Let Them Talk

“There you guys are,” Sydney said in a fierce whisper as she approached them. “I really need your help.”

Laura paused in the act of shelving a book. “What’s going on?”

Sydney glanced around to make sure no one could eavesdrop. “I lost my fake diary. I have looked everywhere and I can’t find it.”

“Is that what you were so upset about at the diner yesterday?” Laura asked as she continued her task of shelving books. “It’s no big deal. The diary was just a challenge.”

“No, no.” Sydney waved her hands around. “You don’t understand. The diary sounded very real.”

Isabel scoffed at that proclamation. “Sure it did.”

“And I didn’t write it in Victorian times,” Sydney explained. “I took your advice and wrote it as if it was happening in today’s world...in Seedling—” her voice got softer “—with someone from Seedling.”

“You didn’t.” Isabel’s eyes widened with dismay.

Laura leaned forward, her arms resting on the book cart. “Did you name names?”

“No.” But that decision wouldn’t be enough to hide Matthew’s identity. “I called him X but it’s not going to take much to figure out who it is. I described him in detail.”

“Is it Matthew Stone?” Laura asked.

Sydney gasped as her heart gave a jolt. “How did you know that?”

“I see how the two of you are when you’re together,” Laura said. “You light up when he’s around. And he kind of gravitates toward you. It’s more than the fact you are hot for each other. You and Matthew enjoy each other’s company.”

“Oh, then everyone who reads the diary is automatically going to assume that Matthew is my lover.” Sydney shoved her hands in her hair as the panic fluttered inside her. “The rumors are going to fly. I’ll lose my job.”

Isabel placed her hand on Sydney’s arm to comfort her. “Matthew isn’t going to be upset,” the librarian insisted. “He’s used to these kinds of rumors. He’s a good guy but he has earned his reputation as the local lothario.”

Sydney winced. That made it even worse. Matthew wasn’t a playboy and he was trying to prove it. After the last mayor’s sex scandal, Matthew didn’t need rumors circulating about him before he went into an election. She didn’t want to ruin his hard work because of some fantasies she’d written down.

“So what is in this erotic diary of yours?” Laura asked, propping her chin against her hand. “Neither of us got to read it.”

“Uh...well...you see...” Sydney found herself stumbling over her words and felt her face turn bright red.

“Really?” Isabel drew out the word. “I hope I get a chance to read it. Although I may never look at you the same way again.”

Sydney motioned at Isabel. “That’s my problem! You two know this diary is fiction, but everyone else will believe I’m having a red-hot affair with the mayor. My professional reputation will be ruined. I can’t go through that again.”

“Again?” Isabel prompted.

Sydney squeezed her eyes shut. She hadn’t meant to let that information slip. “It’s kind of the reason why I moved to Seedling.”

There was a beat of silence before Isabel spoke. “You have to give us more than that.”

Sydney looked around again. She still hadn’t forgiven herself for getting into that situation. But these women were her friends and she knew they wouldn’t judge her.

“About a year ago I was dating a political aide. We kept our relationship secret. I thought it was to protect what we had from our colleagues.” She shook her head at her naivety. For ignoring her intuition. “It turned out he was using me for his own agenda. It blew up in my face and my reputation as a reporter was seriously damaged. No one but Wendy would hire me.”

“Matthew wouldn’t do that to you,” Isabel said. “He might have a reputation as a playboy but he’s really very trustworthy and honest.”

Sydney knew that was true. She had watched Matthew at every meeting and event. She’d noticed how dignified he’d acted in difficult moments in the spotlight or alone when he thought no one was watching. He wasn’t perfect but his strength of character impressed her. But that didn’t mean she was willing to take another risk with her career.

“I can’t let rumors spread that I’m romantically involved with someone in public office,” Sydney explained as she crossed her arms tightly against her. “My reputation is already tarnished.”

“Take it from me, having a tarnished reputation isn’t all bad,” Laura said, dismissing the statement with the wave of her hand. “Sure, I’m the first to get blamed, which is annoying, but after a few years I learned how to work it to my advantage.”

“A good reputation isn’t that great, either,” Isabel said. “There are definitely some benefits that I’ve taken for granted, but it can box you in. You don’t have a reputation to worry about, Sydney. No one knows about your past.”

