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 b
ig shoes to fill. I hope our next mayor is as tireless, dedicated, and creative as you are.”
Ramona smiled in response. But there was a chill in her voice as well as her expression. “Oh, I’m certain the woman the town will elect as my successor will be more than up to the task.”
Darius took that as a direct quote for The Trinity Falls Monitor article.
Saturday morning, the first of November, Peyton indulged in breakfast at Books & Bakery. Her seat beside the café window was chilly, but the view was worth the discomfort. The trees lining the streets led her gaze into the nearby neighborhood and the profusion of vibrant autumn colors.