Chapter 6
On Monday morning,Amber rang the doorbell of Theo’s house and tried not to fidget. Theo had asked her to meet him at his house at eight o’clock sharp because he had an early meeting and he wasn’t going straight to the office.
She checked her watch impatiently. She was only a few minutes late, but she was prepared to explain that it was her car’s fault.
Johnny had managed to get her started again, but Betty, as she affectionately called her car, had done that sickly sputter thing again this morning when she started her. She wasn’t that old, but she had been a lemon since the day Amber bought her. Amber was sure she needed something in her engine replaced.
She lifted her hand to knock on the door again.
“You’re late.”
She jumped and turned around to look at the man who had snuck up behind her. And continued to look. Theo stood before her, bare chested and panting slightly. It figured the mayor was a runner. One of her least favorite things to do. What was the point of running if no one was chasing you? She could, however, appreciate the sight in front of her. From the neck down, perhaps, to avoid the scowl on his face.
The early morning humid air must be to blame for the sudden breathy catch in her throat. The mayor was more...undressed than she had ever seen him before. His hair was damp and curled messily down over his forehead. He was shirtless, and oh, my. She stopped there for a long moment to appreciate the sight.
Fine, dark hair covered his broad chest, tempting her fingers to touch. His waist was narrow, his stomach tight with muscle, leading down to a furrow of dark hair that disappeared into shorts that slung low from his hips. Long, powerful thighs, tight with muscle, stood slightly spread in front of her. His lack of a suit exposed a raw masculinity that made him seem larger and rougher than she was used to. Gimme.
“Are you done?” he asked with that one arrogant eyebrow arched, crashing her back down to reality.
Nice to look at maybe, but still the same arrogant, entitled man.
”Look who”s decided to grace me with his presence. And here I thought I was the late one,” she said.
“My day starts at nine. Yours starts at eight. It’s eight fifteen.”
“Sorry, boss,” she said unapologetically. “Betty was being fussy.” She nodded toward her car in the driveway. It wasn’t lost on her how out of place her trusty little red Mazda was in Theo’s driveway. Theo’s home was more of a residence.
The tall Victorian, with gables, trim, and elegant windows seemed like it was from another time. Yeah, he would never see the inside of her apartment with her secondhand furniture. That they were from different worlds had never been so apparent.
Amber wasn’t usually self-conscious about her upbringing in Cedarwood Village, but standing in front of Theo’s house gave her a long-forgotten twinge of discomfort. She lifted her chin and raised her own eyebrow in a haughty impression to even them up.
Theo gave her an unreadable look and reached around her to open the door. She followed him into the foyer. Her heels had seemed like a good idea this morning. She always forgot that they were more for sitting pretty than for following cranky men around rambling old Victorian houses.
The fast clicks echoed on the shiny wood floors all the way to the back of the house where French doors let out to a stone patio that held a hot tub under a pergola. A quick impression of neat rooms filled with tasteful furniture—simple, expensive, and not a thing out of place. What else had she expected? ”Nice place you got here, Mr. Mayor. Do you work from home often? ”Cause I could get used to this,” Amber said.
“Some days. This is my home office.” He led her into a room closed off by glass French doors and handed her a stack of mail. “Start with this. Open everything and sort it into piles. I’m going to shower. I’ll be down shortly. Take messages if anyone calls.”
“Got it, boss. Need any help washing your back, give me a shout.” She smiled up at him innocently.
“Inappropriate,” he called back, and Amber grinned. This was going to be fun. Lord knew she had had worse jobs in the past.
She looked around the office space. It was more of a library with a desk, all done in dark wood and elegant gray with an oversized desk by the window. She settled herself in the leather chair and got comfortable.
Okay, mail. She could totally do this. She had plenty of experience in an office setting, although it wasn’t her favorite place to work. She much preferred jobs where she could use her creativity, but beggars couldn’t be choosers.
Unfortunately, sorting Theo’s mail only took her a few minutes. He had several boring events coming up, which she put aside, and bills that she sorted by due date. She looked for any juicy subscriptions to porn, but from what she could tell, Theo’s social life consisted of golf tee times, boring town budget meetings, and a long-running breakfast date with his grandma.
