For a Hero by Sable Hunter, Jess Hunter Read Free Book Online Page A

“Yeah, I guess I did. You noticed, huh?”
    “Yes, I noticed. I noticed the Whataburger cup, too. Which is your favorite?”
    “Coke Zero.”
    “That’s a good one. Are you nervous?”
    David put his hands on the wheel. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
    Jenna’s heart warmed. She began to melt. Could he be any purer? Any sweeter? “Don’t worry, Chief. I won’t tell anyone. Where are we going?” She put her hand over his. This date was going much better than she had anticipated.
    “We’re going to my best friend’s ball. Are you buckled up?”
    “Yes. A ball? In 2013?”
    “Yep, that’s Blaine for you.” David pulled out and began driving.
    “Blaine? Blaine Windsor? The guy who hosted the auction? He’s your best friend?”
    “Unfortunately, yes. It was all his idea, even the thong.”
    Jenna giggled. “He has good ideas.”
    David liked that. “Thanks, I think.”
    “Look Mr. Conlon. You don’t have to be nervous. I don’t want a fake ball-attendee that uses the word ‘fetch’ in every day conversation; I want you. I knew what I was buying before I came here tonight.”
    He was relieved. David drove on, weaving to and fro on the various one-way streets of downtown Austin. This felt right. He felt like he had known her forever, yet, at the same time, he had never been more nervous about being introduced to someone before. This was completely different. “Did you?” He spoke a little more confidently.
    “Yes, I did.” She decided not to share the bus story with him yet. That would come later, after she had proven that she wasn’t a weirdo stalker lady. “There was a pamphlet.”
    He chuckled. “Oh, so you came here to shop for a very particular item tonight?”
    “Yes, I did. And I must say, I am not experiencing even a bit of buyer’s remorse.” 
    “Do you charm all of the men like this? Or just the ones you purchase for yourself?”
    “Only the ones I buy,” Jenna was having a great time. “Or rent.”
    The two bantered playfully for the ten minute drive to Blaine’s colossal home. Limousines and luxury cars sat parked all around the estate. David assuredly added his Silverado to the mixture, not even aware of the irony of its presence.
    He leapt out of the car quickly and ran to Jenna’s side to open her door. He held an arm out for her security. “I think you should know, the truck’s name is Leeroy, Jr. He was very pleased to make your acquaintance this evening.”
    She, as daintily as she could, climbed down from the passenger seat and turned to face David and the truck. “Delighted to meet you as well.” She curtsied to the truck. David laughed.
    She walked arm-in-arm with him up to the steps, climbing the porch. She asked, “If he is Jr., there was a Sr., right?”
    “Yes, there was. Leeroy was my mostly companion. He died, though, saving my life. I flipped my truck three times out near Crockett, but I walked away with just a torn ligament. A dog was in the road, a dachshund, and I couldn’t bear to hit him – a patch of ice made Leroy leave the road. ”
    “I’m sorry to hear that, but I am happy you had him to protect you.”
    “Me, too. But Jr. keeps me good company.”
    They stepped up to the man at the massive sprawling double doors. He looked David and Jenna up and down. “Name?”
    “David Conlon and Jenna Johnson.”
    “David Conlon, I’ll be damned! I didn’t recognize you all spiffed up! How are you?”
    The two men hugged. “It’s great to see you again, Bennie. Jenna, this is Blaine’s butler. Bernard Higgins. I call him Bennie. Bennie, this is Jenna Johnson.”
    He held out his old hand and shook hers delicately. “Oh yes, Master Blaine has told me about you two coming tonight. Please come on in, the hors d’oeuvres are already on the table in the library. The Regency Suite is where the primary festivities are being held.”
    The two stepped inside to find the most illustrious banquet they had ever seen. Men in penguin suits and women in gowns