Page 83 of Lodged

“How about you lead the way tonight. We’ll do as much or as little as you want.” She smiles and pulls my bottom lip with her teeth. Cobalt raises his head from the bed, and I chuckle.

“Maybe I got you a dog that’s a little too protective. He’s even trying to protect you from me.” Ruin chuckles but then tells Cobalt to go to sleep in a serious tone, and somehow he follows her command.

“I love that you got him for me. Where did you find such a well-behaved dog, anyway?”

I move in place as I make myself comfortable; the kissing session is going to have to wait a little bit longer.

“Once I knew you wanted a husky, I started looking around and found a rehoming place for adult dogs. Their owner didn’t want him anymore because he sheds like crazy.”

“What? That’s stupid. Why would they get him in the first place? Didn’t they do their research on huskies before they got him?” She huffs a frustrated sigh and then suddenly covers her mouth with her hands. “Oh my goodness, he had owners, and I just decided to call him Cobalt. What’s his real name?”

Before I can even answer, Cobalt is next to us, trying to nuzzle his way onto the bed. “I think he responds to the name just fine.” I chuckle. Ruin gives him a peck on his head and takes him back to his bed.

When she comes back, she removes her clothes and leaves on her bra and panties. She’s wearing a simple black cotton set, but she still manages to look breathtaking. I make quick work of removing my clothes as well, and we spend all night kissing and exploring each other’s bodies under the stars.

I wake up in the middle of the night when Ruin starts talking in her sleep. At first, I can’t quite make out what she’s saying, but as I listen closely, my heart skips a beat.

“I love you so much, Blue. You and only you, forever.”

Could it be that she remembers who I am? Did Cobalt trigger more memories? We’ll see if she calls me Blue in the morning.

“I love you too, baby girl. You and only you,” I whisper against her hair as I drift off to sleep with a big smile.

Chapter 36

Ruin MacAllister

It’s Apple Festival Day, and I’m so ecstatic. The town is abuzz with the remodeling of the fairgrounds. No one has been allowed a peek, and I’m bursting with excitement to see how everything looks. Miles has been working so hard lately that we barely see him at home. I’m not sure who’s behind all of this, but I have an idea. Ever since Gio came to town, everything seems brighter. Or maybe I’m just so down bad for the man that I think he’s behind every single good thing that happens.

It feels nice to see all my siblings starting to find their way again. Rain is in complete charge of the diner now as Mama has decided to take a much-deserved break.

Merlin is doing great in Raleigh. Between classes and soccer, he doesn’t have much free time, but from what he has shared, he’s enjoying every minute of it. He said he would try to make it for the festival but didn’t want to get our hopes up. I really want him to come, since we’re singing tonight, and it wouldn’t be the same without him. River’s still working hard on the farm, pretending he doesn’t need anyone. I just wish he could find someone to get through to him and help him heal.

“Ruin, are you ready? Come see the dress Mama made for you.” Rain comes into my room wearing a gorgeous green shirt with a square neck, puff sleeves, and a corset over it, paired with jeans and her Doc boots. I hope my dress is in the same fabric as Rain’s shirt because I’m obsessed. It has a beautiful and delicate pattern. I’m actually surprised she’s wearing it since she likes to dress more edgy. I guess that’s why she added the corset on top. She’s stunning.

“Yes, let’s go,” I say as I glance in the mirror again and adjust my hair before heading to Mama’s room.

“There you are, dear,” Mama says, coming over from the table where her sewing machine sits. She hands me a dress made with the same fabric as Ruin’s shirt. I quickly undress and put it on. It has the same square neck and hugs my body, but the sleeves are long and have an imperial cut.

“It fits me like a glove, Mama. Thank you,” I say as I smooth the dress down my middle and onto my hips. “I think I’m going to pair it with my brown boots.”

Mama and Rain share a look.

“What?”

“Maybe you should wear more comfortable shoes?” Mama says, worry in her tone.

“I’m fine. Remember I went hiking with Gio a couple of weeks ago? The therapy has been really helping. I feel strong and back to normal.” At least physically. Now, if only my brain could unlock my memories, that’d be great.

“Oh, how can we forget you guys went hiking and then spent the night in a remodeled van? I want to find a man just so I can ask Gio to let me use the van,” Rain says, and Mama and I burst out laughing.

“What? It was a cool thing for Gio to plan.” I nod as I wipe the tears from my eyes. Only Rain would want to have a one-night stand just to use a cool van.

When we get to the fairgrounds, the view takes my breath away. It’s the most gorgeous place I’ve ever seen. All the booths and rides have the same color theme—rich reds, pinks, and oranges mixed with white and gray to give it the perfect autumn vibe. There’s a carousel, a Ferris wheel, a small pavilion, a row of food booths with every option imaginable, and another set of booths for games. This place is magical.

“Do you like it?” Gio whispers behind me. I jump and place a hand on my chest. When I turn to look at him, he looks worried.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you,” he says, but I hurry to shush him with a kiss.

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