Mail sorted, she wandered over to look at the framed pictures on the wall. In many of the photos, Theo was with his father or what she assumed was his grandfather from the resemblance. Both men were tall and dark and aristocratic in their three-piece suits. In every one, Theo had a serious look on his face.
She poked around the desk for a few minutes. Not a thing out of place. She shifted the stack of papers on his desk an inch to the right just to be perverse.
“If you’re done snooping, you can follow me.” Theo appeared, buttoned and tied to perfection again in a charcoal suit and tie. He led her to a modern chef’s kitchen that could fit her entire apartment.
“Sit there,” he pointed to the massive marble island with barstools.
She headed toward the counter instead, just to be contrary, but the bonus check floated in front of her eyes and she took a sharp right toward the island instead to try to wiggle up onto the stool. Her pencil skirt was mighty tight around her knees.
Theo paused in the middle of taking out a blender. “That doesn’t look very...” He waved vaguely toward her, “comfortable,” he finally said.
“Comfort’s overrated.” Amber smoothed her hand over the slim white column of her skirt. She had paired it with a red off-the-shoulder blouse for a Marilyn office vibe. “I thought you”d appreciate the effort,” she said. Unlike her, Theo kept his eyes above her neck. Of course he did.
”You”ll break your neck in those heels,” Theo said finally.
Amber smiled. “These old things? They”re practically slippers,” she lied, knowing full well the four-inch black patent leather heels with the darling ankle strap were anything but comfortable.
She eyed a package of kale as Theo started adding things to the blender. “Don’t tell me you’re one of those people who drinks green juice?”
He looked down pointedly at the assortment of kale, green apples, and celery on the counter. “Would you like one?” he asked politely.
She hopped off the stool to look suspiciously at the various bags and jars on the counter. Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten yet.
“Not only are you late, you didn’t eat? Don’t you know breakfast is the most important meal of the day?”
“No, thanks.” She dug around in her hobo bag for the package she had tossed in there a few weeks ago. “Here,” she said. “I’ve got muffins.”
Theo”s lip curled. “You’re eating that for breakfast?”
Amber took a bite of the mini muffin and moaned. Spongy, cakey deliciousness. Maybe a little stale, but these things never went bad. That was the beauty of them. “Muffins?” she said around a mouthful. “You know. The breakfast food?”
“You mean those preservative-packed chemical shit storms? No, thanks. I”d rather eat something that doesn’t have a shelf life longer than my car.”
”Oh, lighten up. This is the breakfast of champions,” she grinned and waved the half-eaten muffin under his nose.
“Thank you, no.” He turned around and started to make his concoction. Amber hiked herself onto the counter next to him.
“Do you mind?” he asked.
“I like to watch,” she said, flaking off a blue spot from her muffin before she popped the rest in her mouth. She really hoped it was a blueberry and not mold. “So, what’s on the agenda?”
“I have an interview at ten with CityScape Magazine,” he said, pouring a thick, gelatinous mass of green slime into a glass.
The sight of his tanned forearm flexing distracted her. His shirtsleeves were rolled back, exposing the gold-tipped hair and heavy gold watch on his wrist. A hint of heat flared. Down, girl. “And a Zoom call before that.”
“I’d probably be a grouch if I started my day like that too,” she said.
“This is me on a good day,” he said dryly. “There’s still time to quit.”
“I’m not a quitter, Mr. Mayor.” She slid off the counter and beamed up at him. “Your life is going to be so organized, you won’t even recognize it.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” He sighed and held out a set of keys. “Meet me in the garage.”
“I get to drive?” she asked hopefully. No way was she going to get that lucky. Betty was cute and mostly reliable and all, but boring as hell to drive.
“Consider it a necessity. I need to take a call, and I’d rather not break the law.”
“And we both know you’re a rule follower, aren’t you?” She made grabby hands. “Give ‘em to mama.”
She made sure to put some extra oomph in her step on her way to the garage. She rather liked the sound of her heels making noise in the silent house.
