Photo of the Day: So close, yet so far...

I really shouldn't peruse Mayor Gavin's photo album before I go to bed. The above shot of The Gav riding the Muni sent my subconscious into a bit of a PG-13 frenzy. Yes, I had The Dream again:

The day starts out like any other. I step into a crowded Muni car, only to discover that my faithful Muni pass is not in my purse! I scrounge around, hopelessly, before I look up into the angry eyes of the driver to say, "I'm sorry, I have to get off." Suddenly, there's a strong hand on my shoulder. A deep, gravelly voice fills the pit of my stomach.

"It's okay, chief" says Gavin. "I've got this one."

The ambivalent driver shrugs, taking The Mayor's money and I'm saved. But before I can say anything, the train lurches forward, and I stumble a bit, bumping up against Gav's steely pecs--which I can still feel swathed beneath his crisp Armani suit. His arms, and his manly chivalry, reach out to catch me, wrapping my hips in an embrace.

"Oh! Are you okay?" he asks me. His eyes twinkle in the morning sunlight, and I realize he's still holding me in his strong arms. Shouldn't he have let go by now?

"I guess I just wanted to thank you," I say. I can feel the flutter in my stomach, and my heart pounds in my ears. He's still holding me against him--surely he can feel my nervousness.

Gav smiles. He reaches down to tuck a stray bit of hair behind my ear, and the tips of his fingers brush the side of my neck. Goosebumps explode along my spine as he says, "There are other ways to thank me, you know."

A flush burns up my cheeks, but before I can respond, Gav leans in to kiss me. As our lips lock amid the hustle and bustle of the commuters, a part of me thinks, "Is this really happening?" But all signs from Gavin indicate that, indeed, it is. His advances are surprisingly bold for being in public, but I really can't say I would expect anything less from our headstrong leader. As we kiss, I can feel the power behind a million memos and vetos, and reader, it is sexy.

We've only had time to come up for air twice before we hear the driver announce Civic Center station. The Mayor doesn't seem to notice, but I feel the responsibility to pull myself away and remind him where we are. After all, he has a city to run! He smiles sheepishly as the doors open. That gleaming dome rises in the background as he says, "Now I guess it's my turn to thank you." I giggle, trying to smooth down my tousled hair and rumpled coat as best I can as he steps off the train, and into the annals of Mayoral history.

--Alex Newkirk