Barely.
She stood in the back of the ballroom, eyeing the large, round tables, searching for an empty seat. Purple and dark pink spotlights bathed the room in a relaxed, upscale glow. Tall floral centerpieces brightened the reserved tables while modest bouquets adorned all the other ones.
“Hi, there, do you want to join us?” A masked man nearby gestured to an empty chair at his ten-person table.
Providence walked over. “Sure, thanks.”
“I’m Matt Hastings, soon to be with Larke Realty.” He glanced at her name tag. “Hey, you’re with Larke, too.”
“I’m Elaine Jones,” Providence said, trying not to push her faux Boston accent. “Which office do you work out of?”
“I worked for Goode-Luck up until five hours ago,” Matt said. “But I quit.”
“Why’d you do that?”
Raising his shot glass in a mock toast, Matt tossed back the booze. “The broker there is one messed-up dude. He and his partner are difficult as hell to work for.”
This oughta be interesting.“I’m new in town. Who are you talking about?”
“Dakota Luck and Juanita Goode. But I made one phone call—one damn call—and I’m gonna have a new job by the end of the night.” He drained the alcohol from his glass. “I can’t pass up free liquor. Want something?”
“I’m good, thanks.”
“Can I get your drink tickets? You got two when you checked in.”
Since Providence wasn’t officially registered, she said, “I already gave mine away.”
“Damn,” Matt said before lumbering away.
Providence returned her attention to Dakota, still standing at the podium. Now he and Juanita were speaking with a man. Dakota’s sexy-as-hell smile sent a burst of heat traveling through her.
That man is some looker.
When the conversation ended, Dakota headed toward the back of the room, pausing to speak with several guests. She kept her gaze trained on her target, but when he got closer, she broke contact to avoid catching his eye.
The woman seated beside her called out, “Hey, Dakota.”
Oh, no.Providence turned away.
“Good to see you, Mia,” Dakota said. “How’s Larke treating you?”
“I’ve been nominated for Realtor of the Year, so I’m doing okay.”
“Congratulations. I hope you win.”
“I’d love to chat with you about joining Goode-Luck.”
“I’ll let Juanita know to expect your call.”
“Oh. I was hopingwecould meet.” Providence couldn’t miss the disappointment in her voice.
“Juanita does all the prelim screening.”
Matt returned to the table and set down two shot glasses, plus an unopened beer bottle tucked under his arm.He’s a class act.
“Hello, Matt,” Dakota said.
Providence loved the deep timbre of Dakota’s voice, but this time, a sharp edge caught her attention.
