Page 15 of Wildly Yours
“Oh now, between you and me, if our little mayor and her family can’t compete with lower prices, then maybe they deserve to close their doors.”
“Deserve?” I take a step back and unclench my fists. Blake is smiling at me like a cocky asshole, and it takes all my strength not to wipe that smile off of his face. “I think that’s a poor choice of words.”
“Oh, c’mon. The people of Owl Creek want to spend less of their hard-earned dollars. And they especially want to know that their taxes go toward things—”
I see Serena round the corner across the street, on her way to Town Hall.
“Blake, I suggest you speak to my brother Cole about taxes. That’s what funds his fire department. What would happen if they can’t fight fires like the ones that were being set last year? And a small part of those tax funds pay for the park I run.”
“Then maybe you need to increase fees at the park. Why should I have to pay for a park I don’t visit?”
“Um, let’s see. Clean air. Do you like having that? Because last time I checked, trees make the air clean and the park is the only land around here that isn’t subject to clear cutting. Not only that, but it’s a major draw for tourists, which as you know the local economy depends on.”
“Son, I think you’re overreacting.”
I take another step back and see that Serena is busying herself with her handbag.
“I’m not your son, and I think you aren’t taking a full view of the issues at play.”
Blake steps toward me. The air feels electric. Like it could crackle and burn in the space between us. I’m willing my hands to stay at my sides, and my mouth to stay shut. If there was any chance of me helping Serena out with this guy, I blew it.
His jaw is working and his eyes narrow as he assesses me and the anger that I’m keeping tamped down. For me. Forher. He takes in a short breath, and leans in another inch.
“I know what this town needs, and I intend to make good on it.”
He sticks his hand out to shake mine. I want to leave it hanging there but I worry about the damage I’ve already done. I shake his hand and he uses it to pull me in a couple inches, causing me to lose balance. I realize that was his intention all along. To gain a slight upper hand. Guys like him don’t like to be outwitted or proven wrong.
I stumble slightly before catching myself, and he pats me on the back before turning to go into the post office.
“Good to see you, Cody.”
“Blake.”
I spin toward Serena and watch her watch me. We’re both stuck. Rooted to the ground where we stand as we look at each other, the road between us.
My hands twitch, no doubt releasing the energy that I kept bottled up instead of directing it toward Blake’s face. Trying to be something I’m not is physically painful, even if I know it’s the right thing. Even if I know I’m being the better man.
She finally steps forward and practically sails across the street toward me. Somehow, even though she’s never been far from my thoughts, I forgot how graceful she is when she moves. She’s always been that country girl who was a little more refined, a little more controlled than anyone else I’ve met.
Serena steps onto the curb next to me and I catch a whiff of something like vanilla. Subtle, yet sweet. I want to memorize this scent, for when this is over and we're back to being people who don't spend time together.
“Dare I ask what happened with Blake?”
“Let’s head inside and I’ll fill you in on how I just failed you.”
She raises an eyebrow and turns into Town Hall. She’s a couple steps ahead of me, and I can’t help but notice how well her jeans fit.
No Cody. No, No, No. This can’t happen.
I follow her into her office and she gestures to the too-small chair that sits opposite hers on the other side of the desk.
“So you failed me, huh?" She has a look on her face like she isn't surprised. "What exactly happened? I turned the corner and thought I was going to have to break up a bull fight.”
“Blake doesn’t like to be wrong. I pointed out the flaws in his political talking points and he didn’t like it. I’m sorry. I told you I was going to try to help you out with him.”
“Yeah, to be honest, I wasn’t sure how you were going to pull that off. He’s old school. And even though you fit the bill physically—”
“Beg your pardon?”
