The Mayor’s Surrender (Sweet Temptation Bay #2)

Chapter One

Brooks

The door to my office opens without a knock, but the sound of those heels clicking in the usual cadence tells me who it is without me having to look up from my desk. “I sent out the evacuation notice to the people via all the stations, broadcasted it on the radio, and posted it on the internet.”

“Is there anything we’re missing?” I ask, lifting my head to see my impeccably dressed assistant. I came into the office in less than my usual suit and tie. It’s a bit relaxing to have my khakis and sneakers with a tee shirt on, given the conditions. I still have a dress shirt over, but just in case things get chaotic.

“No, sir,” she answers, scrolling on her tablet through her notes.

I hate it when she calls me that, but she must. After all, it’s a part of her job. It sends this tension through my shoulders and down my spine. I want to grab her tightly wound ponytail and send her to her knees, demanding she suck my cock. Instead, I crack my neck and ask, “What’s next on the agenda?”

She keeps her head down, refusing to give me the damn eye contact that I demand. Frankly, I don’t actually demand it, but I desire it. This is bullshit. Once she finds what she’s looking for on her device, she brings her amber gaze up to meet my hungry one. “The coast guard and sea patrol are unloading and sandbagging the area.”

“Let’s examine the area. I want to ensure that it’s done properly. It’s supposed to make landfall this evening,” I say.

“Yes, Mayor Payne,” she answers without a real smile. It’s always that subtle, polite one that drives me nuts. I can’t read it. One of these times, I’m just going to snap and spank her ass, so she’ll finally tell me what her problem is. It’s like a switch flipped the first day she came to work beside me.

“Is there anything else, sir?” Yes, strip out of your clothes and bend over my desk, so I can rail the fuck out of you. I want to empty my load inside your cunt, breeding that little pussy that’s been on my mind from the first day we met.

I stared down at her feet. I have to bite my cheek because those heels would look good behind my head, but they won’t work for the beach. “Do you have other shoes? Those aren’t going to work in the sand.”

“I have my workout bag with me.”

“Good, go get changed and meet me by the car.” She came into the office looking sexy as fuck, per usual, because I hadn’t given her the directive for anything else. I wish she’d give me some attitude or maybe challenge me. It’s been two years since I kept her father from prison and a year and a half since she’s started here, but it’s not like I’d have him locked up if she quits or gives me lip. Where’s the woman who I met two years ago?

“Yes, Sir.” She nods and disappears from my doorway, leaving a piece of me with her. Why is it only getting harder with every passing day? I thought I’d get used to her walking away, but nothing has gotten easier with time. The longing has only tripled, the lust amplified to the point of madness, and the heartache nearly excruciating.

I snatch what I need from my desk and toss my emotions back, reminding myself of my priorities. As the mayor, trying to screw my assistant isn’t a smart idea. She’s not at her desk when I pass by it, but I don’t bother to do what I usually do. I don’t touch her things. Not today. I can’t give in and brush my fingers along her things. No, I walk away with what little strength I have left. Frustration builds as I head to my vehicle in the parking garage.

It’s not long before she comes down to the garage with security by her side, holding the heavy security door open for her. Of course, who wouldn’t have held the door open for such a sexy thing like Taylor? But I want to break his fucking hands.

She’s in a tracksuit that hugs her fucking curves in all the right places. It should be considered sinful. I would have asked her to change, but then I’d have to explain that my dick is trying to bust out of my fucking khakis, and other fuckers will want to drill her hole like I want to.

My driver opens the door for her, and she gives him a sweet smile that I don’t miss; I’m too busy readjusting the painful position I’ve found myself in to offer a hand, so she slides in next to me as she always does, but this time, there’s a slight tinge of pink on her face.

“What’s wrong?” I questioned.

“Nothing’s wrong.”

“Your face is flush. Are you sure you are okay?” I ask.

“Yes, Mr. Payne. I’m perfectly well. I just rushed down here to meet with you and nearly forgot my bag, so I had to return to my desk.” That’s a very reasonable explanation, but I can’t shake that she’s got something else on her mind, and maybe it has to do with my driver.

“Oh.” She receives a text on her phone, and I wonder what it’s about. If it’s for me, she’ll tell me, so I don’t have to ask, which has worked great for my insane jealous streak, or so I believe. There’s no telling how many messages or calls she receives after hours.

“We shouldn’t be there too long. I want to ensure that sandbags are properly placed to do their job and minimize the flooding if possible.” She nods, making notes on her tablet, giving me zero eye contact again while always staying professional.

I focus on the road and not on my delicious assistant. The weather shift is visible, reminding me that I need to get my sister to act as well. She can be stubborn as a mule and so damn independent that she doesn’t need my advice, even when it’s helpful.

When I call her number, it rings a few times before she answers. “Honey, please tell me you’ve left town already or are almost leaving.”

“I am. Please stop worrying about me and just do your job. Be safe as well. I don’t want to lose you too.”

“As soon as everything is secure, I will take shelter.”

“Good. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Tell Taylor I love her too,” she adds in her sing-song voice.

“I will.” She ends the call.

“We’re here,” Taylor says.

“My sister says hello.” She nods, making a note on her tablet.

I leave out the ‘I love you’ because it’s too personal for me. For the past couple of years, I’ve kept her at a distance for a reason. If I let her in, I’ll lose control and take her as my own. She wouldn’t stand a chance with the obsession I have for her.