“And because they don’t know me, they will think that diary is the real me.” She’d planned to stay in Seedling for at least a couple of years while she restarted her career. How could she live in a small town where everyone had the wrong idea about her? “I can tell everyone otherwise, but I doubt they’d believe it.”

“Okay, this is what we’re going to do,” Laura announced as she retrieved her cell phone from her skirt pocket. “I’m going to call the diner and see if the notebook turned up.”

“Good idea.” Isabel paused as she gave the situation some thought. “Sydney, you will need to stay away from Matthew.”

“I can’t do that. It’s my job to report on local government.”

“You know you have to keep your distance.” Isabel gave Sydney another pat on her arm. “Email or text with Matthew until this blows over. Trade off assignments with Wendy and let her know why.”

She ignored the disappointment radiating through her chest. She wanted to be around Matthew Stone constantly. And she’d wanted to avoid saying anything to Wendy, but she agreed it had to be done. Sydney hoped her boss would understand. “I dread that conversation. She took a chance on me.”

“Knowing Wendy, I bet she’ll get a laugh out of it,” Isabel said. “Don’t worry, it’s just temporary until we find the notebook.”

“You’re right,” Sydney admitted with a tight smile. All they had to do was find the notebook.

But what if someone has already discovered it?

* * *

MATTHEW CROSSED THE town square and strode to the city hall. He should be tired, having spent yesterday working on his mayoral duties and last night dealing with business for the family orchard, but the anticipation of tonight whipped through him—he would see Sydney.

“Good morning, Matty.” Father Evans wore a bright green tracksuit as he jogged past him. “Are you going to the kids’ baseball game tonight?”

“I can’t wait.” Matthew’s smile was wide as he called after the other man. “I’ll see you there.”

His phone vibrated, indicating he had received a text. His pulse kicked hard when he realized it was from Sydney. Matthew slowed to a halt and frowned as he read the brief message. She was canceling on him.

He exhaled sharply as his shoulders sagged. It may be true that Wendy had to change Sydney’s assignment but his gut said otherwise.

Matthew glanced up just as the teenage Turner brothers gave him the thumbs-up as they strolled past him. What was that about?

He was about to reply to Sydney’s text but decided to wait. His first instinct was to convince her to meet with him tonight. He could use all of his persuasive skills. But something told him it wouldn’t work this time. He’d scared her off.

Matthew closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead as he considered where he’d gone wrong. Sydney Tate was a city girl, used to sophisticated men, and he had proven how rough and primitive he could be. It was just as well. He had his own reasons for staying away.

Matthew was jerked out of his thoughts when someone gave him a friendly slap on the back. “Attaboy, Little Matty,” one of his grandfather’s friends said. “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do.”

Matthew stared at Mr. Martinez. The elderly man wore his usual T-shirt, baggy shorts, black socks and sandals. “Excuse me?”

“I was worried all those uptight voters would try to stomp out your spirit. I’m glad you proved me wrong.”

What was he talking about? “Thank...you?”

“You surprised me.” Martinez gave a cackling laugh that turned into a cough. “Definitely surprised me.”

Matthew scratched his head as he watched the man shuffle away. It was an unusual and random vote of confidence, but he’d take it.

As Matthew walked into the old brick building, he became more aware of the sly winks and wide smiles. He recognized those looks. Everything from the pinched glare of disapproval from Miss Fisher at the information desk to the comical wagging of the security guard’s eyebrows. He used to get those looks all the time when he ran wild, caused trouble and earned his reputation as a ladies’ man.

But he hadn’t done anything lately to deserve it. Matthew frowned. Had someone seen him kissing Sydney yesterday? That was possible. Nothing was secret in Seedling. But it had only been a kiss.

A wild kiss. A hot and passionate kiss that had turned him inside out. A kiss that had made Sydney back off.

The kiss would raise some eyebrows, but it wouldn’t cause this reaction.

Or would it because he was the mayor? He wanted to growl with frustration. With the last mayor leaving amid a Seedling-style sex scandal, Matthew had to be on his best behavior. This was as good as it was going to get.

