A TV sat on the kitchen bench, broadcasting the local news. Mama reached behind her to shut the dining room curtains, only partially blocking the lights from the fairgrounds. “Y’all did some real hard work these last few days. Thank you.”
“We did awesome! Betsy and Waldo are stars.” Marianne held a novel as she lounged on her bunk, gaze fixed on the TV.
Anton smirked. “Good book?”
“Huh?” She twisted her head, blinking at her copy of Pride and Prejudice, almost surprised to find the thing in her hand.
“I knew Betsy would take the prize… but poor Waldo.” Sophia’s bottom lip pouted as she snuggled into their mother’s side on the bench.
“Fourth is a respectable placing,” Mama quipped.
I guarantee Waldo doesn’t give a shit about ribbons. Anton grabbed a Coke from the RV’s fridge. Taking a sip, he narrowed his eyes at his mama and sisters. It was Saturday night. They were at the fair. All three of them were in their pajamas, ready for bed at six. He couldn’t recall that ever happening in all the years they’d been coming. Huh. Weird.
“Is Papà still with the animals?”
“Yep. You know he doesn’t like to leave them alone.”
Anton reckoned Papà was itchin’ to get them back to the farm. “Have we checked in on Dave?”
“Papà spoke to him before. Everything is fine at home. We’re lucky to have the extra help. I think we need to employ him for the busy seasons, at least. Then maybe you can get your degree.”
He flattened his mouth with a solemn nod. There wasn’t any point in getting his hopes up for something that might never happen. Just like with Lory. It was always best to pay no mind to unattainable things. Desperation often pushed the good stuff away, in his experience. The problem was, he couldn’t get her out of his head, no matter how hard he tried.
“Do you want to watch some TV with us?” Marianne asked, abandoning her novel—and all pretense of loving the classic—on the bed.
God, no. He’d spent way too much time with his sisters over the last few days. The fair was the only chance they had at a family holiday every year, but he’d prefer to continue working. “I’m just gonna chill in the annex.” At least he didn’t have to sleep inside with them. Although it wasn’t much of a separation, being just outside in a flimsy material add-on. But, hey, he had his own TV. Score.
“What about dinner?” His mama frowned.
“I’ll grab somethin’ later.”
He turned and opened the door, rearing back at finding Lory on the other side.
“Oh, hey.” She blushed, tucking her hair behind her ear.
Her proximity had his body lighting up like the midway. The door handle creaked as he tightened his grip.
He cleared his throat. “Evenin’. Are you after one of the girls?”
“Hi. Yes. Sophia?”
He stepped back so she could come in.
Sophia sat up. “Lory! You came.”
She hesitated in the entrance, clasping her hands. “Are you in your pajamas?”
“I’m so sorry, I should have called. I’m not feeling up to riding the roller-coaster tonight, but Antonio said he’d be happy to take you.”
His jaw unhinged, and in his peripheral vision, he saw Lorelei’s head swivel in his direction. Sophia angled her chin giving him a sweet smile while fluttering her lashes. His eyes narrowed. Payback is gonna be a bitch, little sister.
“Oh, um… only if you’re sure?” Lory’s brow crinkled as she bit her lip.
Christ, Sophia. What the hell? “I’d be happy to take you, if you’d like?”
She looked anything but sure as she twisted her fingers together, blinking up at him. “Okay.”
Okay? Was she agreeing because she didn’t want to seem rude? “I’ll just grab my jacket and boots.” He indicated for her to leave first.
The moment her back was turned, he glared at his grinning sister. Anton sliced a finger across his throat before turning to follow Lory, his mother’s gasp chasing his retreating back.
He had to school his features before addressing Lory. “Sorry, I’ll just be a sec.” Reaching for his boots and jacket, he donned them like they were some sort of personal protective equipment that would shield him from her charms. An impossible feat, considering she was under his skin.
He walked her through the campground towards the midway. “Are you sure you wanna do this? I’m sorry Sophia bailed on you.” Conniving little cow.
“We both know she didn’t.” Lory gave him a skeptical smile.
He should’ve known she’d see right through the act.
Does she see right through me?
Kids, high on cotton candy, darted around them in a game of tag, one losing part of his pink, fluffy treat to the pavement.
“You’re aware of her manipulative side, huh?” Anton’s eyes followed a clown on stilts as she ambled by.
Coming to a crossroad, Lory slowed for a horse being led towards the stables. “We got played. Why she dragged you into it, I don’t know. Listen, if ya don’t wanna hang with me, I’ll be fine.”
“There’s nothing I’d rather do than spend time with you.” The response skimmed off his tongue as easily as water.
What the hell was in that Coke? Truth serum?
They both stopped walking. Her head snapped around, gaze searching his face. He smiled and shrugged. It was too late to put the words back. She could do with them whatever she wanted. Maybe she would dump him and run.
Please stay.
He held his breath, waiting.
Lory dropped her chin, hiding her face from him.
Fuck. This was a bad idea. His mouth went dry as his gut hollowed out.
Looking up through her lashes, she asked, “What would you like to do first?”
He exhaled with a force, wanting to gather her in his
