“It just seems like the right thing to do. It would give Sinclair more experience, which would make it easier for her to win. It would piss Stark off, which is an added bonus. I think he was the one to tell Frank about my more-than-friendly relationship with you.”
“Is that what Sinclair wants?”
“No. She made me wait until Monday.”
“Don’t. Don’t resign, Mo. You’ve done nothing wrong. I’ll quit if that makes it easier. There’s a job open in Watley County that I can apply for—”
“I don’t want you to quit. I’ll be out soon enough.”
I looked down. “Sinclair will fire me anyway.”
“What?” He used the crook of his finger to lift my head. “When did you see Sinclair?”
“She came out the other day and let Dad and me have it.”
“Jesus.”
“We deserved it. Or at least, Dad did. She can be as scary as Trina when she gets all riled up.”
He laughed. “Yes. I’m sorry about that.”
“But don’t you see, Mo? This town cares about you. Sinclair and even Trina care about you. Nothing my father says or does can change that.”
“I don’t know about that.”
“Not if I tell them differently.”
He nodded. “I guess you’re right.”
I could see he was still bothered by the prospect of his reputation being besmirched.
“You know, we’ve been making up for a few minutes, and you still haven’t kissed me.”
He grinned. “You have to stop talking.”
I stared up at him, keeping my mouth closed. He smiled and dipped his head. When his mouth touched mine, it was like a final puzzle piece finally snapping to place. We were complete.
“No sex in my place before me. Go home if you’re going to make up by getting naked,” Tucker said from the kitchen entryway.
Mo jerked back a bit.
“What do you say, Mr. Mayor?’ I asked. “Wanna get naked?”
He groaned and took my hand to lead me out of the kitchen. “Excuse us, Tucker.”
“Sure thing, Mr. Mayor. Mrs. Mayor.”
In the parking lot, we realized we’d come in different cars. “I’ll meet you at home,” he said.
I smiled, loving the idea that he was considering his home to be my home, too. “Meet you there.”
I couldn’t get to Mo’s house—our house—fast enough. On the way, scattered thoughts about what my father would do or if Mo would change his mind flitted through my brain. But as quickly as they were there, I pushed them away. I was going to seize the moment and make it last as long as I could. Forever, hopefully.
Mo was out of his car when I pulled up. When I stopped, he opened my door and helped me out, pushing me against it as he kissed me hard. I could taste his desire, and I wanted to stay like that forever.
“Inside,” he said, grabbing my hand and tugging me up to the porch and into the house. Once again, he pressed me against the door and kissed me.
I fumbled with the buttons on his shirt and then changed my mind and went to undo his pants. My body ached for him. I needed him now.