He saw his administrative assistant leaving the mayor’s office suite. The woman was as formal as he was casual with her tight bun, brown pantsuit and polished shoes. “Tanya, people are acting strange today,” Matthew said as he approached her. “Do you know what that’s about?”

Tanya didn’t even blink. “No. Define strange.”

“A lot of winks and smiles. A few thumbs-up and a slap on the back.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. That’s every day around here.”

Now that he said it out loud, he realized Tanya had a point.

“You have a visitor waiting for you,” his assistant said as she walked past him.

Matthew frowned and glanced at his phone but there was no reminder. “I don’t remember anything about that on the schedule.”

“She’s not on the schedule,” Tanya said over her shoulder. “As if that would stop her.”

Curious, Matthew peeked inside the office suite and froze when he saw Doris Brown waiting for him. She sat primly in her chair, arms crossed and staring him down over the rims of her eyeglasses.

Her look of disappointment set off alarms in his head. It was probably nothing. She may be upset about the proposed walking trail being named after one of their most prominent citizens, or she wasn’t happy with her next-door neighbor’s yappy dog. “Good morning, Miss Doris,” he said with his most charming smile. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

Her glare deepened. “You are a sneaky one, Little Matty Stone.”

“I don’t know what you mean.” It had to be about the kiss. But why would that require a visit? Just a week ago she was encouraging him to flirt with Sydney. “Why don’t we go into my office?”

Doris Brown’s eyes lit up. “Yes, definitely. I would like to check some things out.” She rose from her seat and grabbed her oversize bag before Matthew ushered her inside his office.

The older woman stood in the middle of the room with her fists planted on her hips. She pursed and twisted her mouth as she studied every inch. “A view of the town square.”

“Mmm-hmm.” Matthew walked around his desk and gestured for Doris to sit.

She ignored his offer and frowned as he sat down. “Red leather chair.”

“It came with the office.” He knew the mayor’s office was supposed to impress visitors, but he found the decor too grand and old-fashioned.

“Messy desk, just as she described it,” Miss Doris murmured as she stared at the stacks of files on his desk.

“Just as who described it?” he asked.

Miss Doris shook her head. “I thought you had changed, Matthew Stone.”

His eyebrows went up. It was the first time Doris Brown had used his proper name. “As you’ve told me.”

“But you couldn’t keep it in your pants,” she said with the cluck of her tongue. “You are still being led by your penis.”

His mouth dropped open in shock. It had been a kiss. Just a kiss. “Miss Doris, I’m not sure what prompted this, but—”

“This is what I’m talking about,” Miss Doris said as she pulled out a notebook from her purse. “She described everything.”

“Isn’t that one of Sydney’s?” he asked, pointing at the speckled black-and-white cover.

Miss Doris reared her head back. “So you don’t deny it?”

“Why would I deny it?” Matthew asked. “She uses those all the time for work. And she also had one for her writing challenge.”

Miss Doris pulled her glasses down to the very tip of her nose. “What writing challenge?”

“I don’t know much about it. It has something to do with her book club.” He reached out his hand. “May I see it?”

While his smiles didn’t work on Miss Doris, his authoritative tone did. She handed over the notebook and Matthew flipped through it. He recognized Sydney’s handwriting. Words were crammed together on the pages just as he’d seen yesterday morning.

A phrase leaped off the page and caught his attention. “X drove into me with one smooth thrust. My body welcomed him, gripping him tightly, as I tilted my hips, ready for more.”

Sydney was sleeping with someone? His eyes widened as bitter jealousy and painful loss slammed through him. Who the hell was X?

He flipped to the front of the notebook.

The park was quiet this late at night, but I knew we could get caught at any moment. I was kneeling on his discarded flannel shirt and arching my spine. My silent offer was blatant and shameless, but X had other plans. He leaned over me and I inhaled the scent of his woodsy aftershave. He captured my breast with one hand and sought my clitoris with the other. I couldn’t hold back the guttural cries as he caressed me. Short, fast strokes that made my flesh slick and swollen. For him.

Flannel shirt? Woodsy aftershave? That didn’t narrow it down. Even he wore those things. Who was this guy? He flipped through a few more pages.

