Sparks Fly with Mr. Mayor Read Online Free Page A

cape because she felt it gave the shop a spa vibe.
    Looking at the wide span of his shoulders, she grabbed an extra-extra-large from a lower drawer.
    His eyes flashed as he donned the aqua robe, but he kept his comments to himself. She bit back a smile, wishing she’d had the guts to give him a lavender one. Yeah, let him embrace that adventure. But as always she played it safe.
    â€œThis way.” She led him to the shampoo bowl behind a lattice screen.
    â€œYou have some good plants in here,” he said. “The hydrangeas are nice. Did my grandmother bring them in?”
    â€œNice? They’re gorgeous.” Dani gestured for him to sit. “She knows I love fresh flowers in the shop, so she brought them from her garden. They brighten the place up so much.”
    â€œYeah, we had some good blooms this year.” He sat and adjusted his length to fit the notched sink.
    On the other side of the screen the chatter abruptly ended, though Dani doubted communication stopped. Instead it changed to whispers and low hisses as the women analyzed why he was here.
    As she adjusted the water temperature and began to rinse Cole’s hair, she felt the weight of his intense gaze. On his back, he really had nowhere else to look but at her. She was used to being in this position, butsomehow his scrutiny unnerved her. Routine saved her. She added shampoo and began to massage his head.
    Well, the good news was he’d soon smell like product instead of all male.
    We? Her thought finally caught up with their conversation. Right, he owned a nursery; of course he’d help his grandmother with her yard. Dani squirmed, knowing she shouldn’t begrudge him the compliment, but something about him scratched her wrong.
    â€œYour rubber plant is looking sad, though. It probably needs to go outdoors.”
    The criticism stung, adding to the disturbing itch. “I’ve seen lots of them indoors, and I really like the look of it.” She struggled for a moment between defensiveness and the health and well-being of her plant. Her love of plants won. “The corner it’s in gets lots of sunlight, and I’ve tried some plant food. Is there anything else you’d suggest?”
    He closed his eyes as she massaged her thumbs along the base of his skull. “Darn, that feels good. I may have to give up the barbershop for good.” He sighed and then answered her question. “Outdoors is about more than just sunshine. It’s also about lots of fresh air. The plant may be reacting to some of your products.”
    â€œI didn’t think of that.”
    â€œIt would probably do better in the lobby area, near a window or the door.”
    â€œThanks, I appreciate the advice.”
    â€œNo problem. It’s pretty quiet,” he said. “I thought this was supposed to be gossip central.”
    So he was putting it out in the open—he was here for information. How brazen, coming right into the enemy camp.
    The garden talk had thrown her off for a few minutes, but he’d just been biding his time.
    She leaned down and spoke directly into his ear. “You better want a haircut, because that’s all you’re going to get here.”
    He flicked her a glance. “Just don’t scalp me and no one will be hurt.”
    â€œDon’t make fun.” She twisted the water off with more force than necessary. “These women feel safe here. I won’t let you threaten that.”
    â€œCalm down, mama bear, your little cubs are safe from me. You’re the one I’m here to see.”
    â€œMe?” Incredulous, she demanded, “Why? And couldn’t it wait until Wednesday night? We’re going to see each other at the christening class.”
    â€œIt seemed like a good idea at the time.”
    He sat up and she swathed his head in a towel, lavender this time. Ha.
    He went on, “I needed a cut and I heard the Gram squad was trying to talk you into running