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

Published by Susie Warren

Cover design by The Killion Group

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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems—except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—without permission in writing from the author at [email protected]. This book is a work of fiction. The characters, events, and places portrayed in this book are products of the author’s imagination and are either fictitious or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

For more information on the author and her works, please see
www.SusieWarren.com
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ISBN: 978-0-9903290-6-0

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Lucia Montgomery knew the evening ahead was going to test her resolve and determination. Looking around at the glittering social elite clamoring for her grandfather’s attention, she wanted to escape the speculation and questioning looks. Instead she held her ground. Taking a sip of chilled champagne, she waited for the evening to unfold. Smiling openly at anyone who approached her, she exchanged pleasantries and pretended that she was fine.

Anderson Adams was scheduled to appear this evening and she had flown in from California to make a pitch to the young, talented candidate. Why had choosing a career in public relations come back to bite her once again? Maybe it was a lifetime of having to explain her mistakes that drove her down the path of helping others negotiate complicated PR issues. In her professional life, she was able to remain calm and stay focused on making things happen. She needed a fresh start in a completely different realm. Working on a political campaign on the east coast would give her that chance.

The evening’s black-tie event was all about getting the party elite behind the last minute candidate, who was largely seen as the sacrificial lamb in the congressional race. Lucia believed he had the charm and charisma to make a win possible. But she would have to get in line behind the numerous party loyalists and recent ambitious graduates for the coveted PR spot, even in a long-shot campaign. 

Her grandfather’s mansion was showcased beautifully this evening; the unseasonably warm late April evening in Hartford allowed the numerous sets of doors to be left open to the landscaped back yard. Candles and lanterns illuminated the gardens and allowed for an easy flow of guests from inside the formally decorated spaces to the vast terraces and lawns.

Waiting on the side lines, Lucia watched her aunt dance with a well-dressed, business mogul and took another sip of champagne. Francine fiercely guarded her independent existence but could be counted on to show up for important events. Her aunt very much wanted her on the east coast and was encouraging her not to wallow in self-pity, instead going about creating a new life.

Looking into her glass, she reminded herself to limit   the chilled indulgence to one glass. She needed her wits about her when she approached the recently chosen candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. He held the key to her launching a public relations firm on the east coast. If she could convince him to hire her then his highly visible election bid would catapult her ahead of countless firms and competitors. She needed to escape her life in California and all the recent humiliation surrounding her broken engagement. A job with Anderson Adams would allow her to land on her feet and not have to explain her complete professional and personal melt down.

She walked out into the garden and reminded herself not to think about past mistakes. It would destroy her confidence and prevent her from positively pitching her ideas to the charming, well-connected candidate. Her family was strong politically and she had the poise and skills to run a leading public relations campaign. She knew how to make things happen and control the communication in such a way that she could help a candidate get elected. The possibility of helping with a campaign for the House of Representatives filled her with enthusiasm and a jolt of adrenaline.

Looking across the terraced lawn, she noticed a couple embracing in the moonlight. Without hesitation memories of being stood up on her wedding day flooded over her. She could still see the guests whispering to each other and the looks of pity on their faces. They had to be wondering what was wrong with her. Why would he leave her at the altar? Why not discreetly cancel a few weeks before? The worst part of it for her was that she wanted to seek him out for understanding and compassion but he had vanished. He had been her rock, the man she loved more than anything in the world. According to his parents, he was off creating a life with his pregnant girlfriend. He never told her any of it. She was left piecing together the facts as she returned wedding gifts and dealt with everyone’s pity. Instead of continuing to feel confused or betrayed, she let a rush of white hot anger steady her movements. She needed to move on and forget him.

The gala was in full swing when she heard a helicopter coming close. She reminded herself to let the past go. Knowing that the other high profile guests had arrived much earlier, she knew it had to be Anderson Adams. A distant lawn had been set up as a temporary helipad. Lucia stopped herself from heading out to approach him on the lawn. It was too forceful. She needed her tactic to be more controlled and purposeful.

She had watched video clips of him over the last few days. He was driven, intelligent and charming not to mention exceedingly attractive. He was tall and had dark hair and dark eyes with a masculine jawline that the camera loved. It was generally acknowledged that even though he was new to the world of politics, he had the background that just might make a win possible. He was an architect and had built a thriving real-estate development business that had extensive holdings in the United States as well as Asia. It also didn’t hurt that he was very well spoken and seemed to have the innate characteristics needed for politics in that he knew instinctively what his audience craved.

Lucia thought about what would be needed to put together a successful campaign. She considered how to pitch her ideas. She knew many of the party’s elite but unfortunately they viewed her as the granddaughter of the former governor and not a public relations powerhouse. She had dropped a few hints throughout the evening but so far it seemed as if everyone was focused on spotlighting the party and the fundraising efforts needed to sustain a campaign.

Her Aunt Francine found her in the garden and led her back inside. “Aren’t you going to make your way over to him? He has been here for several minutes.”

She shook her head. “I need to let others have their say than I’ll catch his attention when he is working the room.”

Her aunt whispered, “What if he leaves before you get a chance to speak with him?” Francine was flashy and avant-garde. Years of working for fashion houses in New York had shaped and influenced her hard to please Aunt.

She purposely kept her tone even and controlled. “I’ve considered the timing. Having a little patience will pay off.”

Her grandfather wanted to use his influence in the party to insist on an interview but she wanted to make her own way. Having a grandfather who was the past governor of the state was enough pressure without him calling in favors.

Francine clutched her hand, “Holding back will not get you noticed.”