His workday hadn’t even started,and he was already regretting hiring her. Ford owed him big time. He did not have time to be distracted by the bit of fluff trying to wiggle her butt into the car and hiking her skirt up her smooth, tanned thighs.
When he first saw her at his door this morning, he had stopped in his tracks and stared at her while she had her back turned, knocking on his door. She was...outrageous. All of her curves encased in that tight white skirt and red top designed to draw attention to her bare shoulders. Some kind of knot caught up her cotton candy hair with pieces tumbling around her face. He had the strangest desire to see if the pink strands were as soft as they looked. And then there were the silly, strappy heels. Theo was gone for a gorgeous pair of legs in high heels. He knew hiring her was a terrible idea.
“Get in, loser! We’ve got places to go,” she yelled, and slammed the door closed.
He opened the door. And held out his hand for the keys.
“Kidding, boss, kidding. It’s from Mean Girls. You know?” She blinked up at him, all innocent and sweet, but he knew better.
He crossed his arms and glared.
She hiked her chin and glared right back.
“Okay, okay. I get it,” she finally said, seeming to weigh her options. “You’re not a movie quote guy. I’m sorry.”
Theo wasn’t fooled for a second. This woman was the most impulsive, reckless woman he had ever met, and it wasn’t a compliment. He was going to be late for two meetings if he didn’t give over the keys, which he did reluctantly.
She turned to him. “It’s a really funny movie where?—”
“Just drive,” he snapped. The less they talked, the easier it would be to fire her. Theo had no doubt that was going to happen. There was no way she could handle all that the job entailed, but at least he could tell Ford he tried with a clear conscience.
“So, where to, boss man?”
“My name is Theo. Not Mr. Mayor. Not boss or boss man,” he gritted out. “Just Theo.” He could have sworn he heard her mutter “boss hole,” but he let it go. “We’re meeting a reporter at the Red Lounge for an interview at nine thirty.” He was already setting up his laptop for the first call of the day. “I have to take an important call right now. I programmed the address into the navigation system already. Just get us there on time, please.” He put in his ear buds and straightened his tie. The governor of New York was an old friend of his father’s. He had scheduled a video call to talk about Theo’s future after the election.
With another distracting wiggle, she hiked her skirt up to mid-thigh to drive, and Theo’s concentration went out the window. The rhythmic play of muscles as she sped up drew his eyes back to that smooth expanse until he was furious with himself. Since when did a fantastic pair of legs distract him from his work?
Through sheer force of will, Theo dragged his eyes away in time to assure the governor that he would win the election and join him in the city to strategize his next political move. The governor had a few choice things to say about the latest polls. Theo did his best to assure him he would do everything in his power to change that in the coming weeks.
“Sounded intense.” She glanced over at him curiously when he disconnected. “This Beckerman guy’s creeping up on you in the polls, huh?”
“A healthy democracy thrives on diversity,” Theo said stiffly.
“Sounds thrilling,” she said, sounding anything but. “Do you ever do anything just for fun, or is it all work and no play with you?” She hit the button to roll down the window and held out her hand in the oncoming wind. “Do you feel that?” she shouted over the wind. “Isn’t it wild?”
“Slow down,” he snapped. “The speed limit’s forty-five.” They were on a stretch of road leading toward the outskirts of town, heading into downtown Rochester. Theo knew from experience there was a small hill that could make a car catch air if you were going too fast. “You’re going to get us pulled over.”
“No, it’s not. It’s sixty-five,” Amber laughed. “I know this road like the back of my hand.” She looked over at him, her hair whipping wildly around, her full lips curving, and her skirt inching higher until Theo caught a glimpse of blue panties. She looked so alive in that moment that Theo found himself staring.
The hill was just ahead, and the low purr of the engine let him know she was speeding up. “Dammit! Slow down.” The Mercedes took the hill lightly, catching air for a long, weightless moment that flipped his stomach and reminded him of roller coasters he had ridden as a child, until the car hit the ground hard enough to jar his teeth.
He shot forward and instinctively reached over to grip her thigh, hard, steadying her. The muscles jerked, and she turned to look at him, exhilaration and laughter bubbling from her. Theo’s breath caught at the look there. His hand still gripped her thigh.