I sat on the edge of his desk and faced the open window. I was naked but X was fully dressed, lounging in his red leather chair. I should have felt vulnerable but I saw the need in his brown eyes. The desperation. I felt powerful as he spread my legs with reverence and bent his head. I glanced out into the town square before his mouth covered my sex. He moaned from the first taste of me. I gripped his hair with my fingers, urging him closer as he pleasured me with his tongue.

He went very still as his fingertips pinched the paper. Sydney was talking about him. The flannel shirt. The office. But they hadn’t done any of this. He’d thought about it, sure. Every time he saw her, stood close to her or heard her voice. It seemed she had the same ideas.

Something close to triumph surged through him. Matthew tried to maintain a blank expression as his blood was pumping hard through his veins. “You realize this is fiction, right, Miss Doris?”

“Is that the excuse you’re going with? Really?” Miss Doris drawled. “You know, there was a time when you confessed after you got caught. I guess a job in politics will make a man dishonest.”

Back then he’d admitted his wrongdoings because he had been guilty of every accusation.

He suddenly recalled how everyone had reacted today when they’d seen him. “Where did you get this?” Matthew dropped the notebook on his desk.

“I got it from a friend who got it from another friend who found it lying around.”

Matthew sighed and dragged his hands down his face. So basically all of Seedling had heard about the contents of this notebook. “If you knew it belonged to Sydney, why didn’t you give it back to her?”

Miss Doris gave a defiant shrug. “I wanted to confront you with the evidence.”

Evidence? Matthew wanted to roll his eyes. Instead he opened the bottom drawer of his desk and tossed the notebook inside.

“What are you doing?” Miss Doris asked. “I haven’t finished reading it.”

“And you’re not going to.” He kicked the drawer closed. “I’m returning it to Sydney. Immediately.”

4

MATTHEW PARKED HIS TRUCK across the street from Sydney’s home. As he cut the ignition, he settled back in his seat and looked at the small house. It was one floor and made of brick. Sleek patio furniture obviously from her former life sat on the front porch. He noticed she had a big fenced-in yard and not many neighbors.

He became aware of the silence on this warm summer night and realized there weren’t many people out. It wouldn’t get dark for another couple of hours but no one was sitting on their porches or walking around. They must all be at the baseball game. He could hear the lazy buzzing of the bees and the music from an ice cream truck several blocks away.

As he got out of his truck, one phrase kept repeating in his head. You shouldn’t be doing this... You shouldn’t be doing this...

There were a lot of things he shouldn’t have done. Reading Sydney’s notebook would be on the top of that list. Matthew rubbed the back of his neck as he considered his actions. He had tried to convince himself that he’d needed to know what people were talking about, but he hadn’t been prepared to read Sydney’s most erotic fantasies.

Sophisticated and imaginative fantasies. Fantasies he could not compete with.

While his reputation was legendary around here, it was exaggerated. He’d had satisfying physical relationships with women, but that was because his needs were simple. His whole focus had been giving and receiving pleasure.

He shouldn’t have read that notebook.

Matthew saw motion and a flash of black through the slats of the fence and realized Sydney was in her backyard. He walked to the gate and knocked before opening it. “Sydney?”

“Matthew?” He heard the surprise in her voice before she walked into his line of vision. His body tightened as his gaze drifted over her messy topknot, black tank dress and strappy sandals.

Yeah, he shouldn’t be doing this. But he couldn’t stop himself. Not since he found out that he starred in her erotic fantasies. Not since he discovered that they wanted the same thing. The town already believed they were having an affair. And he wasn’t going to let Sydney’s overestimation of his stamina and creativity get in the way.

“What are you doing here?” Sydney asked as she crossed her arms.

“I didn’t see you at the baseball game so I thought I’d drop by and ask if you wanted a ride.” It wasn’t a good lie but it was the best he could come up with.

“Didn’t you get my text?”

“Text?” He reached for his cell phone and acted as though he was scrolling through his messages. “No...what text?” he lied. He was sure he didn’t sound convincing. He was just a farm boy who was known for being too honest and Sydney was used to city guys who lied for a living.

“Wendy and I traded assignments so I’m not going to the baseball game. I had a tight deadline for this other article.” She motioned at the laptop computer on her patio table. “I’m sorry you came all this way.”

