Page 26 of Shielding Maya

The crowd thinned around Jasiah and Maya stood to offer her congratulations. As she approached, his eyes bore into hers and the thrill that zinged through her body was both exciting and new. Excitement of being near him had her fingers shaking the closer she got.

"Congratulations, Jasiah. You are remarkable."

He shook his head. A sweet smile spread his lips. "It won't mean that much to me to be president just because I was born into the family I was born into. I want the people to want me to lead them and this is the first step in bringing our community closer in line to yours."

The fine lines around his eyes caught her attention and the fire's light danced on his face. Silver strands shone at his temples, and she noticed some silvery strands in his beard. He was mature, handsome, rugged, and strong. Not only physically strong but he was mentally and emotionally strong. She'd never met a man like him. He excited her.

"Impressive." It was the only thing she could think to say. He grinned and the beauty of the man smiling at her made her body do all sorts of funny things.

"Did you find out what you needed today?"

"Yes. Thank you. We did. We got the last number called and we've traced it to the person we believe was responsible. We're now adding that information to all we've collected to date. What my boss does with it from here is up to him."

"Good luck to you all for all you have to do."

She grinned. "So what happens for you now?"

He took a deep breath. Her eyes watched his massive chest expand and the tingles coursing through her body came back to life. "I will need to have a meeting with the mayor tomorrow as promised. I'll tell him what I've begun here. And we'll then begin planning for Thanksgiving up here. Do you celebrate Thanksgiving?"

"We do. We have a big meal and have a couple of drinks together. What do you do up here?"

"We all gather, share a meal, each family brings something to share and this year, as you've just heard, we'll have our first vote."

Her smile grew. "Progress."

"Yes. Progress."

They stood silent for a moment and he took in another deep breath. "Would you like to have lunch with me tomorrow?"

Those tingles and butterflies twirled in her tummy. "I'd love that."

He nodded. "I'll pick you up at noon."

She swallowed. "I can't wait."

Reece joined them at that moment. "Jasiah, may I have a word?"

Jasiah nodded to her. "I'll see you tomorrow. I have things to take care of here."

"Go ahead, we'll be leaving soon as well."

When she turned to join her team, they were all staring and grinning at her. The heat that roared up her body nearly made her dizzy.

"What are you staring at?"

Myles stood and gathered the scanner he used. "We're watching you flirt with the president."

"I wasn't flirting."

Myles burst out laughing. "The hell you weren't."

Maya busied herself with packing up her scanner and notes. "It doesn't matter what you think it is. I find him impressive. Confident. And, smart."

"What about his looks? Do you think he's dreamy?" Myles stretched out the word and she felt her cheeks heat as hot as a cast iron skillet.

"I think he's very handsome."

Myles chuckled and sauntered toward his vehicle, Spencer close behind him.

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