Set the Night on Fire by Jennifer Bernard

happiness still radiated through her being, like a secret she held close to her heart. It almost felt like a shield, as if Sean had woven a net of protection around her that not even Brad could penetrate.
    He didn’t even try, at first. She met him at one of Jupiter Point’s most popular spots, the Seaview Inn. It was situated halfway up the second-highest hill in the area, the first being Jupiter Point, where the observatory was located. It boasted a stunning view of the ocean and the observatory. It was always crowded, which was both good and bad. Good because Brad wouldn’t do anything inappropriate surrounded by so many people. Bad because before the night was out, everyone in town would know they’d had dinner.
    They ordered appetizers and drinks—lager for Brad and seltzer for Evie. She wasn’t going to chance alcohol tonight; she had to keep her cool.
    At first, Brad was nothing but charm. He’d been perfecting his public persona ever since he’d become the face of the family bank, White Savings and Loan, after college. Every time the bank gave money to a charitable cause, Brad appeared to represent the family. She’d seen his act from afar—speeches, handshakes, the trademark boyish grin—but this was her first up-close experience with Brad White, political candidate.
    He asked about her family. He talked about running for office and what it was like being on TV and having strangers recognize him in other cities in their district. He mentioned some of his plans if he won the election, and what the latest polls were saying. So far, the race was neck and neck.
    All that chitchat got them through the main course. Evie was just starting to relax when he got to the point.
    “I think you’re going to be very grateful to me, Evie.”
    “Excuse me?”
    “You’ve created an embarrassing situation for yourself, and I’m offering a solution.”
    She darted a glance around the room, with its white leather banquettes and orchid arrangements. The novelty of seeing Evie and Brad all cozy by the fireplace must have worn off, because no one was paying any attention to them. “Are you sure it’s not more embarrassing for you?”
    His hand tightened around his glass of lager. “I’m not going to lie. You did embarrass me, which I assume was your purpose. So that’s done now. We can move on. I’m giving you an out, little Evie. I’m willing to play your game.”
    She stared at him, that “little Evie” still echoing in her ears. He’d used that nickname because he was four years her senior. It didn’t sound endearing anymore.
    “Come up with something that you want,” he continued. “Something the business coalition can get behind. I’ll announce that I’m including whatever it is in my campaign platform. And you’ll come out smelling like roses.”
    Jack Drummond had suggested exactly the same thing. “Is that how it works?”
    “That’s how it works. You’ve successfully played the game—if you accept this offer. If you don’t accept…” He paused.
    “What?”
    “Well, you’ll come off as the town kook. It’s not like you have a legitimate reason for withholding your endorsement. The other business owners are going to want to know why.”
    An impulse surged within her, something volcanic, something she had no control over. “ You know why ,” she said in a low voice.
    Her nerves jumped as soon as the words hit the air. Never, not once, never had she referred to that night around Brad or to Brad. She’d kept her silence absolute, like a nun who’d made a vow. Those three words hung between them like little grenades.
    Except to Brad, apparently they weren’t grenades. They were more like jelly beans. He gave her a smile that was more like a pat on the head.
    “You’ll have to be more specific.”
    She got the feeling that she was a step behind in this conversation. “You seriously want me to be more specific?”
    He tore off a piece of bread and popped it into his mouth. His casual