“Not yet, Jed.” Hannah smiled. “But stay tuned.”

“If we’ve got some time before the excitement starts,” Rafe said, “may I have the next dance?”

“You may.”

“Hannah!”A man’s voice rose above the din of nearby conversation. “Hannah Harte! Is that you?

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