Marie Harte - Bending the Rules

Augusta, Georgia

June

Nodding at something the mayor said to Ty, Rex Samson subtly tuned out the dull conversation about city revenue and taxes. He tried not to be obvious as he stared into the hallway outside the office at a tall, thin brunette chewing out the guy standing in front of her.

Despite her low voice and attempts at being discreet, Rex knew well the signs of a man getting his ass handed to him. Curious, because something about the prickly woman intrigued him, he made an excuse about needing to use the restroom and ducked out of the mayors outer office.

Walking slowly past the pair engaged in a tongue-lashing, he took his time at the water fountain behind them.

Jesus, Mike. Its like youre stuck in slow motion. When I tell you we need that information like yesterday, what exactly does that mean to you?

Mike looked on the verge of tears, despite the fact he had to be at least ten years older than the woman, who seemed closer to Rexs age.

Im sorry, Nat. But I

But nothing. Youve been working here longer than I have. You have no excuse. And dont give me any bullshit about having a tough time at home. I saw you playing tonsil hockey with Brad yesterday, after your long-ass lunch. This is two strikes for you. One more and youre out. Now get me that information by end of day, or youre gone.

Okay. Okay, Nat. Sorry. I swear, itll be on your desk before I go home tonight. The older man pulled at his tie, then dashed down the hallway.

Staring after him, Rex shook his head, amused by the guys timidity. Then he felt the womans gaze and turned to see her focused on him. Before he could say anything, he caught the scent of her perfume, a subtle blend of sultry and sexy, and his body instantly reacted.

Well, well. Mean, arousing and fascinating. He had to get her number. Today.

Something I can help you with? she asked. Aggression laced her tone.

Never one to go for nice, he found Nats antagonism more than a bit attractive. She wore her long brown hair in a ponytail, and it hung straight, no curl in sight. A fringe of bangs saved her from looking too austere, yet the plain package couldnt hide the striking, impatient woman waiting for him to answer her. She was downright sexy as hell.

So hed let her wait a moment longer while he studied the rest of her.

Angry eyes that couldnt decide whether to be brown or green glared at him. She had a narrow face, high cheekbones and a full lower lip. He wondered if shed bite if he drew closer for a kissand prayed she would.

The rest of her was just as lean. She seemed built for efficiency, with the look of a runnerthat or she had a naturally high metabolism. She wore a long-sleeved, white button-down shirt rolled up at the sleeves, and black slacks. Sexy black pumps, gold hoops in her ears and a manly watch completed the outfit. No ring, he noticed with a satisfied smile. The big watch should have looked out of place on her but didnt. Her boyfriends maybe? No, that wouldnt do.

Take a picture. Itll last longer, she snapped.

He laughed. Sugar, Id love to take a picture or two. Maybe over a beer?

She snorted, opened her mouth to respond, then after a look over his shoulder, seemed to change her mind. Sorry, slick. Im busy. Without another word, she stalked down the hallway and turned the corner.

Rex, you done harassing that woman or what? his friend Ty asked from the doorway.

Rex rejoined them, this time in the mayors inner office.

Oh boy. Please tell me you didnt, the mayor said. I try not to deal with Nat until Ive had at least three cups of coffee.

Rex stared at the closed door, puzzled by the suddenness of his attraction. For months hed been beyond bored with women, preferring to work instead of date. Threesomes and orgies had become stale, and even his quickie romps with men had begun to tire him.

He knew who to blame for his lackluster love life. His best friend Brian, that ass, had once been a fun-loving ladies man. Now engaged to the ultra-fine Faith Sumner, hed turned into a stay-at-home stud. Granted, the few times the couple had let Rex play in some voyeuristic games, hed gotten off, but the experience had been lacking. Brian and Faith were in love. Their connection showed him how much in life he didnt have. As if he needed reminder with his parents just returned from vacationing overseas.

He turned his head back to watch Ty and the mayor joke about dates and dancing at the upcoming gala at the Savanna River Club.

Rex nodded and settled back into the conversation. Oh, right. Ill be there. My parents should be too. They returned from Europe last week. And thus, his reprieve from their constant meddling had come to an end.

Ty said something else, to which Mayor Tom Jessup laughed. Tom and Rexs father were golf buddies, so he did his best to tolerate the blowhard.

I think the boy is still distracted, Ty mused and nodded at the doorway.

Tom grinned. Cant blame him. Nats great, but I wish shed use that tongue for something other than ripping my guys a new one. Tom wiggled his brows, and Rex forced a laugh. The city mayor was just as big a womanizer as hed been before hed taken the election.

Nat? he asked.

Tom nodded. Natalie Wielder, our urban planner. Girl is a genius with figures and strategy, but shes tough to work with. Has the whole damn city council scrambling to stay out of her way while she works her magic.

Ty grinned. Married and disgustingly happy about the fact, Rexs friend ribbed the mayor. Yeah, I heard your son talking about her the other day. Tough for him to get her job if shes so damn efficient.

Tom grunted. You got that right. Much as Id love to work with Josh, truth is, we need Nat to keep us afloat. He smiled at Ty. But now were not so desperate for funds, since you and Rex brought us some much needed revenue. You two gave the city a real boost, and I cant thank you enough.

Ty shrugged. Arrogant but not obnoxious, he knew his companys new headquarters had made him a popular man. It was between here and Atlanta, but Jans parents live here, and Atlantas crowded enough as it is. His warehouse club chain sat a few rungs below the giants in competition and was steadily gaining ground.

Tom continued, And Rex, S&F has become a staple at over half the local restaurants. Youre in all the supermarkets and liquor stores. Kudos, young man. I know Harry and Sue are pleased.

Rexs parents had always encouraged him to follow his dream. A finance major who didnt want to be known as Harry and Sues little boy for the rest of his life, hed found his calling and jumped on the opportunity to be his own man. His pride and joySquirrel & Feather Microbreweryhad delivered. Their beer had become so popular hed had to build another center for manufacturing and distribution in Charleston, with plans to expand in Florida down the line.

Rumor has it one of the big chains is interested in buying. Ty watched him. You interested in selling?

Maybe in the far future. Not now. Not when he was on top of the world. He had money, charm, fabulous parentswhen they werent nagging for grandchildrenand friends. Not to mention Rex could have his pick of the fine women in town.

Just then, Natalie Wielder came to mind. Hed have to find her and ask her out, if only to see why shed been so captivating. Was it her temper, her attitude, that slender build that went against his usual type? Nothing about her screamed flashy, yet hed been drawn to her. Considering it had been years since hed last been so fascinated by any particular person, he decided to follow up on her. Besides, he needed a date for next week. Why not take the prickly Ms. Wielder?

Determined to get a yes out of the woman, he angled the conversation back toward her. Pleased when he learned she had to go to the gala as well, he ended the meeting, then went in search of the urban planners office. Time to put the Samson charm to good use.