“I think it’s a good sign that she’s begun to notice us,” Matthew said. “That’s why I thought we had to begin our campaign right away. I didn’t want to take the chance that our beautiful butterfly would emerge from her cocoon and fall for someone else.”
Steven agreed completely with Matt’s assessment. “I also noticed her agreement to think about our offer lacked warmth. What do you want to bet the lady figures she can have sex with us to scratch her various itches, but that’s it?”
“Not taking that bet because that’s what I think, too. That means there’s only one thing for us to do. You realize that, don’t you?”
“Oh, yeah.” Steven smiled. When it came to the important things in life, he and his brother had always been on the same page. He loved all his siblings, but it had always been Matthew, older than him by a year, with whom he’d shared the closest connection. He’d never doubted, even in those dark days after his brother had married Linda, that they would also one day share a wife.
Now, he turned and gave his big brother a wide smile. “You know what else I think? I think we need to give the lady so much love and affection and attention that she becomes addicted to us before she even sees it happening.”
Matthew straightened from the Jeep and clapped him on the shoulder. “That won’t be a hardship, brother. Well, I have another couple of hours to put in at the office.”
“I’m heading home to get things ready for tonight.”
They agreed that Matthew should drive out to the ranch—a 1950s home the family had built a couple of miles outside of town—and then ride back into town with Steven to pick up Kelsey.
Steven got into the Jeep and sat just a moment more. His thoughts were on Kelsey and the evening ahead. She’d said she was just going to think about letting him and his brother both love her. Even though she hadn’t said yes, Steven wanted to be prepared. That meant condoms. Steven didn’t need any more time to know that Kelsey was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. A part of him wanted desperately to fill the hole in her mother’s heart with their child, either his or Matthew’s. It made no difference, but it was way too soon for that.
As he started the vehicle and pulled into traffic, he decided he’d better see what he could do about protection. Of course, he’d buy those condoms elsewhere. No need feeding the Lusty gossips any fresh fodder.
* * * *
“We like the look of you, Connors. Your résumé is downright impressive.”
Wesley Connors flushed, the praise coming from someone as influential in the state-wide political scene as Sherman Fremont nearly enough to make his head spin. The exclusive Faraday Club in Austin boasted a membership list of not only frontline celebrities, but the movers and shakers of government, too.
Connors soaked up the rarified atmosphere like a parched man slurping water from a fountain. He’d worked long and hard over the last four years to contribute to the party and make a difference. He’d put in hundreds of hours as a volunteer with three separate charities, he’d married “up,” and he’d been nominated as business innovator of the year.
Now all his hard work looked as though it was finally going to pay off.
“I don’t usually make promises, but I’m going to make an exception in your case.” Fremont leaned forward as though about to impart a secret. “You win the mayoral race with a margin of five percent or better, and you’ll have my personal backing for state senator in two years.”
State senator! That was several steps forward in his plan at one go. Mindful of his image, Connors lowered his eyes, giving the appearance of humility.
“Mr. Fremont, I simply don’t know what to say. I had hoped to one day put my hat into the ring for the State House. But in two years? I’m honored, completely honored by your generosity and your confidence in me.”
“Of course.” Fremont signaled to the waiter who promptly brought the man another bottle of beer.
“Sir?” The waiter stood ready to get Connors whatever he wanted. Again, mindful of his image, he said, “Just water, please.”
Fremont grunted, which Connors interpreted as approval. He waited until the waiter had returned with Connor’s glass of ice water.
“Now, we’re expecting you to slaughter your opponent, Connors. At the same time, we want to see a full-out media blitz. You take your campaign for mayor to the whole of Texas. Name recognition is the name of the game. I expect that by the time you’re sworn in as Mayor, most of Texas will know your name.”