“What?”
“Or is it because you’re a writer and needed background characters?” She’s teasing me, and she’s perfect at it. “Town gossip.”
Right.
How could I get confused?
Although I was hoping it would’ve been something a little more dramatic.
I shake my head. “Neither of those. I was running away from my evil stepmother, who wanted me to marry a prince who couldn’t cut up his own food.”
Zoe’s smile widens. “I figured. Welcome to Magnolia Ridge. My family is one of the first settlers in this place, and that’s the only interesting fact I have about myself.”
“A bit egotistical. Magnolia Ridge. Ridgeway.”
I half expect Zoe to get offended, but I’m quickly learning she’s not like most women in town and can take a joke because she chuckles.
“I still brag about it.”
“Didn’t think about going into the world of politics?”
Zoe’s focus lands on Thaddeus, still behind me. “I dunno. I think Tad could use a run for his money.”
“I couldn’t,” he chimes in flatly. “You wouldn’t like it.”
“You seem to be havin’ a ball.”
“That’s because I love this town and you were trying to get out.”
“Yes,” she confirms. “But you made sure I stayed with you. I’d say it was fate. Maybe Sienna just unlocked a new path for me.”
“She’s well-liked, too, Tad,” Micah emits, sending a faint ripple of goosebumps up my arm. “I think I might help her run and be her campaign manager.”
Thaddeus scoffs. “Do you even know how to read, Wolfe?”
Whoa.
I’ve seen nothing but overly polite and proper Thaddeus Delacroix, but now I’m starting to see what lies behind the perfectly pressed suits.
“Not good,” Micah admits as if that’s true. “But I’m sure Miss Vesper could tutor me.”
Ha.
Never.
“I believe you’re a lost cause,” Thaddeus returns simply. “And Sienna’s time is valuable.”
“She’s already taught me a few things,” Micah imparts with amusement. “She’s verygiving.”
Heat rushes to my cheeks as I try, with everything in me, not to squirm or move. I haven’t looked at him yet, but I can feel how close he is.
And I know damn well he keeps stealing looks at me.
“Sienna would be an asset under my team,” Thaddeus announces as if we’ve discussed it. “I’m sure she and I can use that to our advantage.”
“Her time is, like you said, valuable, Tad. I don’t think she’ll be wasting that on being the mayor’s bitch.”
Lord.