Taylor's entire expression brightened up and gave me that spirited look I remember when we first met. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen Honey. I hope she’s getting somewhere safe.”

“She said she’s leaving now.”

“That’s good news and one less thing for you to be stressed about.” She knows me well enough to understand that Honey is special to me, and I always worry about her well-being, even when it doesn’t seem like I do.

“You’re correct about that.” The driver opens the door, standing aside for me to step out first. I hold out my hand for Taylor to exit, but she doesn’t take it. I forgot that she’s not wearing a dress, so it’s easy for her to get out on the sandy beach.

We’re quickly met with a burly man in full gear and a thick beard. “Mayor Payne, we were told you’d be coming down to inspect the area,” the lead foreman said. “I’m Roger Smith, the foreman on the project today.” He’s looking around us as if expecting someone or something else. My instincts are on alert.

“Yes, I want to be assured that we’re good. Is there something?” I question when I don’t have his full attention.

“I expected a camera crew behind you,” he remarks.

“This isn’t some photo opportunity for me,” I say, trying to rein in my temper at his blatant disrespect. “There’s nothing special to gain by trying to survive a hurricane, Mr. Smith. Now show me the work being done so I can see if it’s been done correctly.”

A dozen men are working around the pallets of sandbags preparing the area, and I immediately recognize one man. “Gentleman, the mayor would like to inspect your work to see if you’re doing it correctly,” the foreman says with a little too much disdain. I get it. He believes I’m some average bureaucrat with no business judging men who work with their hands.

“Whoa, Admiral Payne, it must be nice to trade in your basics for civilian clothes and let us handle the dirty work,” I smirked and shook my head at my former subordinate and once-good friend. I haven’t been in contact with many men since I left. It’s been a rough and busy road since then.

“I could still out-press you, Petty Officer Fields.” We shook hands, and then I pulled him in for a hug.

“It’s good to see you again,” he says. “I’m sorry that we have to be in your neck of the woods. Well, not completely sorry.” He leans a bit and steals a glance at my assistant, who is listening to our conversation while waiting for directions.

“Eyes up, boy.” His mouth makes an “O,” and I shake my head, denying what I know is true. She belongs to me.

“She’s a kid,” I add, trying to deny my attraction.

“A kid? She doesn’t look like a kid and works for you, so I’m guessing she’s an adult. Just admit you’ve got a thing for her and can’t compete with a real man anymore.” He winks at her, and it pisses me off. I can’t react because it’s my job as the mayor to be strong and vigilant, and Fields knows it.

“You’re just mad because my old ass can do your job better than you, even with a fucked-up leg,” I say.

“I’d love to see you try,” he tosses out the challenge.

“It’s on.” I roll up my sleeves.

“Sir, I don’t believe that’s a good idea,” she adds, pressing her delicate hand on my bare forearm for just a brief moment, but it’s enough to drive my testosterone even higher.

“Taylor, relax. I can manage moving sandbags easily.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll give him back to you in one piece, beautiful.” She blushes at his words, and I want to punch him in the face, which only makes him smile.

“Come on, are you going to stand there all day, or are we going to get the work done? I have a town to protect.” Working fast and hard, I throw around the sandbags racing Fields while simultaneously keeping them in line and well organized. My polo is muddy and sweaty, so I pull it off and continue to work harder.

“I think we’re good, men,” one of the project leaders calls out when we’re down to the last two bags. Fields and I had filled perfectly. “Great work, Mayor Payne, Petty Officer Fields.”

“Sir, Mayor Payne is my former superior, Admiral Brooks Payne.” He at once salutes me. I salute him as well.

“At ease,” I say. Directing my focus to the crew that have worked tirelessly for hours, I add, “Thank you all for your hard work and dedication.”

“Sir, it looks like you did a lot of it yourself,” the foreman said.

“It felt good to get back in it again.” It’s a feeling I hadn’t expected to enjoy so much. Sitting behind a desk is nice and relaxing, especially because I have that sexy piece of ass I get to enjoy staring at day in and day out, but this is my true pleasure, working with my muscles.

“Sir, the cameras are approaching.” My assistant stares at me with her lips pursed, holding out a windbreaker with the coast guard logo on it, reminding me that I was fucking bare-chested.

“Damn. Thank you, Taylor.” I take it from her, and she turns her head away, looking toward Fields, which pisses me off, especially since I catch him winking at her again.

“You’re welcome, Sir.” Her cheeks are pink for the hundredth time today, and I’m about to kill a motherfucker for making her so damn heated.

I barely have the damn thing zippered when the camera crew makes their way to me. “Mayor Payne, can we get a word?”

“Just a moment. The Mayor is busy at present,” Taylor says, halting them like the amazing assistant that she is.

I step in front of her and say, “You can speak with the operations director.” I direct their attention to the Storm Disaster team the state sent over this morning, trying to stay to the side of the camera. Taylor hands me a bottle of water.

“Here you go, Sir.”

Smiling, I whisper, “Thank you.” I open it and guzzle it quickly before the cameras are on me. With a brief message to the press, I excuse myself to address the rest of the town matters with my assistant beside me.

The sooner we get away from this place, the sooner I can handle the adrenaline coursing through me. Even tearing through that physical labor didn’t stop the violent jealousy that burned in my chest at the way my former naval mate flirted with Taylor.

She was mine, even if I couldn’t fucking have her.