Her aunt was about to take matters into her own hands so Lucia distracted her by saying, “I adore the dress you sent over. It’s divine.” She twirled discreetly for her aunt’s benefit and the cocktail length gown flowed beautifully, catching her aunt’s attention.

Francine fixated on the fit. “The rose sheer floral outer layer and metallic silver accents highlight your coloring. I like the deep crossover v-neckline in front and back. It’s elegant but sexy.”

Lucia privately hoped it wasn’t overly sexy. She wanted to project a professional image and not call too much attention to her curves. She understood that how a person looked was important, but she was much more interested in the content of the message or idea.

Anderson Adams watched the graceful, blond girl across the room spin seductively in an effort to show off her gown. She was strikingly beautiful and seemed to spread cheer to those gathered around her. He decided in that moment that he needed a break from the endless political chatter surrounding him.

He politely excused himself from the discussion and asked his campaign manager, Brian Gallagher, “Who is the beauty across the room?”

Brian followed his gaze and said, “Ah, Lucia Montgomery. William Montgomery’s granddaughter. I’ve heard that she may be interested in working for the campaign.”

“Have you spoken with her?” Anderson kept his voice disinterested. He needed in a diversion for the evening but had to be careful of his reputation. It wouldn’t help his cause to irritate the former governor. While this campaign may not end in success, he had other political aspirations for the future.

“Not yet. I don’t know that she has enough experience. She is obviously well connected but that is not enough. The campaign needs experience and talent not a bored socialite.”

He avoided making eye contact with anyone, taking a moment to contemplate his approach. “Connections are important. William Montgomery has the influence and positive record to energize the base. An association with Ms. Montgomery could prove to be helpful.”

His campaign manager put a hand on his shoulder and guided his view away from Lucia Montgomery. “I wouldn’t seek her out. She is exactly what you don’t need. Young, blond and receptive. You need to be seen having a mature relationship not chasing a sexy socialite. I have someone in mind.”

There was no way he would allow his campaign manager to pick his choice of companion. Cultivating a veneer of respectability was necessary but he wouldn’t allow it to dictate how he lived his life. He needed a distraction from the predictable, superficial political interactions.

Taking a large swallow of champagne, he handed the empty glass to Brain. “I think meeting Ms. Montgomery is exactly what I need.”

Making his way across the room, he noted her companion abandoned her when she saw him coming towards them.

He stopped within a few feet of her and was captivated by her intense and open stare. He had the sense that she had been waiting for him. The crossover v-neckline in front and back exposed sun-kissed, flawless skin. He had to push away thoughts of her undressing for him. How could she tempt him so easily? He had given up on women in the last few months, instead deciding to slide into a forced celibacy after his last nightmare of a relationship had ended with bitter regrets.

He said, “I don’t think we have met. I’m Anderson Adams.”

Even though she had seen many images and video clips of him, Anderson was more impressive in the flesh. His intense presence drew her closer to him, and it seemed as if the rest of the party faded from view. His confidence was not surprising but his relaxed charm put her at ease.

She nodded. “Lucia Montgomery. I was hoping we would have an opportunity to speak tonight.”

He raised his eyebrows slightly and she smiled at her well-timed confession. He didn’t need more adoration. She fiddled with the slim rope belt on her gown and smoothed the skirt down, trying to remember what she wanted to say to him.

His penetrating gaze sent a slow blush over her skin. “Do you have advice for me? It seems everyone in this room has an opinion on how I could win this race.”

Her mind went blank. “I don’t know if winning is possible.”

He smiled. “Would you care to dance?”

Lucia straightened her spine. Why had she said that? Was it because she didn’t want to fall into the category of people wanting something from him? Or had his nearness elicited the truth from her?

She led him to the dance floor and could feel his hand resting lightly on her lower back. The band was playing a love song and she realized her approach was not working. She didn’t want to date Anderson Adams. She wanted a public relations job. She desperately wanted the chance to start her professional life over working on an all-consuming campaign. She didn’t want to have a moment left to think about her past.

He gathered her into his embrace and she could feel her body respond to him. The evening was not going according to her plan. She could barely string two words together and now she was dancing with him.

Her body stiffened and he said, “Relax. We can talk about the campaign later.”

She looked up into his eyes, “How did you know I wanted to talk about the campaign?”

“There are very few secrets in politics. My campaign manager informed me that you are seeking a public relations position.”

Lucia nodded and allowed herself to let down her guard slightly and enjoy the dance. Anderson was agile and impressed her with his ability to dance. She stopped worrying about the intimacy of their embrace and let him lead her through a series of intricate moves.

After the third dance, she was slightly breathless and laughing at her inability to keep up with him. When the song ended, he said to her, “Let’s get a drink.”

She followed him to the bar and he ordered two glasses of Perrier with lime. Lucia cautioned herself not to be too taken with him. He was an expert at luring people in and impressing them. It didn’t hurt that he was a marvelous dancer.

He lifted his glass to her and said, “May that be the first of many dances.”

Lucia touched her glass to his and took a grateful swallow. She was feeling overheated and needed to collect her thoughts.

She noticed another man caught his attention. Anderson introduced his campaign manager, Brain Gallagher, to her and he mentioned to Anderson that a few people were waiting to speak with him.

Anderson politely excused himself, saying “I’ll look for you in a little while.” She watched him disappear into the crowd.

Brian said, “I know your grandfather well. I worked on a few of his earlier campaigns.”

Lucia nodded. “He mentioned to me that you are now working with Anderson on his campaign. I was hoping to connect with you tonight.”

He said dismissively, “We are in the process of hiring staff but have been inundated with resumes.”