Page 70 of Resisting Temptation

I roll my eyes, not really wanting to see what Miss fucking Turner has to say about the asshole who ran me off the road last night. Instead, I sip my coffee, willing the dull throb in my skull to politely fuck off.

“Are you alright?” He looks at me with so much concern, you would think he actually cares.

“Did you grow a heart overnight? Since when do you care about anyone else,” I joke, trying to lighten the mood. Everyone else is already walking round on eggshells this morning. I don’t want Beckett to treat me differently as well.

“We haven’t won yet. I still need you around,” he teases playfully, knocking my arm with his fist. “It’s the campaign I’m worried about.”

“Sounds more likely.” I smirk, enjoying our banter. It feels normal, and that’s what I need right now. When everything else feels so strange. This is not the first time in my life I’ve seen this town differently, but it’s scaring me now more than ever before.

“Seriously, though, Paisley. You need to read this.” He taps the paper on my shop counter.

“I don’t have time this morning, Beckett. I have ten orders to put together before my delivery girl gets in.” I groan. “Oh, and of course, what the hell is she going to drive when my van is wrapped around a tree. I haven’t even worked that shit out yet.”

He produces a set of keys from his pocket and dangles them in front of my face. “No need to worry about your van. I’ve arranged a rental for you until it’s repaired. It’s out the front now.”

I smile at him. “Are you serious?” I glance out front and see he’s not bullshitting me. “Thank you,” I say, so grateful for his help. It’s like he’s one step ahead of me every time I have a problem.

“Least I could do. This could all be because you decided to help me.” He motions to the paper.

Pulling flowers from the wall in front of me, I arrange them in my hands. “You read it to me while I get these made up,” I tell him, wanting to know what this dang story is about now. Why would he think it’s because of him?

He takes a seat on one of the stools at my workbench giving me an unimpressed look before unfolding the paper.

“In a startling twist that has sent ripples of concern through the heart of Deception Bay’s political scene, it has been revealed that Paisley Whittaker, the esteemed campaign manager for mayoral candidate Beckett Prescott, was the focal point of a recent attempt to disrupt their bid for office. The revelation serves as a chilling reminder of the extreme measures individuals may take to influence a critical election, casting doubt on the electoral system’s integrity.

According to reports, Paisley experienced a targeted act of interference intended to disrupt their campaign. Although the attack’s exact details are uncertain, preliminary investigations suggest a carefully planned plot to create doubt and conflict within the campaign team.

This revelation becomes more concerning when we consider that it may not be an isolated incident, but part of a larger pattern of political manipulation. Whispers of behind-the-scenes conspiracy and underhanded tactics have long plagued the city’s political landscape, with allegations of underground agendas and power plays lurking just beneath the surface.

As the aftermath of this startling revelation unfolds, all eyes are now on Beckett’s campaign team as they confront the repercussions of this blatant attempt to sabotage their progress and one of their own. Will they be able to rise above the chaos and persist in their pursuit of the mayoral office, or will political interference hinder their progress, handing Noah the lead?

Questions must be asked. Could candidate Noah Harrington and his team be, in fact, involved?

As the mayoral election approaches, Bay City prepares for a fiercely fought battle for its future. In the face of such adversity, only time will tell if Paisley and the rest of Beckett’s team havewhat it takes to emerge victorious against the backdrop of uncertainty and intrigue.

Sweet Tea Scandals, Annabelle Grace Turner.”

He folds the paper back over, watching me closely for my reaction.

I place the bouquet back in the bucket and start on the next one, collecting up flowers and foliage as I walk around the table. “Do you really think someone would try and kill me to get at you?” I ask, uncertainty creeping into my voice. Noah thinks this is because of him. But Beckett and this story also have a point. He’s far more hated than Noah. I’m just the pawn stuck in the middle of it all.

“I think there’s more to this, all of it. I’ve hired a private investigator.”

I stop making the bouquet I’m holding and stare at him. “To do what?”

He shrugs. “Snoop around. Something’s not right. I figure Annabelle is on to something. Maybe Noah’s team’s not as legit as he thinks, and if that’s the case, you could be in real trouble. We both could.”

“Maybe you should go talk to her if she has the answers.” I roll my eyes. I hate this Annabelle, hiding behind the paper, using it as a shield to protect her and her venomous, hurtful words. This could all be some bullshit made up to cause a scandal, that’s what she loves.

“I would, but I’m in the same position as the rest of the town. I have no clue who she is.”

I glance up at him, not believing it. “Surely Hamilton knows, he runs that place now. And from what I’ve seen, the two of you are close. He would tell you.”

I can tell from the way he shakes his head and his facial expression that he’s being sincere. Even the Prescotts have no idea who she really is. How is that even possible?

My hands grip the stems a little tighter than I should. “So, this bitch has all the answers and she’s just going to report on it, sending her hurtful stories out into the world without a care, even though there could be a real threat out there wanting to kill me. Are you kidding me? Someone has to know who she is.” The flowers in my hands shake, and Beckett takes them from me, holding my hands in his in a comforting gesture.

“My guess is she was leaked some information and that’s all she knows about it. If we knew her identity, she wouldn’t be privy to information like this. Her identity is kept that way for a reason. To protect her and make sure this town is kept informed.”

---