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“We’re here,” Taylor says.
“My sister says hello.” She nods, making a note on her tablet.
I leave out the ‘I love you’ because it’s too personal for me. For the past couple of years, I’ve kept her at a distance for a reason. If I let her in, I’ll lose control and take her as my own. She wouldn’t stand a chance with the obsession I have for her.
Taylor's entire expression brightened up and gave me that spirited look I remember when we first met. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen Honey. I hope she’s getting somewhere safe.”
“She said she’s leaving now.”
“That’s good news and one less thing for you to be stressed about.” She knows me well enough to understand that Honey is special to me, and I always worry about her well-being, even when it doesn’t seem like I do.
“You’re correct about that.” The driver opens the door, standing aside for me to step out first. I hold out my hand for Taylor to exit, but she doesn’t take it. I forgot that she’s not wearing a dress, so it’s easy for her to get out on the sandy beach.
We’re quickly met with a burly man in full gear and a thick beard. “Mayor Payne, we were told you’d be coming down to inspect the area,” the lead foreman said. “I’m Roger Smith, the foreman on the project today.” He’s looking around us as if expecting someone or something else. My instincts are on alert.
“Yes, I want to be assured that we’re good. Is there something?” I question when I don’t have his full attention.
“I expected a camera crew behind you,” he remarks.
“This isn’t some photo opportunity for me,” I say, trying to rein in my temper at his blatant disrespect. “There’s nothing special to gain by trying to survive a hurricane, Mr. Smith. Now show me the work being done so I can see if it’s been done correctly.”
A dozen men are working around the pallets of sandbags preparing the area, and I immediately recognize one man. “Gentleman, the mayor would like to inspect your work to see if you’re doing it correctly,” the foreman says with a little too much disdain. I get it. He believes I’m some average bureaucrat with no business judging men who work with their hands.
“Whoa, Admiral Payne, it must be nice to trade in your basics for civilian clothes and let us handle the dirty work,” I smirked and shook my head at my former subordinate and once-good friend. I haven’t been in contact with many men since I left. It’s been a rough and busy road since then.
“I could still out-press you, Petty Officer Fields.” We shook hands, and then I pulled him in for a hug.
“It’s good to see you again,” he says. “I’m sorry that we have to be in your neck of the woods. Well, not completely sorry.” He leans a bit and steals a glance at my assistant, who is listening to our conversation while waiting for directions.
“Eyes up, boy.” His mouth makes an “O,” and I shake my head, denying what I know is true. She belongs to me.
“She’s a kid,” I add, trying to deny my attraction.
“A kid? She doesn’t look like a kid and works for you, so I’m guessing she’s an adult. Just admit you’ve got a thing for her and can’t compete with a real man anymore.” He winks at her, and it pisses me off. I can’t react because it’s my job as the mayor to be strong and vigilant, and Fields knows it.
“You’re just mad because my old ass can do your job better than you, even with a fucked-up leg,” I say.
“I’d love to see you try,” he tosses out the challenge.
“It’s on.” I roll up my sleeves.
“Sir, I don’t believe that’s a good idea,” she adds, pressing her delicate hand on my bare forearm for just a brief moment, but it’s enough to drive my testosterone even higher.
“Taylor, relax. I can manage moving sandbags easily.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll give him back to you in one piece, beautiful.” She blushes at his words, and I want to punch him in the face, which only makes him smile.
“Come on, are you going to stand there all day, or are we going to get the work done? I have a town to protect.” Working fast and hard, I throw around the sandbags racing Fields while simultaneously keeping them in line and well organized. My polo is muddy and sweaty, so I pull it off and continue to work harder.
“I think we’re good, men,” one of the project leaders calls out when we’re down to the last two bags. Fields and I had filled perfectly. “Great work, Mayor Payne, Petty Officer Fields.”
“Sir, Mayor Payne is my former superior, Admiral Brooks Payne.” He at once salutes me. I salute him as well.
“At ease,” I say. Directing my focus to the crew that have worked tirelessly for hours, I add, “Thank you all for your hard work and dedication.”
“Sir, it looks like you did a lot of it yourself,” the foreman said.
“It felt good to get back in it again.” It’s a feeling I hadn’t expected to enjoy so much. Sitting behind a desk is nice and relaxing, especially because I have that sexy piece of ass I get to enjoy staring at day in and day out, but this is my true pleasure, working with my muscles.
