Doreen sensed Darius’s tension beside her. She didn’t want to cause a scene during story time and risk ruining the children’s enjoyment of the celebration. She kept her voice level. “What’s wrong with my costume?”
Nessa raised her chin. “You need to represent the office of Trinity Falls’ mayor with dignity and decorum—always.”
Was Nessa serious? “I’m not dressed as Lady Godiva.”
Nessa’s disdainful gaze took in Doreen’s modest neckline and knee-length fringe hem. “You might as well be.”
“I think she looks great.” Darius came to her defense.
Nessa turned pitying eyes toward him. “As a young man, I wouldn’t expect you to say anything else.”
Darius crossed his arms over his chest. “Nessa, I don’t know what’s going on between you and Doreen, but please don’t insult my intelligence.”
Darius heard a small intake of breath from Peyton. In reflex, he rested what he’d meant as a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Nessa tracked his movement. She glanced at Peyton before returning her attention to Darius. “So close so fast, Darius? The rumors must be true.”
“What rumors?” Darius had been about to remove his hand from Peyton’s shoulder. But when he caught the taunting gleam in Nessa’s eyes, he decided against it. With the feel of Peyton’s skin warming his palm through her costume, the decision wasn’t a hardship.
“That you’re dating the university’s new history professor.” Nessa’s expression was speculative. “Have you grown tired of the women of Trinity Falls?”
“W-we’re not dating,” Peyton stuttered.
“Yet.” Nessa returned her attention to Doreen and the flapper costume. “The election is only ten days away. It’s just a formality since you’re running unopposed. However, try not to bring disgrace on the office. It’ll reflect poorly on the town.”
“What is this really about, Nessa?” Doreen stood straighter. “I can’t believe you find this flapper costume so objectionable.”
“I’m giving you a little friendly advice.”
Doreen crossed her arms. “You walked into the bookstore loaded for bear and pointed your sights at me. Why?”
“Ladies, you may not want to continue this conversation here.” Darius released Peyton’s shoulder. He glanced around the store, scanning the curious glances directed their way. Trinity Falls was a small community whose residents’ curiosity was close to insatiable.
Nessa ignored his warning. “The mayor’s office is going to be handed to you just like everything else in your life. But don’t expect me to let you continue to walk around this town like royalty.”
Doreen’s eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed with temper. Darius strained to hear her reply. “If you wanted to be mayor, Nessa, you should have run.”
“Next time, I will.”
Doreen inclined her head. “Until next time, then.”
Nessa’s glare shot sparks before she turned to leave Books & Bakery.
Peyton exhaled. “Who was that?”
“Nessa Linden.” Darius observed Nessa’s stiff gait as she left the store. “She’s served two terms on the town council. I didn’t think she wanted to be mayor, though.”
“She didn’t.” Simon shoved his hands into the front pockets of his cowboy costume.
Darius faced his father, who stood on Peyton’s other side. “How do you know?”
Simon’s gaze drifted away. “She told me when I considered running for office.”
Darius wasn’t certain he bought that. Perhaps he’d press his father for more later. He turned to Doreen. “What happened between you and Nessa?”
“I don’t know.” Doreen’s eyes remained on the front doors as though she could still see Nessa. “We’ve never been friends, but she’s never been so confrontational toward me, either.”
“She seemed to have it in for you.” Simon shifted his stance.
Something in his father’s voice put Darius on alert.
“And what did she mean that everything’s always been handed to me?” Doreen sounded more curious than offended.
Peyton touched Doreen’s forearm in a brief but sympathetic gesture. “Sometimes people make accusations that are unfounded and unjust.”
“Like claiming someone’s a player when he’s not.” Darius gave Peyton an innocent look, watching as a blush rose into her cheeks.
Peyton looked away from him and continued. “I wouldn’t spend any time worrying about it.”
Doreen shook her head. “I need to fix this. When I’m mayor, I’ll have to work with Nessa and the other council members to get projects done.”
“CeCe’s council president.” Darius straightened his fedora. “She’ll keep Nessa from turning the council’s work into Nessa’s personal agenda.”
Simon shrugged. “Nessa’s off her rocker. I’d ignore her.”
Darius faced his father, searching eyes that were so much like his own. “What do you know?”
Simon pressed a finger to his own chest. “Me? What do you mean?”
