Sparks Fly with Mr. Mayor by Teresa Carpenter Page B

the ‘Make Them Listen’ campaign, but it starts here, with you. Is this a step we want to take?”
    Silence descended again as the women looked from one to the next. Slowly heads began to bob.
    â€œSacrifice is necessary in any war,” Mrs. Day conceded.
    â€œWe have to.” The blonde spoke for the group. “It’s a matter of principle.”

CHAPTER EIGHT
    C OLE TOSSED his jacket over a chair back and, when he didn’t see Dani in the house, wandered out to the deck. Deep violet silhouetted the horizon, the last dramatic skyscape of the sinking sun.
    He found Dani dozing in a lounger as if she’d fallen asleep watching the brilliant sunset. Like a bee to pollen, he was drawn to her presence. Curled on her side, she had one hand tucked under her cheek, and her lustrous hair covered her shoulder like a fiery cloak. Light from the living room fell over her in a golden glow.
    God, it felt good to come home to a welcoming light and a beautiful woman. Warmth bloomed from the center of his chest and spread outward. Looking at her made his heart swell.
    This week had been both exhilarating and a nightmare. He’d been so busy he wanted nothing more than to lie down beside her and sleep for the next twelve hours. But working with her on the party, having someone to help, someone with brains, humor, creativity and an indomitable spirit had helpedtremendously. They’d made a great team and pulled off a difficult week with remarkable results.
    She was so hard on herself. She didn’t see the brave, talented, together woman he did. She worried over being too careful, struggled over her decisions. So what? It meant she cared; it meant Faith was getting the proper attention and Dani’s shop was flourishing.
    Life was tough, but she was handling it. And looking down at the dark smudge of her lashes on creamy smooth skin, he wanted nothing more than to make it easier for her.
    Not that she’d let him. Obstinate should be her middle name.
    Unable to resist, he sat next to her, leaned forward and softly kissed her cheek to wake her up.
    â€œHmm.” She shifted, opened sleepy eyes, closed them again and snuggled into the hand cupping her cheek.
    â€œHey, beautiful, how you doing?”
    Her whole body rose and settled in a sigh. “Tired.”
    â€œI can see that.” He used his free hand to gently tuck her hair behind one delicate ear. “The place looks great.”
    â€œYes,” she responded without opening her eyes.
    â€œThey took care of you at the nursery? You got everything you wanted?”
    â€œYes.”
    Her breathy answers changed what he felt, fromemotional warmth to physical heat. He leaned closer so his words moved the hair at her temples. She smelled divine, like sunshine, jasmine and woman.
    â€œYou have everything you need for you and Faith for the morning?”
    Another body sigh. “Yes.”
    He nearly groaned at the feel of his arm cushioned between the softness of her breasts. She was so sweet, so luscious, so accommodating he couldn’t help himself.
    â€œYou want to take this upstairs where we can be more comfortable?”
    Her eyes flew open and for just a second he saw raw desire in the mystical depths. He was too close to miss it, too attentive to misread the stark longing for anything but the true passion it was.
    â€œNo.” In a blink the attraction disappeared, her customary caution falling into place.
    â€œThen we’ll stay here.” Not willing to lose the moment, he claimed her mouth, drawing the desire back to the surface. She melted against him, sinking into the kiss.
    When her mouth opened under his, he groaned. She tasted better than she smelled, oh so sweet. Wanting more, he deepened the embrace, pulling her closer and inviting her to open to the demanding heat of his tongue.
    With a soft moan she retreated. Licking her lips, she lifted his hand from her curves to her mouth,where she bit the pad of