“Wasn’t that fun?” she asked, grinning at him until flashing lights in the rearview mirror cut her off.
“Fuck.” Theo swore, pulling back his hand as if he’d touched fire.
“Relax. It’s fine. You’re gonna pop a blood vessel if you keep it up.”
“Relax?” He bit out. “Did you miss the conversation I just had with the governor of New York about not making any waves before the election?” But she wasn’t listening. She was waving at the officer. He’d give it until tonight before this was all over social media.
“Hi, Ben,” she called. “I’m so sorry,” she said, sweeter than any other time Theo had heard her. She pushed her hair out of her eyes and bit her plump bottom lip. Ben, who looked all of twenty years old, grinned down at her appreciatively. Unreal. Theo’s mood soured even more.
“Hi, Amber.” The officer whistled. “Sweet car. This yours?”
“I wish,” she purred. “This is my friend’s car, but he let me drive it. I got a little carried away. Sorry about that.”
Theo leaned around her and the stupid grin on Ben’s face faded. “I’m sorry about that, Officer,” Theo started, but Ben wasn’t paying attention.
“Yeah, it’s fine,” he nodded at Theo and leaned his elbows on the window to talk to Amber. “You know how you told me not to keep calling Delaney?” he asked Amber. “You said chicks like it when we give them some space to miss us? Well, I took your advice and it worked! She called me this morning and we’re going out later this week.” He beamed at her. Theo tapped his finger impatiently. No one noticed.
“What a lucky girl she is!” Amber said. She patted his cheek. “You make sure to bring her flowers.”
“I will. Thanks a lot, Amber. Hey, we miss you over at the pub, you know. A bunch of the guys told Killian he was a dick for firing you. Everyone knows karaoke is your thing.”
Amber sighed. “I miss you boys too. But I have a new job with the mayor.” She leaned back and for the first time, recognition showed on the kid’s face.
“No shit. Hey, you sign my paycheck,” he said. “Cool. Thanks for approving that raise. Okay, well don’t go so fast next time. It’s not safe.” He leaned in and whispered something in Amber’s ear that Theo didn’t catch. “See ya, Mr. Mayor.” He tapped twice on the hood of the car and loped back to his cruiser.
Amber opened her mouth, but Theo cut her off. “Don’t say a word.”
And she didn’t. All the way up until she parked the car in front of the restaurant. “My lord, we have arrived,” she said with a flourish of her hand. A grin teased the corner of her mouth.
Theo’s patience snapped. “You think this is a joke? This is amusing to you? This is my career at stake. I know that means nothing to you, but this is important to me.” He took a deep breath. “Look, just...try to take this job seriously, please.” He got out of the car and slammed the door. And for once in his life, he didn”t help a woman out of the car.
Inside, the lounge was quiet. Small groups of guests in suits sat around the lobby area talking quietly. Servers milled around getting ready for the lunch rush, polishing silverware, while a bartender wiped down the bar.
The calm was soothing after the wild ride getting there. Sitting on the black leather couch in the middle of the lobby was his second meeting of the day, Pippa Shelton. She sat on the couch, her long legs crossed elegantly. He took a deep breath and smiled.
“I’m sorry I’m late,” he said, leaning in to kiss the cheek she lifted. “We ran into some traffic,” he murmured.
“It seems I’m destined to wait for you, Theo,” she said, just as intimately, smiling into his eyes. Theo knew that smile. He’d tasted it, and felt it whispered against his skin in the early morning light. He returned it, only to stiffen when he heard the telltale sound of Amber’s heels coming in behind him.
Amber knew how to make an entrance. She had none of the reserve most people do when walking into an open space. No demure looks or half smiles while she looked for a familiar face. Amber walked into the lounge as if the sharp tap tap of her heels didn’t echo off the walls and draw every eye toward her.
Amber spotted them and headed over. “Hi, I’m Amber, the mayor’s assistant. Can I get either of you anything?” she asked as if she hadn’t just been reamed out.