Darius gave Simon a hard look. “Either she told you something or you’ve heard something that would explain Nessa’s behavior toward Doreen.”
Doreen’s wide-eyed gaze swung between Darius and his father. “Simon, is this true? Do you know something?”
Simon’s expression grew haunted. “I don’t know anything.”
Darius set his jaw. “Yes, you do.”
Simon raised his arms in surrender. “I agreed not to say anything.”
Darius pressed harder. “Dad . . .”
Still Simon hesitated. His troubled gaze moved from Darius to Peyton, lingering on Doreen before returning to his son. “Nessa came to me last summer.” He sighed. “It was her idea that I run for mayor against Doreen.”
CHAPTER 4
Simon Knight wasn’t above lying. Darius knew that. But as far-fetched as his father’s claim sounded, Darius believed he was telling the truth.
Still, Darius pinned Simon with a skeptical stare. “Why would Nessa ask you to run for mayor of Trinity Falls?”
“She thought I’d do a good job.” Simon seemed to believe his own words. “She said I was a strong candidate to challenge Doreen in the election.”
Darius shook his head. “Nessa may have told you that, but those can’t be the real reasons she wanted you in the campaign.” In his peripheral vision, he caught Peyton’s surprised expression. “What is it?”
Peyton’s gaze slid from Simon back to Darius. “I’m just surprised at how blunt you are.”
Darius frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Never mind.” Peyton shook her head. “Why else would Nessa encourage your father to run for mayor if she didn’t think he was qualified?”
“That’s what we’re trying to understand.” Doreen studied Simon as though trying to determine what Nessa saw in him. “Simon doesn’t get involved in civic issues. Everyone who knows him knows that. No offense, Simon, but it’s the truth.”
“None taken.” Simon threw back his shoulders. “But, if everyone in town believes that, why did two hundred people sign my petition to have my name added to the ballot?”
“Two hundred people signed your petition, but there are fifteen hundred residents in town.” Darius cocked his head. “What did Nessa say when you told her you were pulling out of the campaign?”
“Not much.” Simon pinned him with a hard stare. “Just that I wasn’t a viable candidate anymore because you’d introduced Noah.” Simon said that as though it had been a bad thing.
“Maybe Nessa just wanted a competitive election.” Peyton’s comment claimed Darius’s attention.
Darius snorted. “Then she would have chosen a stronger candidate than my father.”
“I’m standing right here, Darius.” Simon’s tone was dry.
Peyton spread her arms. “Maybe people you’d have considered stronger candidates weren’t interested in challenging Doreen for office.”
“Then why propose a candidate at all?” Darius shoved his hands into the front pockets of his Dockers.
It took all of his concentration to have this debate with Peyton while she wore that smoking-hot Catwoman costume. The outfit was better suited to a completely different line of conversation.
Darius’s gaze sought refuge at the front of the store. He found Noah and June standing with Ean, Megan, Ramona, Audra, and Jackson on the perimeter of the story time crowd. According to his silver Timex Batman watch—and the smells of apple cider and fresh-baked cookies—story time was almost over. Judging by Stan’s grin and the expressions on the children’s faces, the reading was a huge success. Screams and shrill gasps periodically rent asunder the bookstore’s usual quiet. Some of those sound effects came from the parents who’d brought their children.
Megan and Ramona were all but bouncing with joy. They didn’t do their Halloween or Christmas events for the money. They did special celebrations for the children. Right now, both women seemed like big kids themselves.
Peyton continued. “Perhaps you should just ask Nessa what she’s up to.”
A look of horror settled on Simon’s sepia features. “I wasn’t supposed to let anyone know that she supported my campaign.”
“Don’t worry. I understand the need to protect a source.” Darius looked around the group. “I’ll find another way to learn what Nessa’s up to.”
“I appreciate your letting me join you for the town meeting.” Peyton followed Vaughn Brooks, Trinity Falls University’s concert director, into the town hall Tuesday evening.
They snaked their way through the crowd swelling the antechamber of the building’s largest conference room. Vaughn’s six-foot, broad-shouldered frame paved a path where Peyton was certain her five-foot-plus stature would not.
“You’re a Trinity Falls resident now,” Vaughn spoke over his shoulder. The hall’s light shone on the smooth nutmeg-hued skin of his clean-shaven head. “You should witness firsthand how your new government works.”
