Page 171 of Forbidden You

And more frequently, I’m letting myself wonder if maybe I’m ready to see him.

A few minutes later, I drive the car onto the field, parking it in the cordoned off bit that said parking. The entire field seems deserted, and I’m surprised no one here is on a Friday night.

I turn off the engine, then grab my phone.

KAYLA:Nana sent me out to pick something up. After that, I’ll probably go back to my book.

KAYLA:What about you?

BODI:I got an important meeting.

KAYLA:On a Friday night?

BODI:Business never stops, babe.

BODI:Unless it means spending time with you instead.

Laughing, I get out of the car, locking it as I scan the area. The music coming from the rides tells me the carnival is indeed open, but there is not a soul in sight. Reluctantly, I walk toward the entrance, listening for any human sounds with my phone tucked tightly in my hand.

I love going to the carnival, but right now, it’s giving me the chills. I feel like this is the start of a very bad slasher movie.

KAYLA:You’ll come find me if I get abducted, right?

BODI:What are you talking about?

KAYLA:Nana told me to pick something up from the Fun Fair. But the entire place is deserted.

BODI:A whole carnival to yourself. Sounds like a dream come true for you.

KAYLA:Unless a carny will hold me captive and throw me in his basement.

BODI:I’m pretty sure carnies have trailers.

KAYLA:This is the point where you tell me to text you when I’ve safely returned to my car.

BODI:I’m sure it will be fine.

BODI:And yes, I will always come find you.

Chuckling, I take the last steps to the entrance, then notice the big sign in front of the register.

*CLOSED DUE TO PRIVATE EVENT*

I curiously carry my feet through the open gate, roaming the area. The cheery sound of the merry-go-round is audible in the background and it’s kinda weird to see this place so empty. Like I’m sneaking in somewhere I’m not supposed to be.

Did I read a dark romance book a while ago that started just like this? Some girl roaming around a deserted theme park, stumbling along some mafia gang that decided to keep her hostage after she saw an execution she wasn’t supposed to see.Focus, Kayla.

While I let my eyes glance around, I saunter over the field, looking for the gemstone stall. I can’t find it. But when my eyes lock with the most gorgeous green ones I’ve ever seen, I realize there probably isn’t one.

My heart stops for at least three seconds, before it starts back up, thundering a pace at least a few beats quicker than before.

His eyes peer at me like lasers, commanding my feet to a halt. I bring up my hand to cover up my gaping mouth, the shock clear on my face.

Bodi stands there, his hands tucked into his jean pockets, his broad chest covered by a plaid shirt. The same plaid shirt we met in, the one that’s engraved in my brain like a tattoo.

He looks so handsome.

A wide grin splits his face, jolting the butterflies alive in my stomach.

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