Page 71 of Moon Blind Hearts
Which would apparently be the second time that’s happened.
Today, we’re in town, the city celebrating being alive, healthy, and rebuilt. All the businesses have their doors open, their owners waving people in. The coffee shop, Ugly Mugz, sports a nice line out the door as people wait for a cup of their amazing brews.
Valerie waves at me from across the street and comes rushing over, a huge grin on her face.
“I hear you’re thinking about running for Mayor of Steele!” she gushes.
“Uh,” I say, confused. “I don’t really know if politics is something I’d like to get into. Not sure where you heard that from.”
She raises her brow. “Honey, it’s in your blood. Besides, Buck Daniels is retiring and we could use someone to help us usher in the new era of Steele being a nationally recognized city.”
“I don’t exactly fit the part,” I point out, gesturing to my tattoos and bright colored hair.
She laughs. “Girl, you’re a Ward. I think you’re exactly what we need.” She pats my shoulder. “Break the chains. Or something like that.” And then she leaves me there, staring after her.
“You gonna run?” Oak asks from beside me, his brows raised.
“I . . . don’t know,” I answer honestly. “I hadn’t even considered it before now.”
“You’d be one fine mayor,” Cash teases. “Would you wear pant suits?”
I grimace. “Maybe.”
Sawyer leans in. “Don’t worry, Mayor Ward. I hear there’s a nice large desk in the mayor’s office, perfect for someone to kneel under and tease.”
The flush starts at my neck and travels until my face feels hot. “That does sound . . . promising.”
Sheriff John appears and I straighten, trying my best not to look hot and bothered.
“Good morning,” I say, too brightly.
“Mornin’,” he replies, smiling. “She’s right you know. You’d make a great mayor.” He points to a man across the street, one wearing a black suit. The skin that peeks from the suit is heavily inked and his hair is perfectly styled. Something about him feels . . . menacing. “Maybe you can do something about that damn asshole lingering around. I can’t ever link any crimes to him, but I know he’s pullin’ strings.”
Naomi comes skipping up at that moment, her grin bright. She’s got two mason jars in her hands.
“Moonshine!” Naomi announces. “I’ve got a new flavor this week. Habanero Mango!”
Cash steps backward, his eyes wide. “The last time I drank your moonshine, Naomi, I woke up in the field naked.”
Naomi laughs. “Which sounds like a good time to me! You’ll like this flavor, I promise.”
Sawyer winces. “Doubt it,” he says under his breath.
“What was that?” Naomi asks.
“Nothing,” Sawyer says, louder as he reaches for the mason jar. “You’re too kind, Naomi.”
She beams at him and walks away, off to pass out more moonshine.
“This stuff is horrible,” Oak grumbles. “But she’s so damn sweet, you can’t tell her that. I think the whole town humors her at this point.”
My eyes trace back to the tattooed suit across the street. He watches Naomi intently as she flutters back up to the people beside us.
“That guy with you?” I ask Naomi before she can rush away again. Her eyes follow my gesture and she rolls her eyes.
“Don’t worry about him, darlin’. He’s as harmless as a bunny,” she says, shooting the man a sharp look and wandering off again.
I raise my brows. “I doubt that very much.”