Peyton surveyed the crush of bodies around her as she unbuttoned her double-breasted burgundy wool coat. She’d thought Ohio would be colder in late October. She’d been wrong. “Are all of these people here for the council meeting?”
“Yep.” Vaughn sounded pleased. “And even more will show up later.”
Peyton stared in amazement. “I’ve seen crowds like this one lining up for Broadway shows.”
Vaughn chuckled. “We’re not quite ready for the stage. But our council meetings do get pretty entertaining.”
Peyton smiled. Vaughn was such a nice person. He’d taken her under his wing, helping her navigate the university’s campus and especially its administrative offices. Now he was helping her get acclimated to the town.
She stared at the band director’s broad back as he led her into the assembly room. He was in great physical shape. A well-groomed goatee enhanced his ruggedly handsome features. But Trinity Falls was full of attractive men, a single woman’s fantasy: Vaughn, Dr. Quincy Spates, Ean Fever, Jackson Sansbury, and Darius Knight.
Peyton was surprised to see even more people socializing in the assembly room before the council meeting. Doreen, Megan, Ean, Jackson, Audra, and Darius stood toward the front of the room.
Vaughn led her to them. “I thought it was time to expose our newest resident to one of our greatest traditions, the Trinity Falls Town Council meeting.”
“I thought the Books and Bakery Halloween celebration was the town’s greatest tradition.” Peyton struggled to keep her gaze from lingering on the reporter.
Several other women in the room didn’t seem to have her willpower. In his gunmetal-gray sport coat, snow-white shirt, burgundy tie, and black pants, Darius looked as though he’d dressed for a men’s clothing commercial.
“The Halloween celebration is just one of Trinity Falls many great traditions.” Megan adopted a humble tone even as her wide chocolate eyes twinkled with mischief.
“I’m surprised to see you here, Vaughn.” Darius’s midnight eyes shone with challenge. “When did you start attending council meetings?”
Peyton frowned at the reporter’s question. Why would Darius doubt Vaughn’s interest in the meeting? Her colleague had been adamant that she attend at least one. Why would he be so insistent on her being here tonight if he’d never been to any?
“What do you mean, D?” Vaughn couldn’t meet the reporter’s eyes. “I’ve attended council meetings.”
“Not in the six years since I’ve been covering them.” Darius caught Peyton’s gaze. “Don’t look now, Doc, but I think we’re back in the archives.”
“What?” Was Darius referencing the supposed matchmaking scheme? Peyton turned to Vaughn. “Is that true?”
The band director’s brow furrowed. “I don’t know what he’s talking about.”
Peyton turned back to Darius, but he’d switched his attention to the other five members of their group: Megan, Ean, Doreen, Jackson, and Audra. His eyes twinkled with humor as he addressed them. “Which one of you geniuses put him up to this?”
Ean frowned. “Put who up to what?”
Darius pinched the bridge of his nose. “One of you, maybe more, has been playing matchmaker with Peyton and me ever since she came to town. It’s been fun, I’m sure. But it needs to stop now.”
Peyton confronted Vaughn. “Is that really the reason you suggested I attend this meeting?” This couldn’t be happening. It was a mistake or misunderstanding.
Vaughn shook his head. “I don’t know what he’s talking about.”
Jackson chuckled. “Meddling’s more your style, D. You’re always giving people your two cents on what they should do.”
“My opinion is worth more than two cents.” Darius gave Jackson and Audra a pointed look. “And I’m always right.”
Jackson wrapped an arm around Audra’s waist. “
Usually
right.”
Peyton wondered at that pointed look. What had the reporter been right about, and how had it involved Audra and Jackson?
Audra touched Peyton’s forearm. “Whatever reason brought you here, you won’t regret it. I’ve attended a couple of these meetings and they’re really interesting.”
Peyton scanned the expectant expressions of the people surrounding her. “I’ll stay. I don’t have anything pressing to do tonight.”
Against her will, her eyes sought Darius. He seemed to be silently laughing at her. Let him. She’d made the choice to stay because she wanted to be part of this community. No one was forcing her.
But she was curious. Peyton glanced around the assembly room. Any one of the dozen or so women undressing Darius with their eyes would be more than happy to go out with him. So why were his friends anxious to set him up with someone? And why had they chosen her?
Minutes later, Town Council President CeCe Roben called the meeting to order. The mayor, council president, and four council members sat behind a U-shaped walnut conference table at the front of the room. A four-foot walnut fence divided the audience from the working section of the assembly room.
