Page 21 of F Is for Honey Bee

“You two can stow your helmets in my truck.”

Jonah handed his helmet over, thankful he didn’t have to carry it around. “Thanks.”

“Not a problem. Just let me know when you guys need them again.” He stored the helmets then locked up his truck. “I’m not trying to be rude, but I have someone waiting on me.”

“Thanks for doing us this solid,” Kijani said as Slater walked backward, nearly bumping into someone behind him.

“You two enjoy the fair,” Slater called out before turning and disappearing into the crowd.

“Come on, honey bee.” Kijani took Jonah’s hand with a grin. “Let’s go have some fun.”

* * * *

Jonah hit three different vendors within the first thirty minutes. He devoured most of a hotdog topped with every condiment imaginable and polished off a little over half of a juicy hamburger.

What he loved most was the large bag of cotton candy. The fluffy pink clouds melted on his tongue, leaving behind a burst of sugary sweetness. Every time he plucked off a piece to feed Kijani, the guy licked Jonah’s fingers.

It was the most obscene cotton candy Jonah had ever eaten.

They spent the afternoon riding thrilling rides, grooving to the live band on a small stage, and played various games, which ended up costing Jonah more money than he’d intended to spend.

“I can’t hit any of them,” Jonah moaned in frustration as he continuously missed the bull’s-eye at one of the game booths. “It has to be rigged.”

“Of course it is.” Kijani grinned. “Mind if I try?”

“I bet not even a cop can hit those targets.” Jonah thrust the plastic rifle into his hands.

“Stop pouting, honey bee.” His smile was a little too cocky. “I’ll buy you a pretzel after this.”

“And a Coke.” Jonah crossed his arms. He wasn’t really upset. He just hated the fact he hadn’t won a single prize at any of the games he’d played so far.

So much for impressing Kijani.

“What will you give me if I win?” Kijani whispered in his ear, sending ripples of goose bumps all over Jonah’s body. He nipped Jonah’s earlobe before pulling away.

“My respect.” He smirked.

“You know how to put pressure on someone.” Kijani swung his leg over the stool and sat, holding the plastic rifle like a real weapon, only the toy was too small to look badass. “Let’s see just how rigged this game really is.”

The worker overseeing the game rolled his eyes but said nothing. He was probably used to constant complaints.

When Kijani leaned forward, his butt rose off the seat, and Jonah shamelessly stared at his backside, remembering how he’d been pressed against it earlier.

“Eyes over here,” Kijani said without even needing to look back at Jonah.

Blushing, Jonah tore his gaze away from Kijani’s lip-biting butt and focused on the targets ahead. His jaw dropped as he watched Kijani effortlessly hit every damn one, as if he were born with a plastic rifle in hand.

A few nearby people applauded, but the worker seemed unimpressed by Kijani’s skill. “Pick your prize,” he said lazily, barely glancing at them.

Kijani pointed to something just out of Jonah’s view.

As the worker reached up and pulled down a medium-sized stuffed bumble bee, Jonah’s heart melted at the sight. Kijani turned to him with a sparkle in his eye and handed him the fluffy toy.

“I like this a lot better than a pretzel,” Jonah joked, trying to hide the sudden surge of emotions over a simple stuffed animal. “I promise to take special care of junior.”

Kijani choked on a laugh. “You saying this is our kid?”

Jonah smacked his arm. “Stop freaking out. It was just a joke.”

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