“No big deal,” Matthew said as he pocketed his phone. Remembering how much Sydney had written about his smile in her notebook, he gave her a lopsided grin. “Seedling’s baseball team isn’t going to offer an edge-of-your-seat game against Springfield anyway.”

“Yeah...” Sydney bit her lip and looked away. “Well...”

She was acting nervous and uncomfortable around him, and he didn’t like it. He was used to the sexual tension between them, but this was different. She was keeping her distance from him. He needed to change that. If he confronted her about the notebook too soon, she might get spooked again. No, he had to be cautious, even if it meant stretching the truth a bit.

“And if we had sat together at the game, people wouldn’t have left us alone,” Matthew said as he slowly approached her. “They mean well, but my friends and family can be nosy.”

A reluctant smile pulled at her mouth. “Gossiping is Seedling’s favorite pastime.”

“You don’t have to tell me,” Matthew said as he watched her closely. “Right now everyone at city hall is acting as if I’m having a red-hot affair.”

Sydney gave a guilty start and her eyes widened. “Really? With who?”

Matthew shrugged. “Don’t know. I’m just getting a lot of winks and nudges.”

She pressed her hand against her chest. “I am so sorry.”

“Why? It’s not your fault.” Embarrassment flickered across her face. He didn’t want her to feel guilty or embarrassed. He wanted her to be brave enough to voice her dreams, reach out and grab him. Tell him about the notebook. Act it out instead of writing it down and hiding it.

“I...I know you’ve been working hard to improve your image.”

“I must have been crazy thinking I could change everyone’s idea about me. I’ve been on my best behavior and no one has noticed.”

She reached out and rested her hand against his arm. “I’ve noticed. I’ve seen how much you’ve accomplished since I’ve been here.”

He stepped closer. “But you don’t know what I was like years ago.”

“Doesn’t matter,” she said and smiled. “I know who you are now.”

Matthew liked the way she gazed up at him. He felt powerful. Important.

“I can’t keep my hands off you,” he confessed as he curled his hand around her waist. “I tried but it’s not working.”

Her smile widened. “Good.”

“Good?” His eyebrow went up. “What was it you said yesterday? Something about how this was a bad idea.”

“I remember saying something about that.” She looked away. “The details are fuzzy.”

Matthew cupped her cheek with his hand. “Sydney, I don’t want to hear any excuses about why we can’t be together.”

Her eyes narrowed. “They aren’t excuses. They’re—”

He bent his head and covered her mouth with his. He kissed with a slow gentleness but it didn’t hold back the hunger inside him. Matthew drew Sydney close to him. “I don’t want to wait anymore,” he confessed.

“Come inside.” She grabbed his wrists and pulled him toward the screen door.

“No, let’s stay out here.”

“Here?” Her eyes widened. Matthew noticed the naughty gleam in her eyes before she banked it. “Someone might see us.”

“I won’t let that happen,” he promised. “Trust me.” He remembered what she’d written in her notebook. Most of the scenes had been outdoors. He had gotten that right about her. She wanted to feel wild and free, bold and daring.

Sydney glanced around as her skin flushed. “O-okay.”

He kissed her and felt her hesitancy. She wanted this but she didn’t completely trust him. Trust that he would protect her. In her fantasies, she’d given him her absolute trust. What could he do to prove she could rely on him in reality?

He gathered her closer, enjoying how soft she felt against him, but she took a step back. Her lips parted as if she wanted to ask a question. She let her hands fall to her sides. Her fingers clenched into fists.

“If you want to go inside, I’m all for it,” he said. “Whatever makes you comfortable.”

“No, I want to do it here,” she replied, her voice high and tight. “Like this... With you.”

“I’ll be honest, I want whatever it takes to be the focus of your world,” he admitted. “I want you to rely on me, cling to me. Forget everything and let go. Feel and not think. Surrender completely.”

She flinched and for a moment Matthew believed he had pushed her too hard, too fast.

“I will do whatever it takes to earn your trust,” he said softly. “I want you to feel safe so you can lose all control around me.”

Her breath hitched in her throat. “I already do,” she whispered.