Page 79 of Trap ’N’ Trace

Dayne chuckled. “I’ll do that.”

For the next ten minutes, Kat listened while the older men threw question after question at Dayne about his cases, funding for federal law enforcement, the FBI budget… Each time, he answered intelligently and articulately. Even Betty Graham seemed fascinated, and a few other couples had joined their circle to listen in.

Kat took in the strong lines of Dayne’s profile, admiring the easy, natural way he had with these old bastions of industry and politics.

From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of another couple she wanted to introduce Dayne to. “If you’ll excuse us, I’d like to introduce Dayne to the mayor and his wife.”

“It was a pleasure to meet you.” He shook hands with the senator, Charlie, and Max, as if he’d known them for years.

She started to guide Dayne toward the mayor when Betty Graham touched her on the arm, pulling her down to whisper, “He’s quite handsome, and a hunk, too.” Betty winked before walking off.

Heat crept into her face. Yes, I know.

The grin on Dayne’s face was more of a smirk.

“Heard that, did you?”

“Yep. Handsome, huh? And, a hunk, too.”

“Maybe a little,” she admitted, averting her face so he wouldn’t see how affected she was by Betty’s comment. “You’re a natural at this.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” he muttered.

Unexpectedly, she was thoroughly enjoying the evening. Despite the tension still lingering between them.

The mayor of New York City was a few inches shorter than Dayne but had the presence of royalty. In a way, he was. The duly elected ruler of The Big Apple.

“Mayor D’Amici, Mrs. D’Amici, I’d like to introduce Dayne Andrews.”

“Special Agent Andrews.” The mayor clasped Dayne’s hand, shaking it exuberantly. “Good to see you, again.”

This time it was her brows that shot to her hairline. She had no idea Dayne knew the mayor.

“What a pleasure.” Fran D’Amici extended her exquisitely French manicured fingers for Dayne to clasp. A tiny spurt of jealousy hit Kat. For her, a perfect manicure wouldn’t last two days. Not with all the dog care she did.

“Are you here without your beautiful partner?” the mayor asked.

“Sadly,” Dayne said, “dogs are generally frowned on at charity balls.”

“Nonsense.” Fran waved a dismissive hand. “We love dogs as much as Kat does. You should have brought her.”

“From what I recall, your partner is smarter than many of the people here tonight.” The mayor chortled loudly.

“When did you all meet before?” Kat looked from Fran and the mayor to Dayne.

“Last year,” he said, “I assisted on a protection detail at City Hall. Our paths crossed a few times.”

“Tony absolutely loves dogs.” Fran patted her husband’s arm.

“Yes, I know.” Kat smiled warmly at the mayor. “The Canine Haven is grateful for your generous contributions.”

“Excuse me, Mr. Mayor, Mrs. D’Amici.” Colin’s voice came from directly behind them, and Kat cringed inwardly. After their last awkward conversation, she’d hoped to avoid him most of the night. “I see you’ve met Katrina’s bodyguard. The FBI agent,” he added with a subtle sneer in his tone.

Kat gripped the champagne flute tighter, annoyed by Colin’s condescending manner.

“Yes,” Fran said, briefly resting her hand on Dayne’s upper arm. “We’ve actually met before, and he’s still as charming and handsome as ever.”

Kat sent the mayor’s wife a grateful smile at her show of support. Even Fran had picked up on Colin’s snotty attitude.