“The big mayoral election is coming up.”Maggie shrugged.“It seems like everyone is running, too.Acting Mayor Marty Moore, Graham Callahan, Ellis Corey andJenniLynn Garrett.Whoever wins, I hope they find a way to develop some economic incentives.Tenacity could use a little financial help to grow and shine.”
Camilla gave Maggie a long look.“You thinking about adding your name to the list of candidates?”
“For mayor?No, thank you.I can’t imagine taking on the job.”She laughed, shaking her head.
“I think you’d be great at it.”Braden meant it, too.Everything he knew about Maggie Cooper told him she was the sort of person to get things done.She’d gone above and beyond in her last position, risking her health to care for others.While he didn’t want her in that position again, that sort of dedication was what made a good public servant.
“Maybe Stanley should run?”Maggie shrugged.“You said he was a force to be reckoned with.”
“He would do it and do it right, that’s for sure.”Camilla chuckled.
“Then that settles it.Stanley Sanchez for mayor.”Maggie smiled.
Braden had already accepted that Maggie’s smile was one of the top two smiles in the world—tied with his daughter’s.But there was something extra special about Maggie’s smile tonight?It reached inside his chest and grabbed a hold of his heart, wrapping it in pure warmth and love.He loved her.He did.Her smile, like everything else related to Maggie, knocked him off his feet, scrambled up his insides, then settled firmly into place—that missing puzzle piece he hadn’t realized he’d been missing.
“I can see the two of you are here for a romantic evening, so I’ll stop bothering you.”Camilla winked at them.“And dessert is on the house.Try the tres leche cheesecake.It is divine.”
After dinner, a single piece of cheesecake was delivered—withone fork.Maggie eyed the fork, the cheesecake and his mouth.The cheesecake did look good but she looked better.The way she was looking at him set him on fire.His body ached to make love to her.But, for now, he’d make do with feeding her cheesecake.He scooped up a bite and offered it to her.
“Hold on…” Her voice wavered and she stood.“I’m going to check in on Cody first.”
“Sure.”He set the fork down.“Go on.I’ll do the same.”
Maggie walked to the other side of the restaurant with her phone to her ear.She scanned the shelves, glancing back at him every now and again.
He pulled out his phone.“Mom?”Braden hoped his little girl was having a good time.“Delilah okay?”
“Happy as a clam.She and your father fell asleep watching TV.”She giggled.“You should see him, Braden.He is wearing one of her tiaras.”
Braden blinked.“He is not.”He shook his head, unable to picture it.“I don’t believe it.”
“I’ll take a picture.”She giggled again.“Stop worrying and start wooing, you hear me?Delilah needs a mother and you need a wife.I’ll see you in the morning—and not too early, either.”And she hung up.
He’d always thought he got his lack of subtlety from his father.Maybe not.He was still shaking his head when Maggie came back to the table.
“Cody’s fine.I’m ready for you to feed me cheesecake now.”She sat, leaned forward and opened her mouth
He liked the sound of that.“Yes, ma’am.”He held out the fork.
She accepted the bite and her eyes went wide.“Holy cow, that is so good.”She took the fork and fed him a bite.
“It is.”But he preferred feeding her.She had the mostexpressive face and eyes.Watching her enjoy herself was a full body experience for him.
She cleared her throat.“Cody’s asleep, so we…we can…” Her gaze dipped to his mouth and stayed there.“We don’t have to go home tonight.”She blinked.“If you… I…”
“You what, Maggie?”He swallowed hard, aching.“I need to make sure we are on the same page, here.”He held his breath and hoped like hell they were.He wanted her so bad he ached with it.If he enjoyed watching her eat cheesecake, he could only imagine how he’d feel when his hands were on her body and she called out his name.And he’d make damn sure she called out his name—over and over.
Chapter Twelve
Maggie had never, ever said anything remotely suggestive before.Now she was going to ask Braden to spend the night with her.There was a very real chance he’d say no.Just because she was listening to her body, not her brain, didn’t mean he would.He might want to slow things down.She couldn’t.She’d never wanted anyone like she wanted Braden.It made her feel reckless and bold, and if there was even the slightest chance he’d say yes…
He was staring at her, his jaw clenched tight.
She was stuck.She might regret this.But if she didn’t ask, she’d likely regret that, too.“Braden.”She took a deep breath.“I’d like to spend the night with you.Sleep with you.”She’d said it and was wincing from how ridiculous she sounded.“If you want to.”She shook her head.“But if you don’t, that’s fine.I understand.”Which was probably the least passionate proposition in the history of propositions.
“I want to, very much.”He nodded, that jaw muscle ticking.
“Oh, good.”She didn’t know what she’d expected but his answer surprised her.“I wasn’t sure.”
