Page 10 of Fairground

She wrinkles her nose like that surprises her. “He’s so ridiculous. I can't believe he didn't introduce himself to you. That,” she points at the guy who’s now rolling his hips in some kind of exaggerated circle while mixing a drink, “is Cash Marshall.”

“Okay… should that mean something to me?”

Her laugh is light and teasing, like I’ve just asked if the sky is blue, or my favorite color is black. “The Marshalls are the family that own the Whitewood Creek egg farm.”

That rings a faint bell, but it’s not exactly clicking.

“They also manage the distillery. And this bar,” she continues.

“Oh…” I nod slowly, the puzzle pieces starting to fit. “Yeah, you know what, Laken mentioned that. So, he’s one of the sons?”

She nods. “Yes. There’s five of them. Troy, Lawson, Cash, Colt and then there's Regan, the only daughter.”

“Interesting. That’s a lot of kids.”

She nods again. “Then Lawson has a twelve year old son named Beckham, Troy has a twenty three year old son named Max, and a new baby daughter named Paisley.”

“Geesh.”

“She smiles. “They’re the best family. Everyone in town knows them and loves them.”

I take another sip of my drink—the last of my third—and study Cash’s profile. Yeah, I can see why everyone’s so enamored. That strong jawline, half-hidden by a beard that looks like it hasn’t seen a razor in weeks, but somehow works for him. Not too long, not too short. His biceps flex with every movement as he makes drinks and delivers food, and his tight black T-shirt clings to his chest like it was tailor-made.

As if he can sense I’m watching—or worse, talking about him—he catches my eye from the other end of the bar and shoots me a wink.

I roll my eyes because if I don’t, I’ll blush and that’s ridiculous.

Stupid, really.

“So, what’s your plan while you’re in town helping your sister?” Lydia asks, pulling my attention back.

“I don’t have a plan,” I admit with a shrug.

She nods knowingly. “Well, if you’re looking for something to pass the time, I’m a lead volunteer at the Whitewood Creek Boys and Girls Club. We’re always looking for more Bigs.”

Hard pass.

I’m already spending enough time with Felix and Daniel, my nephews. The last thing I want to do with my limited downtime is sign up for more babysitting with a bunch of wild kids.

“I’ll think about it,” I say, forcing a polite smile.

She beams like I’ve already signed up for a year-long commitment. “Okay, well, I’m going to go make my rounds. It was so nice to meet and chat with you, Rae! Let’s hang out soon.”

Before I can react, she leans in for a hug. My entire body stiffens—it’s so unexpected, sonotwhat I was prepared for—but she either doesn’t notice or doesn’t care. She pulls back just as quickly and flashes me another bright smile before disappearing into the sea of people, weaving through the loud, overly crowded bar like she owns the place.

The second she’s gone, Cash is back in front of me, leaning his strong forearms on the bar, smirking like he’s got a secret he can’t wait to share.

“What?” I snap at him. I don’t mean it to come out as defensive as it does but oh well. Too late.

“Nothing. Just looks like I helped you make your first friend in this town,” he says, that grin still firmly in place.

“I made that one all on my own.”

“Pretty sure you wouldn’t have made that if it weren’t for me.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “She sat down next to me. I would’ve spoken to her eventually.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “You didn’t notice me wave her over as soon as I knew Smythe was leaving?”

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