Even after I figure out exactly what I need to do, it takes me another fifteen minutes of pacing and exploring every possible option to work up the nerve to lift my phone and hit the contact number. It’s after nine at night and he seems like the early to bed type, but this can’t wait.
“Yo, you’ve got Garrick.”
“What are you? An eighth-grade boy?”
“Mayor. Are you calling to criticize my phone etiquette, or do you actually want something?”
I groan inwardly. I wish I could think of anyone else in the entire world to ask this favor. “I just need you to spread the word about this great vacation spot in the mountains. The owners could use more business and I’ve agreed to help out.”
“Uh-huh? And why do you want to help them?”
“I had a few martinis with them last weekend. They’re, um, good people.”
“Okay. So tell everyone about it. Why do you need me?”
“Because it would seem weird coming from me. The mayor shouldn’t be seen supporting a business from another town, and you work in a locals-only bar in your free time. You’ve got easy access to the ears of the people.”
“Right. Well, I’m not interested in marketing some resort for one of your hook-ups. You’ll have to find someone else.”
I may not have had an actual one-night stand in nearly a year, but I do go out and flirt with guys. I might even make out with someone occasionally. Just to test the waters. I’ve always restricted myself to tourists, never locals, but somehow Garrick knows about it. The man seems to know everything about everyone.
“It wasn’t some guy I hooked up with, Garrick. It was a friend. A woman. She’s still a friend. A good friend.” I pinch my lips together tight before I make this worse. Lying has never been a skill of mine.
“Mayor. I didn’t know you liked to sleep with women, too. You are suddenly a lot more interesting.”
“I don’t sleep with women, Garrick. Usually. There was one time—” What the hell am I doing? I don’t care if he thinks I’m interesting. “It has nothing to do with sex. I just want to help another woman.”
“I can’t market a resort I know nothing about. I need more information. I’ll be at your place in two minutes.”
“Two minutes? How do you know where I live?”
“Small town.”
“You don’t need to come here. I’ll just send you the link.”
“Look at that. I’m here.”
“What? Why are you here? I don’t want you here.” I look down at my worn out sweatpants and my favorite, softest sweater that has a few holes and a mustard stain. “Go away.”
“Can’t. I was in the middle of a tough situation when you called and you’ve given me the solution I need. You must have sensed me in the area.”
All my danger alarms go on full alert. Garrick Evergreen is never nice to me. Oh, he’s always charming and shoveling shit in my direction with a smile, but everything he does is done to make my life harder. It’s almost like he enjoys it. And I don’t deserve it just because one time I slapped him with a fine for using our city vehicles without permission. And maybe he sees me as the obstacle to getting permits he needs to expand his outdoor business. Even though I’m not.
The man can hold a grudge like nobody’s business.
“I didn’t sense you in the area. If I could have thought of anybody else in the world to help me, I would have called them.”
“Nah, I’m not buying it. You wanted to see me. This visit is meant to be.”
“What is wrong with you? There’s nothing about the two of us that’s meant to be. We’d both be happier if we lived on different sides of the planet.”
He chuckles and I hate the sexy, smoky rumble of it. “That is one thing we can agree on, Miss Mayor.”
Garrick doesn’t knock gently. He bangs on the door like he’s mad at it.
I jump and let out a small shriek.
That damn sexy chuckle rolls right under the door and up my spine.
