Read Sparks Fly with Mr. Mayor for Free Online

their booth. Paying no attention to him, Dani argued her point. “The fields at the sports complex would require the same care and water.”
    â€œNo. The fields are dirt and grass with a few hardy bushes and trees that the local teams can help maintain to offset expenses. A landscaped botanical garden would require one, maybe two, full-time professional gardeners and a specialized irrigation system.”
    The authority in his tone, the confidence in his posture reminded her this was what Cole did. As a landscaper and nursery owner, he obviously knewwhat he was talking about, leaving her little room to argue.
    The gentleman eavesdropping quickly picked up on her hesitation.
    â€œThat’s right, Lady Candidate, that garden is a money hole. Paradise Pines can’t afford to pour money into a useless venture, no matter how pretty it is.”
    From there, one diner then another chimed in with an opinion until shouts were being traded across the room. Dani did her best to represent the values of education, tradition and history, but she was nearly drowned out by coaches, proud dads and the odd soccer mom.
    The derisive attitude sparked several women to speak up in defense of Dani. She sent Cole a sidelong look. She noticed he did nothing to add to the melee, but he did nothing to stop it either. He caught her gaze and she cocked her head toward the vocal locals.
    â€œSee,” she said.
    â€œWhat?” he responded, all innocent.
    â€œYou’re too smart to be able to play dumb. Your followers aren’t so sharp. The women are rallying in response to the men’s attitude. What a Woman Wants will be packed tomorrow.” She gathered her purse and slid to the edge of the booth. “Every time this happens, I gain supporters. I don’t really want to win this race, but at this rate, I just might. You want to win? Then it’s the men who need to be handled,not the women.” She stood. “I have to get home to Faith.”
    â€œI’ll walk you to your car.” He unfolded his six-foot-plus frame from the booth.
    Dani stepped away from the heat and male scent of him. “That’s not necessary.”
    â€œMy grandmother would say it was and I’m already in her doghouse. I’m not going to disrespect the manners she taught me.” He tossed a twenty on the table and waved to Mattie.
    Outside, fall nipped in the air, cool, crisp and pine scented, a far cry from the dry chill of Phoenix. Dani savored the knowledge she’d escaped the desert metropolis.
    The border drug trafficking had turned her hometown into a violent, crime-ridden city. Maybe not to the level of New York or L.A., but bad enough she’d felt the need to move Faith away from the city that had stolen her father’s life.
    Dani stopped next to her car and turned to Cole, realizing they’d strolled the half block in companionable silence.
    How was that possible when the man rubbed all her nerves wrong?
    â€œThis is me.” She gestured to her car. “Thanks for the escort.” She, too, had been taught manners.
    â€œLet me.” He took her keys from her and moved to the driver’s door.
    She started to protest but that would only prolong the process. Really, she just wanted to go home.
    She waited for him to step away from the open door, but he didn’t. Instead he dangled her keys and waved for her to take her seat.
    For his own perverse amusement he’d been playing with her all night. Well, enough.
    She stormed forward, snatched her keys from him and invaded his space.
    â€œJust so we’re clear, this was not a date. We had coffee. We’re invested together as godparents for Jake, otherwise we are opponents. It’s best if we restrict our interaction to the christening classes.”
    â€œDani.” He took her hand, lifted her arm and twirled her around in a move smooth as a turn in a waltz, delivering her into her seat with a warm hand in the small of