“For someone who claims to care about Belle Frost, you certainly don’t seem to know her well,” Garret shot back.
“I know her better than you.”
“All you lovesick little puppies are wasting my time,” Crawford said, grabbing his helmet and slinging his bag around his shoulders. “Two weeks. Clock is ticking. Then I’m cleaning out that rats’ nest no matter where you are in your plans.”
33
Meghan
Iwas on autopilot dealing with the list of mayoral duties plus worrying about the campaign and, more importantly, my finances. My paycheck for being deputy mayor had cleared, and it immediately left my account again to pay bills and the rent.
Also, I hadn’t taken everything I’d needed out of the house and didn’t have many clothes with me. Instead of a relaxing evening, I had spent all night at the coin-operated washer and dryer in the basement of the apartment building.
At least it was better than thinking about Hunter—how delicious he had looked shirtless, his hair slightly messy, sprawled on the couch.
I woke up with a start the next morning after dreaming about straddling him on that couch, guiding him into me. I pulled the covers up over my head. I had, more times than I cared to admit, gotten myself off thinking about Hunter.
“Not today,” I told myself. “Today, you will focus on work.”
I had back-to-back meetings, starting with the Harrogate Foundation, which was headed by Edna and Mace Svensson’s girlfriend, Josie, both sharp, intelligent women. I needed to be alert.
At least Hunter wasn’t going to show up. He clearly thought all these meetings with the townspeople were beneath him. But that would be a blessing in disguise today because I could still feel the phantom touch of his hands on me.
I slipped on my no-nonsense pumps and a skirt suit I had bought at Ann Taylor back when I lived in Manhattan. I had bought it at the height of my stressful job at Harrington Thurlow law firm when I had stress eaten my way into two dress sizes up and needed an emergency outfit. After moving to Harrogate, I had always intended to lose the weight, but that had never happened. In fact, the skirt was a bit snug.
Sex is great exercise. Bet Hunter could give you a workout. Actually, you know he can.
I slapped that thought down. I usually tried to avoid Hunter as much as possible. Usually, it worked. But with the campaign, I had been seeing more of him than usual.
And you like it.
And I don’t!
Hunter was distracting. He was also waiting in one of the small meeting rooms for the Harrogate Foundation meeting.
I blew out an annoyed breath.
“Meg,” Hunter drawled. “I thought you’d be happy to see me. Or,” he said, his voice lowering, “did you want me to be half-undressed? That can be arranged, you know.” He stood up. Gosh, why was he so unfairly tall?
“No, leave your clothes on, please,” I said.
He chuckled and walked closer to me. I gulped. Was he going to kiss me? Hunter’s eyes flicked from my forehead to my mouth then back up to my eyes.
“Like what you see?” he purred.
“We’re both candidates, and for the time being, we’re working together,” I said, hoping I didn’t sound like a horny teenager.
Hunter raised an eyebrow. “What does that have to do with breakfast?” he asked, gesturing at the room.
I turned. There was an elaborate spread of food behind me.
You’re supposed to be on a diet.
Yes, but that was only because we ran out of food-budget money. Everyone knows free-food calories don’t count!
“I had Girl Meets Fig cater. The health department cleared them after the smoothie fiasco,” he explained mildly, pouring a cup of coffee.
“Wow, Hunter, we should have you at meetings more often!” Josie said, walking into the room, Mace behind her. He set down her things on the conference table.
