Leonard’s dark eyes clouded with confusion. “But you don’t have any experience in office.”
Hmmm . . . she hadn’t expected that response. What’s the phrase kids are using these days? “What a buzzkill.” “But I do have experience volunteering on community boards and working to get legislation passed.”
Leonard angled his body to face her on the sofa. “That’s different.”
“How? Because I didn’t get paid?” She thought he’d be excited for her. Why was he so condescending?
Leonard shook his head. “That’s not what I mean.”
“I’ve lived in Trinity Falls all of my life, and that’s about how long I’ve been actively invol
ved in community issues. My parents were volunteers. My father was a two-term council member.”
Leonard raised both hands, palms out. “All I’m saying is that volunteering is very different from actually serving in office.”
Doreen crossed her arms and legs. “Would I have learned more if I’d drawn a paycheck?”
“Dorie.” Leonard spoke her name on a sigh. “You’ve supported a lot of changes that benefited the community. But as mayor, you have to consider both sides of an issue, not just the one that benefits you.”
“Do you think I can’t do that?” Doreen pushed herself from the sofa.
Leonard returned his mug of tea to the serving tray and stood. “I’m not undermining what you’ve done. All I mean is that your running for mayor is a bad idea.”
Doreen’s eyes widened. “Why?”
Leonard hesitated. “The campaign will give everyone an excuse to invade your privacy.”
Doreen cocked an eyebrow. “We live in Trinity Falls. No one here has any privacy.”
“People will gossip about you. They’ll speculate about our relationship.”
“They’re already speculating about our relationship.”
“What about me, Dorie?”
“What about you?”
Leonard planted his hands on his hips. “You have a full-time job running the bakery. It takes a lot of your time. What if you win this election? When will you have time for me?”
Doreen studied Leonard’s closed expression. “You’re worried that I won’t have time for you?”
“Why do you need another job?”
“You’re asking me that? You’re a math teacher and a football coach.”
“Coaching isn’t a yearlong position.”
Doreen ground her teeth. She didn’t have to justify herself to anyone. “I don’t need this job. I want it.”
Leonard turned away, pinching the bridge of his nose, and paced. “Where does that leave us?” He faced her from across the room. “I’m going to retire in a few years. I was hoping we could spend more time together.”
Warning bells sounded in Doreen’s ears. He wasn’t implying marriage, was he? Proceed with caution. “I enjoy spending time with you, Leo. But this is an opportunity that I don’t want to dismiss. I promised Megan I’d think about it.”
She’d hoped Leonard would be her sounding board. Instead, this discussion had been all about his feelings. He’d never once asked her why she wanted to run for office. To say his reaction was a disappointment would be an understatement.
Leonard’s sigh lifted the broad shoulders she’d wanted to hold tonight. “Well, I hope you reconsider your decision.”
“I won’t.”