Page 23 of Someone to Tempt
"Just like trying to convince people you signed up for dance class because you think it would be a lol."
"I do think it could be alol.”
I hate using slang. My mom was beyond casual in how she spoke and acted, so I tend to be formal and stuffy. Some people might even say I have a stick up my ass. Jodi is one of those people. But I'm going to prove her wrong. I'm going to prove all of us wrong.
"Come on, Iris, I know why you're in that class."
“Fine.” I blow out a shaky breath, hating that she can see through me so easily. “Just because Glo?—”
“You still have the hots for Jake Byrne."
Whoa, did not see that coming.
"Trust me, Jodi,” I sputter out a laugh, “I didn't know Jake was going to be part of the class when I signed up."
"I don't believe you.” She returns to her chair, once again glaring at me. “I saw him on his first day back in town, you know. We were at the grocery store at the same time. We reached for the same head of broccoli."
Okay, this is getting weird. “What do Jake Byrne's vegetable-buying habits have to do with you being out to get me at every turn?"
"We had a moment, Jake and I, in the produce department. Maybe it could lead to something, but not if you go after him."
"I'mnotgoing after him."
"Then drop out of the class."
"I can't. I won't. I'm not in it for him. He doesn't even like me."
"He always liked you," she argues. "Why do you think he became friends with your brother? It was to get close to you."
“Or because they were both wild party animals."
"It was to get close to you," she repeats. “Despite dressing like you're auditioning for the new season ofSuitsmost of the time, I know how you Dixon women are with your feminine wiles."
"I don't have wiles." I laugh, trying not to sound as self-conscious as I feel. “I have whatever the opposite of wiles is.”
"I've seen the way half the men who come through this office look at you."
The comment takes me aback. I've never wanted wiles because my mom used hers so recklessly. But I must admit, the thought of having them where Jake is concerned does have some appeal.
"I'm not in the class for Jake.” I cross my arms over my chest and glance toward the door to make sure no one is close enough to overhear. “I’m trying to convince Gloria to mentor me. If she sees I'm not the stick in the mud you've led everyone to believe, maybe she will."
"But youarethat stick in the mud."
"I amnot.” I resist the urge to stomp my foot in protest. “I’m fun, and I’m not after Jake Byrne.”
She studies me for a long moment. “Promise?" she eventually asks.
I think about the way it felt to be in Jake's embrace during the class, even though I couldn't relax. The fact that most of why I couldn't relax was being in his embrace.
"I promise."
“Okay, but…” Her lips twist into an almost apologetic grimace. “You won’t need a mentor if you aren’t elected.”
Alarm bells go off in my head. “I’m running unopposed.”
The members of the town council had called me in about a month after my appointment to voice their support if I’d consider a full term in office. Despite my lack of formal experience in the position, they cited my adaptability and willingness to collaborate, plus my focus on progressive initiatives and sustainability as proof that I was a promising leader. The word fun hadn’t been mentioned once.
Their confidence bolstered me in a way I desperately needed after how things imploded in Minnesota. Not that anyone—even Sloane—knows the details of that shit show. I agreed to the council’s request because I want a chance to make a difference and a foundation on which to rebuild my life and career. They also assured me that with the council’s backing, the election will be more of a formality than a real race.
