Page 28 of Rival Hearts

“Oh,” Lila said, seeing Trent. “Hey, Trent. I came to congratulate Maggie on her brilliant social media campaign for the town.”

Lila’s grin was so wide I couldn’t help smiling in response. “Liked that, did you?”

“So much. Have you seen Grady yet?” Lila leaned against my counter. “I wouldloveto watch those fireworks.”

Trent narrowed his eyes. “Is that what I interrupted?”

“You were here?” Lila took out her lip gloss and pressed it to her lips. “Did the heat of their gazes melt you?”

Trent laughed. “You gotta be kidding me. The heat of their gazes?”

“It’s nothing.” I glared at Lila.

“If you didn’t come for the sexual tension show, what are you doing here?” Lila ignored me and sized up Trent. “Not that I’m ever sorry to see you.”

“Sexual tension show?” Trent frowned and turned toward me. “What the hell? You and Grady?”

“No. Nope. Not even a little bit.” I stared at Lila, avoiding his intense gaze. “He hates me anyway. Besides, we’re running against each other for mayor. Any tension is… hate and competition.”

Lila coughed into her hand, and I swore I heard the word “Liar.”

Trent sighed. “All I care about is figuring out a way to help the town. You know? Maybe win some people around who think I’m still the black sheep.”

“What’s that?” Lila perked up. “You need help?”

“Trent asked to help me help Little Falls.” I stared at Lila meaningfully, hoping she remembered the conversation we’dhad over coffee the other week. As much as I loved Trent, he was a liability.

“Hmm. Right.” Lila twirled her glasses. “I’m always a fan of a good redemption arc. I’m sure we could find something for you.”

I bit my tongue so hard I worried it would bleed.

“I don’t want to donate money,” Trent said. “I don’t have much anyway. But I got a lot of sweat equity. I can build stuff, or I don’t know.”

Lila hummed. “There’s been a lot of damage to Little Falls. A couple of the houses literally floated away. The GoFundMe is great, but will it be enough?”

“What are you talking about, Lila?” I asked, frustration eating at me.

“Another fundraiser. A bit of…” She grinned at Trent. “Sweat equity. And, it’ll be great for community building as well as getting Trent back into the town dynamic.”

“Sweat equity? So, we’re going to build something, or…?”

“A Magic Mike show.”

“What?” Trent looked between me and Lila. “A magic show?”

I stifled a grin. We hadn’t talked about this, but it would definitely cause a stir. “Male strippers.”

“You want me to strip?” Trent eyed Lila.

A wicked grin broke out across Lila’s face. “I’d even pay money.”

“Naked?”

I shrugged, and Lila pretended to think. “Definitely down to your boxers or briefs. Right now, I’m imagining the classic boxer briefs, but I’m open to surprises.” She gave Trent a theatrical wink.

Trent chuckled, and his eyes trailed over Lila. “You’re not so quiet anymore.”

“I’m going to take that as a compliment.” Lila slid her sunglasses to the top of her head. “You’ll raise money, I guarantee it.”

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