Page 115 of Taken By Storm

“I hope everyone will forgive me for stealing the mic away from our very talented Lark here, but I have an announcement I’d like to make,” Sam began.

Kasi glanced at Levi, and he shrugged. He didn’t have a clue what his brother was about to say.

“I’m very happy to announce that I’ve decided to throw my hat in the ring. I’ll be running for mayor of Gracemont in the next election!”

Scottie’s mouth fell open in astonishment as the patrons of the brewery broke into a loud round of applause, several people shouting and whistling in support.

“He can’t,” Scottie said under his breath.

“I hope I can count on your support,” Sam continued. “And I look forward to talking to you in the coming weeks about ways we can continue our Gracemont traditions, while creating some new ones.”

Sam handed the microphone back to Lark, stepping down to shake hands. A few of the older guys slapped him on the back as he made his way around to Levi and Kasi’s table.

Sam put his hand out, forcing Scottie to shake it or lose face.

“It’s too late to run,” Scottie said, still struggling to accept Sam’s news.

“I filled out the paperwork yesterday, actually,” Sam said. “Just under the wire on the deadline.”

Remi rushed over. “I’m going to be your campaign manager,” she declared, giving Sam a huge hug.

Everyone laughed.

Except Scottie.

It had become a running joke around town that Scottie only won the mayoral election because he’d run unopposed. It would be interesting to see how he faired in a true race.

Given his suddenly pasty complexion, it looked as if he wasn’t feeling too good about his chances.

With too many eyes now on their table, Scottie must have decided it was in his best interest to cut and run. “You’ll all regret this,” he murmured under his breath.

Levi rose. “Is that a threat?”

Whatever brief burst of bravado he’d found vanished when Levi stepped closer. Scottie shoved the engagement ring in his pocket, then walked away without saying another word, like the coward he was.

“You okay?” Kasi asked, placing her hand on Levi’s forearm as Sam and Remi walked away, visiting the surrounding tables to begin the campaigning.

Levi grunted. “I really wanted to punch that guy.” Kasi had told him about Scottie’s creepy touches and sexist comments.

Kasi giggled. “Can I tell you a secret?”

He nodded.

“When you used that deep, scary voice on him, I got totally turned on.”

Levi grasped her hand. “Grab your purse. We’re leaving.”

“Where are we going?” she asked, even as she stood and allowed him to tow her toward the exit.

“Home. Bed. Now,” he said, usingthattone.

“Oooo,” she said, grinning wickedly. “Sounds like there’s a storm coming.”

“In an hour, there will be a Storm and a Mills coming,” he joked, wrapping his arm around her waist. “Walk faster.”

Fortunately,he and Kasi had the farmhouse to themselves once they returned, Keith and her dad still working the fruit stand.

A quick glance at the clock as they entered their bedroom told him they had two hours before the two men returned home, and Levi intended to put every single second to good use.

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