Page 40 of Steamy Nights

"So, we have to come up with another plan?"

"There is another way. We can ask for an emergency meeting and an expedited solution. But, we need a petition with five hundred signatures, which is nearly one-quarter of the population of Blossom Springs. How will we get that many signatures to ask for this emergency meeting?"

Sid leaned back as he stared at her computer. He slowly leaned to the side and pulled his phone from his back pocket. Without another word to her, he tapped his phone and put it on speaker.

Jace chuckled. "Hey, buddy, what's up?"

"In order to get the city council to hold an emergency board meeting and an expedited solution, we need a petition with five hundred signatures of Blossom Springs residents. Feel like holding a party?"

Jace replied, "Fuck, yeah." Rustling could be heard as it sounded like Jace was walking through the restaurant. "So, two things. I need about a week to get the word out. Between regulars here, staff, and social media, we can reach a ton of people. And, I just heard today that Jami Hart and the Hurricanes are back in town. If I can talk them into performing, we'll get a shit ton of people here and can get those signatures you need."

Sid chuckled and winked at her. "That's perfect. Tell me what I need to do to help get the word out."

"Let me put some things together. I'll give you an update tomorrow."

Oh, this was too good to be true. They'd get their petition if not completely signed, they'd have a fantastic start on it.

"Sounds great. What's the second thing?"

"Ah, oh yeah. You can see the house at six o'clock. I'll text you the address. I have someone opening it up for you to see it."

"What do you mean you have someone opening it up?"

Jace laughed. "Oh yeah. I own the house. I bought it when I first got here. Then the Governor's Mansion became available and I moved after it was remodeled. My house has been sitting empty. I've kept it up though. Pest control and my cleaning lady goes in every two weeks just to dust and clean."

Sid chuckled. "You are full of surprises."

"I suppose. You'll like the house. It's just out of town. Quiet. It sits up on the bluff. You can see the water, though there isn't any access to it from up there. But, its views are stunning."

Sid turned his head and their eyes met. He smiled so perfectly she could have swooned. Literally, he was just that handsome. But, this whole house thing was a puzzle.

"Sounds good. Send me the address. We'll check it out."

"Okay. Talk to you later."

The call ended and Sid turned to face her. He cocked his left leg so it laid on the sofa, bent at the knee. "So, since I'm buying the Garage I need a more permanent place to live. I mentioned it to Jace and as you heard, he has a place available. I'd love for you and Chiefy to come with me and see it."

Butterflies took flight in her tummy and her throat dried. She swallowed to wet it, then took a deep breath. "Okay."

"You seem hesitant."

She chuckled, more out of nervousness than anything else. "I'm happy to look at it with you. But, it's your decision where you live."

He leaned forward and kissed her lips. "I'd like your opinion."

29

The drive to Jace's house was picturesque. The road curved up the bluff looking over the water. It wasn't far from Grace's houses. That was a bonus. The road curved slightly and as they pulled into the driveway, the view of the water below was breathtaking. The sun was beginning to set, though it wouldn't completely set for another hour and a half, but it was lower in the sky. The brightness of the day was now tinged with an orange hue.

Grace sighed. "This is stunning."

He smiled as he watched the movement of the water. A couple of boats were out on the water fishing, the scene nearly picture-perfect. The house was a ranch-style home, sprawling along the bluff, offering a scenic view of the area and water below.

A truck pulled in behind his truck and he took a deep breath and looked over at Grace. "Ready?"

"Yes. Should I bring Chiefy in or leave her out here?"

Sid shrugged and Chiefy sniffed his ear then licked his cheek. He could almost swear she knew they were talking about leaving her out here. He chuckled. "She can come in. Jace said so earlier today."

---