“Ms. Lados? Right?”
I looked up and saw Mr. Stark in the breakroom doorway.
I frowned, wondering why he was there and why he cared about who I was. “Mr. Stark.”
“I’m sorry to bother you on your break. The mayor said you’d help me with a permit I want for a public gathering.”
It was harder to smile now, but I mustered one. “Yes, of course.”
I started to stand, but he said, “No please sit. I’m interrupting your break.” He walked into the room. “Mind if I join you?”
Yes. “Go ahead.” I nodded to the chair across from me.
“I take it the mayor didn’t let you know I was coming today.”
“He gets busy,” I said, wondering why I felt the need to defend him.
“Still. It’s your job to keep him organized. It makes it hard for you to do that if he doesn’t keep you informed. It’s disrespectful of you.” He shrugged. “At least, that’s how I see it.”
How was it possible he understood that? I thought he was one of those men who didn’t pay much attention to the peons of the world. Then I thought maybe it was a test. Was he trying to get me to bad mouth the mayor?
I decided not to say anything.
“I understand that you have a reputation for the epitome of organization.”
I nodded. “I’m good at my job, if that’s what you’re asking.”
He laughed and it made him look like a Hollywood star. There was no doubt that Stark was handsome, in a polished sort of way. “I like a woman who knows herself.”
I arched a brow.
He waved a hand. “I’m not being misogynistic. Today, men can’t be too careful about how they talk to women. I find it a difficult road to travel.”
I rolled my eyes.
He leaned forward. “You don’t agree. But let me point out that women don’t have this problem. And you can’t tell me that women don’t notice men the same way men notice women. I mean, attraction is the start of any relationship, don’t you think?”
“Sure, but women are smart enough not to speak out loud comments about men that demean or dismiss them as nothing more than sex objects. A woman isn’t going to come up to you and tell you you’re handsome or have nice legs right out of the gate. Men, on the other hand, think telling a woman they just met that they want to fu…sleep with that they’re beautiful or how great their dress is, probably because it shows off her assets, is a compliment. A woman might like how a man looks, but she’s also interested in him as a person. Usually.”
He laughed again and sat back. “You’re right. I don’t know that I’ve ever met a woman who told me they like the cut of my suit.”
“They’re eyes don’t go to your chest or groin either unless maybe you’re shirtless.”
“Men are pigs, aren’t they?” He shook his head. “Well, my meaning wasn’t sexual, although I’d be lying if I said that after this brief exchange, I wasn’t interested in taking you for dinner.”
That threw me for a loop and I didn’t know what to say.
“My comment really was about the fact that I appreciate…again not in a sexual way, smart people who are good at what they do. If you were ever interested in leaving the mayor’s employ, especially since his term will be up shortly, I’d be eager to interview you. I pay well and offer full benefits, including health and retirement.”
I studied him, feeling confused because he seemed all right, even though I knew he was an asshole. Then I remembered those men hired by Stark who hassled Wyatt and his mom when Stark was pressuring them to sell their farm.
“Those goons you sent to hassle local farmers, they weren’t smart or good at their jobs,” I said.
I thought he’d take umbrage, but instead, he laughed and shook his head. “Yes, I do like a woman…person…who speaks the truth. They were a mistake, I agree. I’ve been trying to find ways to make up to Salvation for their deplorable behavior.”
Hmm.
“Hence the need for a permit for the gathering I’m organizing.”
“What about crashing Sinclair and Wyatt’s wedding? This town likes them. I’m not sure any event will get you out of the dog house for that.”
“No. Maybe not. But I’m going to try.”
I had to admit, he didn’t come off as the evil villain I’d expected. “Well then.” I finished my coffee. “I’ll get the paperwork for that permit.”
He followed me out of the break room and to the mayor’s office. “Normally, I’d send you down to the parks and rec office, which does public permits for events.”
“The mayor said you’d help me,” he said, as I went to the file cabinet to get the paperwork.
“I assumed as much.” And again it was something the mayor could have told me. Then again, maybe he would have if I was at my desk.
I handed Mr. Stark the paperwork. He smiled. “Thank you. At the risk of sounding like a misogynistic pig, could I invite you for dinner? Or are you seeing someone?”
“It’s complicated,” I said thinking of Ryder.
He nodded. “I understand. Thank you, Ms. Lados. I’ve very much enjoyed talking with you.”
I wasn’t sure how to respond, so I just smiled and nodded back. He took the papers and left the outer office.
“That was interesting,” Sinclair said from the hallway to her office as I sat at my desk.
“I didn’t notice you lurking about.” I logged back into my computer.
“You nearly accepted his date invitation.” She had a disapproving frown on her face.
“I did not.”
“You looked interested.”
I rolled my eyes, even though she wasn’t entirely wrong. I wasn’t interested in dating Stark, but I was curious about him. He wasn’t the one-dimensional Dick Dastardly character I’d made him out to be.
“The mayor asked me to help him. It’s my job to be pleasant. You remind me of that all the
