Page 30 of The Ex-cavenger Hunt

My heart clenches at her words, and I reach out to tilt her chin up, forcing her to meet my gaze. “Or you just haven’t met the love of your life yet,” I remind her, my voice firm but kind. “It seems like he had it all along, and they were just in denial. That’s why Colton and you didn’t work out.”

She presses her lips together and nods, her eyes searching mine. “You’re probably right,” she concedes, her voice small.

I offer her a reassuring smile, my thumb stroking her cheek. “Don’t give up, sweetheart,” I murmur, my voice low and soothing. “Unless you want to call it a day.”

She shakes her head, a determined glint in her eye. “Nope. Let’s continue.”

I hesitate, my heart pounding in my chest. “Do you want to discuss the other night?” I ask, my voice tentative.

She presses her lips together and shakes her head. “I mean, it was just the moment, you know? Why rehash it?” Her words feel like a punch to the gut, and I swallow hard, trying to push down the disappointment that rises in my throat.

Because I want more, I want to tell her, but instead, I follow her lead. She’s ready to call it a night, and I promised to take her to a five-star hotel in the heart of Nashville so she can wash away the camping trip. I should remind her that sleeping in the RV doesn’t count, but I let it go—for now. My heart aches with the weight of unspoken words, but I know that pushing her will only drive her away.

Chapter Nineteen

Lily

Ethan is driving us today to an unknown destination. The drive is pleasant, and I really appreciate that he hasn’t pressured me to talk about the kiss.

What is there to say? Do I want more?

Probably.

Okay, that’s probably a big fat lie. The answer is a resounding fuck yes.

I’m very attracted to him on a scale from wanting him to hold my hand to wanting to rip off his clothes . . . let’s just say this trip would quickly become for mature audiences only. Which would be fun, but I don’t think I want to deal with the consequences.

The guy is going to be somehow part of the family, and how weird would it be if we got together at Christmas or some other holiday? The first thing I’ll think would be . . . What will I think?

Not sure, but I’ll definitely be embarrassed because the guy had seen me naked. My cheeks flush at the thought, and I shift in my seat, trying to push the tantalizing images from my mind. I steal a glance at Ethan, admiring his strong profile and the way his hands grip the steering wheel with confidence. I quickly look away before he catches me staring, my heart racing in my chest.

The scenery changes as we get closer to Willowridge, a small town in Colorado. This place seems preserved by its isolation. The town is south of Colorado Springs, with buildings set against the mountains and peaks that reach into the sky.

“Are you now going to tell me what’s here?” I ask.

“Nope.”

The “Welcome to the County Fair” sign looms up ahead. Ethan glances at me, one eyebrow arched in question, his hands relaxed on the steering wheel of the RV. “Ready for the detour?” His mouth quirks into that half-smile that makes my stomach flip.

I can’t help but grin back, feeling a bubble of spontaneity rise within me. “I was probably born ready,” I reply, excitement coursing through my veins at the prospect of an unexpected adventure with Ethan by my side.

The air fills with the buzz of anticipation and the warm glow of carnival lights. Rows of game booths line the walkways, their vibrant signs and the sound of laughter drawing us in. The clatter of balls against bottles, the digital jingles of electronic games, and the occasional cheer of a winner blend into a lively symphony of carnival joy.

Ethan and I wander through the maze of attractions, our steps slow and deliberate, soaking in the atmosphere. His hand finds mine, our fingers linking as we navigate the crowded fairgrounds. The warmth of his touch sends a pleasant tingle up my arm, and I can’t help but smile at the simple intimacy of the gesture. I wonder if he feels the same spark between us, the same magnetic pull that draws me closer to him with each passing moment.

The air is thick with the aroma of food being prepared in little carts scattered throughout the fairgrounds. The scent of fried dough, sweet and inviting, tugs at our senses, leading us to a stand where golden brown funnel cakes are dusted with powdered sugar right before our eyes. We share one, the sugar melting on our tongues, a perfect mix of crispy and soft with every bite. I watch as Ethan takes a bite, a dusting of powdered sugar clinging to his upper lip.

Without thinking, I reach out and gently brush it away with my thumb, my heart skipping a beat as his eyes meet mine. His gaze intense, Ethan’s lips part slightly, and I feel a sudden urge to lean in and taste the sweetness lingering there. But I hesitate, my thumb still resting on his lip, frozen in a moment of indecision.

What if he doesn’t feel the same way? What if I’m misreading the signals? The thought of rejection sends a chill down my spine, and I reluctantly pull my hand away, trying to ignore the tingling sensation in my fingertips.

As we finish the funnel cake, the sounds and sights of the carnival invite us to explore further. Ethan takes my hand, grasping mine, and leads me through the bustling crowd. The warmth of his touch activates a spark, and I can’t help but wonder if he feels the same electric connection between us.

We weave our way past families with excited children, couples lost in their own world, and groups of friends laughing and joking. The energy of the carnival is contagious, and I find myself getting caught up in the moment, the earlier tension between Ethan and me slowly dissipating as we immerse ourselves in the festive atmosphere.

“First game’s on me,” Ethan declares, pulling out his wallet as we approach a ball toss booth. His confidence is infectious, but I’m not about to let him win without a fight.

“Prepare to be amazed by my epic aim,” I tease, accepting the softball he hands me.

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