Page 16 of Baby For The Billionaire Silver Fox

“Campaign funds. You said you’d run if I gave you a check for $5000.”

“John, man, I was kidding.” I scowled at him.

“This money is a collection from the good people of this town who want you to run. They believe in you.”

I was honored—and horrified.

“I can’t take this. I’m not running.”

John stuffed it in my apron pocket and moved several paces back.

“You still have time to think about it. You have several days left to file your Intent to Run.” With that, he turned and walked out, leaving me standing there with my mouth open.

Shit, the guy was persistent.

But so was I. And there was no way in hell I was going to run. I liked my life just the way it was and saw no need to upset the status quo. I was helping people by doing the things I was already doing. I wasn’t going to fall for John’s attempt at guilting me into running.

I frowned as I shoved the bananas onto the display rack.

“What did those bananas ever do to you?”

I looked up and saw Lexi. “You’re going to bruise them,” she warned.

I exhaled deeply and smiled at her. “Shhh, don’t tell the manager, it might get me fired,” I said.

Lexi laughed. “We both know that’s not true. They love you here.”

I eyed her shopping cart. “So, are those economy-size bags of sugar in your cart for the coffee shop?”

“Yep. The baked goods sales have gone past my projections this month, and the sugar supply doesn’t come in until the beginning of next week. It’s a good problem to have.” She looked happy.

“Did you show Nicole a good time last night?”

“Oh, I certainly did. At least, I think so,” I said. “I took her to Roselli’s.

Lexi whistled. “Good job. I don’t mind telling you my secret goal is to have Nicole fall in love with Cooperstown so much that she’ll want to stay here permanently. So any help you can give me would be appreciated.”

I wanted to ponder what it would mean to have her stay, but answered, “I get it, BFFs should stick together. Hey, isn’t there a Taylor Swift song with that title?”

She slugged me in the arm and headed to the checkout. I smiled at her back.

Tonight was poker night with the guys at my loft. Bennett, Matt, Charlie, and I got together once a month. We weren’t serious poker players. It was just an excuse to get together, catch up, give each other a hard time, and drink beer.

I left the door open so when they came up the elevator, they could just walk in. Each one came bearing gifts of appetizers and six-packs.

Bennett was sitting on the kitchen counter before we got started, swigging his beer. I caught his eye and motioned with my head for him to meet me in my bedroom.

“Ooh, I sense a secret. Is this when you tell me about you and Nicole?” Bennett smirked.

“No, man, this is where I tell you not to mention her in front of the other guys.”

“Why? Afraid of the guys teasing you?”

“No. I don’t want Matt to hear because then he’ll tell Lexi. That guy can’t keep anything to himself. And if he tells Lexi, she’s going to get involved and play matchmaker,” I explained.

“And that’s a bad thing?” Bennett asked.

“Keep up, man,” I said shortly.

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