11

      WHO KNEW THAT a steady diet of cookies and mind-blowing sex could change a girl’s life?

      Three days of lovemaking, of sharing secrets and cuddling up with Brody, and she was a new woman.

      A sexy, powerful, confident woman who could turn her big, bad SEAL into a panting puddle of lust with just the brush of her lips. Depending on where she brushed her lips, of course.

      A strong woman who could handle anything. Including gossip, teasing and no shortage of envious looks from the women around town when they saw her with Brody.

      A confident woman who knew what she wanted. Who was getting all kinds of brave and making the changes she’d dreamed of for years.

      “You’re sure of this?” Mayor Tucker asked, gesturing with the resignation letter in his hand. Standing in front of her table—her position didn’t merit an actual desk―Genna followed his glance and took a deep breath.

      But there were no nerves to chase away.

      She felt incredible.

      “I am. I’ve enjoyed working here and I’m grateful for the contacts I’ve made.” Especially as they’d be such a big help to her starting her own business. “But I think it’s time to move on.”

      “I’ll wish you all the best in your new venture, then. As someone who’s enjoyed your baking over the years, I have no doubt you’ll be successful.” Refolding the letter into a tidy rectangle, Tucker gave her a considering look. Then, using the same direct diplomacy that’d gotten him elected twice, he asked, “Have you thought through all of the ramifications of leaving, though? While I wish you the best and am sure most people will as well, some might be a bit concerned.”

      Genna’s stomach clenched as the image of her father’s furious face flashed through her imagination. Concern? Talk about an understatement. When her parents found out, they were going to have their own version of an all-out kicking and screaming tantrum.

      She wasn’t looking forward to it.

      But neither was she going to let that kind of thing run her life. Not anymore.

      “I know I’ll have a few issues to overcome, but I’m sure I can handle them,” she said, pretty much lying since she wasn’t sure at all. But she wanted to be. And that was good enough for now. Especially since her father wasn’t due back for another couple of days. Plenty of time to shore up her nerve and strengthen her spine.

      Looking as though he wanted to say more, Tucker sighed, then nodded. Then, with a grimace, he offered, “If you need anything, just let me know. Business advice, a recommendation, a mediator.”

      Genna laughed.

      “I’m glad you understand,” she said, truly grateful that he was making it so easy. Then again, maybe he was looking forward to having her—and her interfering father—out of his office.

      “You’ve been great. Even though this position wasn’t my idea, you’ve been a wonderful asset to the city. It’ll be hard to replace you.”

      “Thank you.” Genna hesitated, then figuring she had nothing to lose, she asked, “Can I ask a favor in return? I’ll need permits and licenses.”

      “You want me to waive them?” Tucker asked, a small frown creasing his brow.

      “Oh, no. I’ll get them all like I’m supposed to. Just, well, can you make sure they don’t get blocked?” She didn’t need to add who the potential blocker would be. They both knew as soon as word of this got back to her father, he was going to make things ugly. She might need Tucker’s mediation skills after all.

      “I’ll take care of it,” the mayor assured her, patting her shoulder as he passed by. Then he stopped and turned with a frown. “One thing before you pack your bags. We need to finalize the arrangements for the hero appreciation day. Did you have any luck convincing our erstwhile military man to participate?”

      Pleased that the event for Brody would be her last job here in the mayor’s office, Genna pulled a folder from the stack in her tote.

      “I’ve organized all of the vender donations, as well as coordinated with the high school band and the ladies’ groups,” she said, handing it to him. “As soon as we finalize the date I’ll contact the sheriff’s office to arrange to close off the pertinent streets. Custodial is already giving an extra polish to the town hall so it’ll be ready for the luncheon.”

      Tucker gave an impressed nod.

      “And you’ve got Lane on board with it?”

      “Well, not exactly on board.” Genna bit her lip. “But I think I can convince him.”

      As soon as she got the nerve to ask him again.

      She was sure he’d say yes. Okay, almost sure. Sort of.

      Maybe it’d help if she asked while they were naked.

      He seemed to be willing to do anything she wanted then.

      Tucker didn’t look very assured. Given that he didn’t know Genna’s secret weapon, she couldn’t blame him.

      “I’ll get a commitment,” she promised.

      “By tomorrow,” the mayor prodded. “The press needs lead time to build some buzz. We want to be above the fold and it’s going to be hard to top his being decorated by the president. See if he can get a few other SEALs to attend. That’d make great press.”

      Genna kept her smile in place while the mayor continued his excited recital of plans on his way to his office. At his door, he gave her a finger wag. “Tomorrow. Get it done.”

      She waited for his door to close before dropping her head into her hands.

      Convince Brody to play hero. Do it by tomorrow. Build buzz and drag in a few extra SEALs for a more colorful photo op.

      Easy peasy.

      Genna’s head snapped up when the front door ricocheted off the wall.

      Her father strode in, looking as though he wanted to shoot somebody.

      Guess he was back in town. And he was clearly up to speed on the gossip about his daughter’s love life. She wondered how long it’d take before the hospital called.

      “Hi, Dad,” she greeted him, getting to her feet. No point letting him look down on her any further than she had to.

      He barely glanced her way.

      “Tucker in?”

      “He is.” Genna was tempted to let it go at that. He could have his powwow with the mayor, she could sneak out and start her new life. But that was the weenie way. So she cleared her throat and said in a rush, “But I need to speak to you before you go in.”

      “What’s up?” The sheriff gave her a questioning look. “Tucker giving you a rough time? Working you too hard? Want me to talk to him?”

      He’d do it, too. Go in there and tell the mayor of Bedford to quit picking on his little girl, the mayor’s paid employee. Genna had always thought it kind of sweet, knowing she’d always be looked out for. But now it was stifling, like the very thought was choking all the air out of her life.

      “Tucker’s fine. But it is about my job,” she said.

      Then she ran out of words.