Page 15 of Boots, Bucket Lists & Bad Ideas
Good.
It keeps us at arm’s length, and in this place we’ve perfectly sculpted over years of resentment.
The mayor taps the microphone, and it crackles. “Should a Wilde or Fox require assistance at any point during the event, are one of you prepared to be available around the clock?”
She pulls her gaze away from me and back to the panel of councillors.
“That would be me. I’ve set up a detailed communications plan, including emergency contacts at every level, and established daily check-ins to ensure effective communication. Everything is mapped out.”
My arms rub her when I drop them to my sides. I should stop and let this meeting finish, but, of course, I don’t.
“The clipboard queen strikes again, armed with a color-coded spreadsheet so deadly it’ll knock the fun right out of the whole event.”
She makes a subtle move to step away, but the rows around us leave no room even to breathe.
“Better than sitting around pretending to multitask, which is basically what you’ve done for this entire sponsorship,” she snaps back.
My fingers curl around the edge of my hat. “I can handle twice the chaos before your morning coffee’s even cold.”
“Multitasking and ego inflation before sunrise. You must be wiped.”
The back of her legs bump into her sister, and Josie shoots a hand out to steady Jade’s back.
“This is me at half power.” I fling out my arms, barely missing her and the row in front. “You should see what I can do after dark. Though I doubt you could keep up.”
“After dark?” I see the smirk steal her lips.
She wouldn’t dare.
She wouldn’t fucking dare make up a lie right here in front of half the town.
“I’ve heard whispers that you get pretty hands-on after dark.”
The hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
She’s going to do it.
“I’ve heard you have a real talent with ropes.”
My pulse quickens.
“Word around town is you enjoy a good binding when the moon’s out.” Her words hit like a punch to the gut, leaving a burning knot in my chest that won’t loosen.
“You’ve been asking around about me? I’m flattered.” My tone sounds anything but flattered.
“Dream on.”
I lean closer, heat flooding my veins. “You have no idea what I’m capable of.”
She doesn’t even bat an eye, chin up, meeting me head-on like the strong woman I know she is. “Let’s keep that way.”
“I doubt anyone could pry you away from your clipboard addiction long enough to have a good time.”
“I don’t have a clipboard addiction.”
“Yes, you do,” Josie mutters.
Jade shoots her sister a glare over her shoulder.