”No, thank you,” Theo said curtly. ”We”re going to do the interview here. Why don’t you come back in half an hour?”
“Actually, I”ll take a seltzer,” Pippa said. She smiled up at Theo and shifted closer until her expensive perfume wafted around them.
“You got it.” Amber said brightly. “Be right back.”
This interview for CityScape Magazine was an important one. He knew Pippa was interviewing Beckerman too, and he needed to be on his game.
Pippa sat and patted the cushion next to her. “So, Mr. Mayor, you”ve had a little competition this go-round, haven”t you? Beckerman’s support base is growing. Why do you think that is?” she asked slyly, when Theo took a seat. She was one of the most skilled reporters the city had. Theo wasn’t surprised she went straight for the jugular. In fact, he enjoyed her sharp mind as much as he had enjoyed her soft mouth before their jobs got in the way and things naturally ended.
“I think that’s a sign of a healthy democracy, to have a range of voices and ideas presented for our town’s diverse needs, and I welcome the debate that this election brings,” Theo answered easily. They went back and forth until a familiar laugh peeled through the quiet lobby. Loud, uninhibited. Undeniably charming despite its complete disregard for anyone else’s peace of mind.
It took effort, but he kept his gaze focused on Pippa’s face and tried to remember the last question. “I respect Mr. Beckerman’s commitment to serving Northfield, just as I’m committed to fostering a town that thrives of inclusivity and innovation, and I look forward to continuing to engage with all members of our community.” It was his usual response to the media, thankfully, because his attention was diverted.
From the corner of his eye, he watched Amber lean over the bar and adjust the bartender’s collar, and, from the look on his face, he was thoroughly enjoying her attention. The bartender was tall and lanky, blond hair curled to his shoulders, and a good deal younger than Theo was. Amber laughed again, and Theo realized she had yet to do that with him. She had laughed at him plenty, but that sound, that light, joyful sound, was one she had been keeping to herself. He frowned.
”Theo?” Pippa’s voice brought him back to the present. “Did you hear my question?”
“Excuse me. I’m distracted this morning.” Theo tried his best to get back on track. “What were you saying?”
“I wonder why.” Pippa mused, looking toward the bar. Amber was in the center of an audience now, apparently telling a story that had the waitstaff enthralled. Probably about how she had almost landed him a ticket earlier, he thought sourly. “Looks like I’m not getting my drink after all.”
“Sorry about that,” Theo apologized. “It’s her first day on the job.”
“Hmm,” Pippa hummed thoughtfully. “Well, I should go. Hopefully, we’ll catch up soon,” she said. “I’ve missed you.”
“Yes, see you,” Theo said, already heading toward the bar.
“Are you ready to go?” he asked with icy formality.
Amber turned, her lashes a dark fan against the smooth, silky skin of her cheeks, creating a striking contrast. Her pink hair stood out like a blaze of color in the middle of all the gray and chrome in the restaurant. No wonder she drew an audience. She was like a live wire and, God help him, he was drawn to her too, he thought, not without some ruefulness.
While he watched, her smooth, bare throat drew his attention. In the delicate hollow there, her pulse fluttered fast and furious, belying the mischievous look she was giving him.
“It’s been fun, boys,” she said, shimmying off the barstool in her tight skirt and teetering in her heels. He reached out to steady her, gripping her arm. It was like an electric shock to his system, touching that smooth, tender skin on the inside of her elbow with his thumb, and they both froze.
She looked up at him, that little chin pointing up in defiance, and held his eyes while a teasing smile tugged her full mouth.
Theo dropped her arm. ”If you”re done playing, we have to get to work.” He gestured for her to go first.
She blew a kiss to the bartender. ”Bye, Anthony. See you soon.” Her heels clicked on the floor, every bit as captivating as her entrance.
“Another boyfriend?” Theo asked when they got outside.
“Nah, I never date men who are prettier than me. Too much competition.” She started for the driver’s side, but Theo held the passenger door open pointedly.
“If I promise to drive like a grandma, can I drive?”
“Not a chance. Get in.”
She sighed and slid in. “Fine. But I’m choosing the music. How do you feel about eighties hair bands?”