Page 165 of Hate Mates

“You looked good up there,” he says with a smile.

“Don’t tell me you’re a fan now,” I tease.

He laughs. “Let’s just say I respect your tenacity.”

For a moment, we stand directly in front of each other in silence.

“What happens now?” I ask.

He shrugs “I’ve worked non-stop for years and always gotten my own way. It’s nice not to have won, for once. I think I’m going to take a holiday. I don’t really know what one of those is like.”

“You’re not as terrible as I thought.”

“Tell that to ex-Mayor Weston. I suspect he thinks I’m the devil right now.” He looks toward the window, and I notice theblue flashing lights outside. “The police have just shown up to arrest him for accepting bribes and all the other corrupt things he’s done wrong. I’ve just finished giving them the evidence and providing a statement.”

“What!” I exclaim in shock. “But…”

“He needs to pay for what he’s done. You made me realize that I had to be the one to reveal his corruption, not you. Thank you for showing me that.”

Lincoln leans forward and presses a tender kiss to my forehead. I look up at him, and when our eyes meet, we stare at each other intently. The feelings flooding through me are nothing like I’ve felt before.

“What will you do after your holiday?” I ask, fearing his answer.

There’s a good chance Lincoln Caldwell could disappear from my life, and I realize that’s something I don’t want.

“What do you want me to do?” he questions.

“Call me,” I reply without any hesitation.

Our lips meet in a passionate kiss, and I lose myself in the moment, savoring it before he pulls away.

“It will be my pleasure, Mayor Tucker.”

Without another word, Lincoln turns and leaves me alone in the room, once again, and I feel a strange mix of emotions.

Relief.

Hope

A hint of longing.

Whatever the future holds, I’m certain of one thing. In the space of a single day, Lincoln Caldwell has changed me as much as I’ve changed him.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s a win for both of us.

The End

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