Darius waited as their small group entered the third row of metal folding chairs. He gestured Vaughn and Peyton ahead of him. It wasn’t because he wanted to sit beside the history professor. He told himself he preferred to sit at the end of the row.
He settled onto the chair. It took some adjusting to find a comfortable position. It was a wonder the rusted relic was still in use. Darius was certain it had seen more years than he had.
Then he froze. A fragrance as soft and sultry as a summer evening teased him. Talcum powder and lily of the valley wrapped around him and took hold of his mind. He was back in the university archives. He was with a petite and curvy Catwoman.
Peyton
.
How would he get through this meeting when every breath he took shot straight to his lap? He should have sat between Jackson and Vaughn. Neither of them would have distracted him.
Against his will, Darius turned to Peyton. The little professor was struggling out of her burgundy wool coat. Darius held it so she could free her arms. Removing her bulky outerwear revealed her formfitting attire. Darius’s gaze moved over her cream scoop-necked sweater, pausing on the curve of her breasts before continuing to her long, rose corduroy skirt.
“Thank you.” Peyton’s voice was low.
Darius raised his gaze to her caramel eyes. “Sure.”
Mercifully, tonight’s council agenda was short. The sheriff’s office was investigating a series of Halloween pranks, including one in which the entrances to Heritage High School had been bolted shut from the outside, giving students an extra day off from school. The volunteer fire department requested additional funds for a computer upgrade.
Most of the agenda required just a few key phrases. Darius took detailed notes when necessary. Beside him, Peyton shifted in her seat. Often. Each time, her scent would float over him, causing the muscles in his lower abdomen to clench. Darius gritted his teeth and refocused on the council’s discussion.
Revenue to date from Trinity Falls’ sesquicentennial celebration had exceeded expectations. Orders for memorabilia were still coming through the Sesquicentennial Celebration Web site.
Ramona addressed the audience. “I want to thank Doreen Fever again for the wonderful job she did chairing the Sesquicentennial Celebration Committee.”
The cheers swelled in the assembly room. Doreen was well known and well liked in the community. She acknowledged the recognition with a smile and wave. But her round, brown cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Darius laughed and clapped harder. Beside him, Peyton glowed with pride for Doreen.
Darius glanced back toward the council’s U-shaped table. Nessa Linden appeared to be the only one in the room who begrudged Doreen her accolades. Why did the other woman dislike Doreen, and what had happened to escalate her resentment?
Applause died down, allowing Ramona to continue. “Council members, members of the community, I have less than two months remaining on my term. During that time, I’m going to address a critical need in Trinity Falls. Our Guiding Light Community Center turns forty years old in January. The center and its mostly volunteer staff provide a necessary service for our children and neighbors in need of assistance. But the center’s renovations are long overdue. We must find a way to fund this capital investment.”
Council member Christopher Ling spoke into his microphone. “I don’t think anyone would disagree with you, Mayor. But from where do you propose to get these funds?”
Darius’s hand flew across a page of his reporter’s notebook as he made detailed notes of this announcement and Councilman Ling’s question. In it, he heard the councilman’s subtext: although the town’s coffers were growing, Christopher wasn’t going to approve a budget expenditure for the center’s capital improvements.
Ramona folded her hands on the desk. “I’m going to task a committee with raising money for the center’s renovations.”
Nessa perked up at this revelation. “That’s a wonderful idea, Mayor McCloud.”
Christopher and the other two council members echoed their support.
Council President CeCe Roben spoke over them. “Mayor, what type of fundraiser were you thinking of?”
Ramona shrugged a slim shoulder. “I’m going to leave that decision to the people in charge of the event.”
CeCe ran her long, pale fingers through her auburn hair. “I’m concerned, Mayor, that after the Founders Day event, the town might be burned out on celebrations.”
Ramona frowned. “I’m surprised to hear you say that, Madame President. After all, this is Trinity Falls. We love a good party.”
The audience again erupted into applause. Darius smiled as he transcribed the exchange. Doreen was well regarded and would make an excellent mayor. But the town was going to miss their more flamboyant leader.
Nessa raised her voice as the cheers died down. “Well, I for one think it’s an excellent idea, Mayor. You’re leaving behind some very big shoes to fill. I hope our next mayor is as tireless, dedicated, and creative as you are.”