Page 74 of Sundown Somewhere

“Just what were you looking to do that even required town money?”

Shifting uncomfortably in his seat, he takes a big gulp of water. “It’s still not public information…”

For fuck’s safe…

“Hux, we don’t keep things from each other.”

“Really?” he shoots back, giving me an incredulous look. “Says the woman who didn’t tell me that she was no longer in love with the man she was about to marry. Who kept the fact that she wasn’t heartbroken when he left her.”

Okay, fair point…

“This isn’t about me,” I dismiss, waving him off. He half laughs under his breath, and I’m thankful for the millionth time that he’s willing to forgive me for holding on to that secret. “I’m just trying to figure out what on earth Hayes could be doing that requires town funds.”

“Land. I’m trying to…do this thing…and while we can fund it—hell, I can and will pay for it out of my own fucking pocket—I need a place to put it. And that’s where the town comes in. I need town approval and apparently that means a portion has to be funded by the town and fucking Seth Jennings doesn’t think it’s a good idea!”

His fist lands on the counter, hard enough to rattle the plate and silverware, overtaking the loudness of his voice. My insides ache, wishing I had an answer. For Hux to get this worked up, to raise his voice, this has to be something he feels deeply about. Too bad I’m all out of magic answers.

Except, did he say…

“Seth Jennings? What the hell does he have to do with anything?” I ask, hoping my question isn’t too insensitive.

“He’s apparently on the council.” I nod, letting him know that I knew that fact, and am not surprised he didn’t. Hux is good at the midlevel details. He’ll remember Bronwyn prefers tea over coffee, but never knows what kind. Or that Ewan loves flavored creamer, but remembering that it’s hazelnut is asking too much. So him even knowing who is on the council is impressive. “And the one holdout on my vote.”

“How do you know he’s the holdout? Those votes are⁠—”

“Don’t ask me how I know. But I do. And since I can’t remember the last time I talked to him, I have no idea how to even begin to convince him that this project needs to happen.”

I can hear the desperation in his voice. A strain that only comes from deep inside. It makes my heart call out to him, wanting him to know that I’m here. I can fix this.

I think.

Reaching across the counter, I take his hand, lacing our fingers together. “What would you say if I told you I know how to fix this?”

One eyebrow quirks up at me, silently telling me to continue.

“I don’t know what you have up your sleeve, Huxley Hayes, but I do know that I trust you. And if you say something needs to happen, then it needs to happen. And I might not have the kind of weight to throw around that Hayes Industries does, buuuuut…I do happen to be where the local plumber gets his cinnamon roll on Fridays before heading into Tifton. And those cinnamon rolls might just become unavailable…”

“Pretty sure that’s extortion.”

I shrug. “As a business owner, I have the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason. Also, it’s a small town. Whatcha gonna do?”

“Dolly…”

Hux pushes up from his seat, rounding the corner of the counter and slipping behind it until he’s next to me. The heat radiating off him is calling to me, and I fight the urge to snuggle into him. To get lost in the feel of his arms and his distinct scent.

“Let me try,” I say. “It’s exactly what you would do for me. Let me do it for you.”

Hux grunts, wrapping an arm around me, and in a single swift move has me up on the counter. I have no idea how he managed it, only that we’re eye to eye as he leans down, a hand on either side of me, my insides quivering with excitement.

“I don’t want you getting into trouble over this.”

“Pssh! What’s life without a little trouble?” I joke. “I vowed a long time ago not to age with grace, but with mischief, audacity, and a good story to tell at the end. You know that. This is me getting back to my promise.”

Leaning in, Hux nips at my ear. I shiver, the light graze of his teeth on my sensitive skin both too much and not enough. I want more.

“Are you telling me you want to get up to no good?” he whispers.

“Always.”