Page 18 of Extra Witchy

Chapter 7

Leanne laughed at Trev’s expression.

If she’d shared her idea with any of her coven sisters, they’d stage an intervention and maybe do a spell to rid her of unwholesome influences. That was why she was keeping quiet, talking to Trev first. Articulating her thoughts would help him understand her intentions and maybe he could get on board. Then again, a photo-op marriage might seem like aterribleidea for someone who hadn’t already done it twice.

“Just so you know, I’m totally ordering the biggest burrito they have and you’re paying for it. You owe me for dragging me over here to screw with me,” he said.

He thinks I’m joking.

“Let’s order, and then…just keep an open mind, all right? That’s all I’m asking.”

The server came over with chips and salsa, and as promised, Trev ordered a jumbo burrito. Leanne went with chicken enchiladas with green sauce. Once they were alone, she laid out her case.

“People get married for all kinds of reasons. As I see it, we both benefit from this. You said you’re good at basic maintenance—what about cooking and housekeeping?”

Trev eyed her skeptically. “You don’t have to marry me. Just hire a housekeeper.”

“If we get married, you’ll be eligible for my insurance and get out of your parents’ house. There’s really no downside for you. I just expect you to handle all the domestic crap I don’t have time for or care about. Can you cook?”

“I can, actually.” A flicker of something darkened his hazel eyes. “I mean, I’m not Ina Garten, but I can follow a recipe.”

Leanne regarded him, surprise welling up within her. “I’m impressed you know who the Barefoot Contessa is.”

“My mom loves her books.”

“Makes sense.”

Trev said, “You’ve laid out the benefits for me, but I don’t see what you get out of this. Other than fooling your mom, but this seems excessive.”

She bit her lip, wondering if she dared confess what she was really after. Getting Junie off her back was an excellent bonus but… “Very astute. There’s another reason I need to get married. But this is important, I can’t leave it to chance and random emotions.”

He folded his arms, sitting back in his chair while eyeing her with an expectant air. “I’m listening. Convince me.”

Briefly, she pressed her lips together, unable to believe Trevor Montgomery—a mundane she’d just met—would be the first person to hear her innermost ambition, one she’d nurtured for a long time in secret without having the courage to go for broke. “You know I work for the city, right?”

“Yeah. To be honest, I’m not clear on what youdoexactly, but I got that much.”

“I’m the director of communications for the mayor’s office. I got into it because I wanted to make a difference, but mostly I watch while they take credit for my work. Dan Rutherford on the city council is theworst. He was talking to my boobs earlier in the week while putting the moves on me.

“And if that’s not enough fun, he’s buddied up with my boss. Their cronyism is costing the city. In fact, I suspect they’re skimming. So…I’ve thought about this long and hard, and my best option is to run for office myself in the next election.”

“Holy shit,” Trev said.

“I’ll run for city council to get my foot in the door. The election’s coming up in November, and I should really have started this earlier. That’s why I can’t wait around for a normal relationship to give me the right…look for the voters.”

“Wait, if I understand where you’re headed with this, you think getting married will help your image. And you pickedmefor that?” He laughed, throwing his head back in a move that resulted in an adorable hair toss.

Not that she had a soft spot for surfer-looking types or anything. It was just that he was convenient, and he’d slot right into her plans, serving the purpose on multiple fronts.I just need to convince him of that.

“Serendipity,” she said. “I didn’t choose you, per se, but you’d be perfect. We flip the traditional First Lady role, and you’re the man behind the woman, keeping house and supporting me. The optics are fantastic, I come off looking more stable—trust me, they’ll spin the hell out of my two divorces otherwise—and you get to reinvent yourself as the icon who helps me make history.”

“I don’t want to be an icon.”

She sighed. “It’s just a word. Think about this, then. If we get married, your parents won’t be on your back all the time. You’ll have your own place and the space to figure out what you want from life. I’ll help you, whatever you decide to do. If you’d rather take it slow, you can sleep in the guest room. I’m not opposed to sharing the bed with you, though. We’ve already proved we’re compatible.”

For the first time, Trev smiled. “That’s true enough.”

At that point, the server came over with their food and arranged the dishes on the table. “Careful, the plates are hot. Can I get you anything else?”

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