LITMIR.BIZ

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wasn’t mayor, I would volunteer or participate in local government the same way I’ve done for years.”

      Sydney glanced around before she lowered her voice. “You realize you’re going to win by a landslide.”

      The suggestion of an easy victory didn’t mean that much to him. “That’s not why I’m running for office. I’m interested in protecting Seedling and watching it grow.”

      “Is civic duty the only reason you work with local government?” she asked. “This isn’t jury duty.”

      Matthew should have known that Sydney would sense he had a deeper motivation. “If I do a good job as mayor, I hope people will see me differently,” he admitted. “I’m thirty years old and half of the town is still convinced I’m a reckless Casanova.”

      “And the other half calls you ‘Little Matty Stone,’” Sydney added, pressing her lips together as she tried to hide her smile.

      “Exactly,” he said with a sigh. The moment someone had called him that at the first town meeting Sydney had attended, Matthew knew any chance he had of creating a sophisticated image of himself in her mind was shot. “They remember all of my mistakes and mischief from years ago. I admit, a lot of the stuff I did was stupid, like drag racing tractors on Main Street and crashing into the old bandstand in the town square, but I’ve changed. And this is my chance to show what I’m capable of.”

      “You’ve already proven your leadership skills with your family’s orchard. It’s one of the most successful businesses in the region.”

      “I can’t take credit for that. The orchard has been in my family for generations. My job was to bring it into this century.”

      “I’m sure that was more difficult than you’re letting on. And what about the fact that the town loves you? Or how the council members look to you for direction? You have great ideas, and I believe you could be the future of Seedling.”

      Matthew’s skin heated under her praise. He’d had no idea she thought that highly of him. Her opinion mattered a lot. “Thank you.”

      “I have a feeling Seedling will keep reelecting you as mayor,” she said.

      Despite her assurance of the town’s goodwill toward him, Matthew knew he couldn’t pursue Sydney while he was mayor. This town would not take kindly to the idea of a mayor who got involved with the local newspaper reporter. They would complain that it was a conflict of interest and would not let up unless either he or Sydney resigned.

      Sydney’s phone vibrated on the table and made a loud chirp. She jumped and her elbow knocked the pile of notebooks to the floor. “Oh, shoot! I didn’t mean to keep you this long.”

      He saw a notification on the phone’s screen. “You have another meeting?”

      “At the medical clinic,” she said as she bent down and scooped up her notebooks. “They want to promote summer safety tips. I swear, I don’t know how Wendy did all this by herself.”

      “Here, let me help.” He crouched down and grabbed the notebooks that were out of her reach. “Have you considered getting rid of these and taking notes on a laptop or tablet?”

      “No, I tried. I work better this way,” she said as she collected the notebooks before getting up from her seat. “Thanks.”

      “I’ll walk you to your car,” he offered as he rose to his full height.

      “Oh, there’s no need.” Sydney suddenly became flustered as she shoved the notebooks into her bag. “I’m parked on a side street because I couldn’t find any spots out front.”

      “I insist.” Matthew fell into step with her. He automatically placed his hand at the base of her spine as he led her out of the diner. She tensed under his touch but she didn’t pull away.

      * * *

      SYDNEY’S HEART THUDDED in her ears as they walked to the car. Her movements felt awkward and stiff. Awareness was thick and heavy around them. She suddenly couldn’t put words together.

      It had to be her imagination. Matthew always flirted and teased her, but this was different. Every erotic scenario she’d dreamed up rushed through her mind. But suddenly she didn’t just want to imagine how his hand would feel against her breast—she wanted to know. She wanted to taste his mouth, experience his kiss and find out how to drive him wild.

      She felt as if she was breathing hard by the time she reached her car. She had no idea if Matthew was conversing with her or if she’d replied. Sydney opened the driver’s door and tossed her backpack on the passenger seat. She cautiously turned around and found Matthew standing right beside her.

      She saw the need in his eyes. The need for her. Pleasure darted inside her. She shouldn’t have talked about fantasies with him. Now she couldn’t get them out of her mind.

      Dragging her gaze up his muscular chest, past his broad shoulders and to his handsome face, Sydney noticed the restraint sharpening his features. She’d never seen him like this. She sensed he was trying to hold back as much as she was.

      “Thanks.” Her voice was hoarse and low.

      He swallowed hard as he stared at her mouth. “Anytime.”

      Anytime. The tip of her tongue swept along her bottom lip and his intent gaze followed the movement. She wished she could have him anytime. She wanted the right, the privilege, of touching him whenever she wanted.

      His proximity, his rough promise, was too much for her willpower. One kiss, that was all she’d give herself. She grabbed his flannel shirt and pulled him forward, slamming her mouth against his.

      Matthew cupped her face with his hands and deepened the kiss. His mouth was rough and hard. She’d never been kissed like this and she found it addictive.

      Sydney parted her legs and Matthew leaned into her. Being this close to him, surrounded by his heat, his scent and his body, was better than she’d imagined. She hadn’t expected his large and calloused hands to be so warm and gentle against her skin. His possessive touch made her feel protected. Cherished.

      She wanted to climb his muscular body and explore. Slide her hands under his T-shirt, reveal his chest and lick her way down to the impressive arousal that was pressing against her.

      Sydney heard the squeal of car tires in the distance and she went still. She broke away, gulping for air, and stared at Matthew. She wasn’t sure what to do or say. His touch shattered her carefully constructed facade.

      “I...” Sydney dropped her hands abruptly and stared at the telltale creases on his shirt. She couldn’t believe she’d thrown herself at him. That wasn’t like her. She was more cautious than that. She didn’t allow her sexual side to rule her actions anymore.

      “Don’t say you’re sorry,” he whispered as his mouth grazed her cheekbone.

      She blushed. How could he predict her every move?

      He leaned his forehead against hers. “And don’t say this was just a onetime thing.”

      Sydney closed her eyes. He really did know what she was going to say next. It made her feel vulnerable, as if he was always one step ahead of her. “You’re the mayor,” she whispered. “I’m a journalist who reports about you.”

      “No one needs to know,” he said as he gently stroked his fingers along her jaw. “We can keep it just between us.”

      She was sure Matthew believed what he just said, but she couldn’t go through that again. She needed to retreat into the safe little world she’d created in Seedling that was devoid of passion.

      With that in mind, Sydney splayed her hands against his soft T-shirt and gave a little push. He didn’t move. The man was solid muscle. “I have to go.”

      He reluctantly withdrew, as if he sensed retreating was his best option. “Okay, but this is not the end of this discussion. Tonight—no,

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