Page 21 of Fairground

"It's the City Manager who runs the town. Mayor is more of a figurehead position,” I shoot back.

"Well, I’ve got the figure, if you want to bring the head."

I gasp again, narrowing my gaze slightly as I turn to face him while the crowd continues to cheer for us. “How did you even know what was written in my announcement speech?”

Cash flashes the crowd a practiced grin and winks before turning back to me, his voice smooth and infuriatingly casual. “People do favors for you when you’re a happy person. You should try it some time.”

I roll my eyes, already strategizing my next move. If I’m going to take on a Marshall and win this thing, I’ll need to bring my A-game. Although... sabotage is starting to look like a solid backup plan.

“If you think I’m going to roll over and let you have this just because you’reMr. Whitewood,you’re dead wrong,” I say, crossing my arms.

“It’s Mr. WhitewoodCreek,thank you very much. And for the record, I find it interesting that you’re thinking about my woo-.”

“Pig,” I cut him off before he can finish.

“Well, if we're resorting to name calling, I think I'll call youJanis Ian.”

I gasp. “Janis Ian was hilarious and tragically misunderstood,” I shoot back, referencing theMean Girlsicon.

He smirks. “She was also grumpy. This town likes happy things. Light, sunshine, flowers. You know... people like me.”

Before I can reply, Craig’s voice rises over the fading applause, redirecting the crowd’s attention once again.

“Well, folks, I think we’ve got an outstanding lineup for this year’s election! We’re excited to see what Rae and Cash come up with while working together. First on the docket? Choosing the theme for this year’s state fair. We’ll be watching your progress closely as we edge toward the main event and the election in November!”

I plaster on my best politician smile, the kind that makes my cheeks ache, and then wave to the crowd. I've always been behind the scenes on this kind of stuff, so it doesn't feel natural, but I’ll get there.

Beside me, Cash’s grin looks so effortless I want to scream. He gives a slight nod to the crowd and somehow, that makes everyone go wild again. As we step down from the stage, he leans in, his breath warm against my ear.

“I’m going to enjoy this,” he murmurs. “Working with you, I mean. Meet me at the Marshall Farmstead tonight to start planning?”

“Oh, how convenient for you to assume I’d come toyourturf,” I snap.

He shrugs, entirely unbothered, a smile still on his face. “I'm not the enemy here, Rae. I like you, and I heard you’ve been asking about seeing the farm. Thought you might like to visit it for yourself in person.”

My lips press into a thin line because when he puts it that way, I look like the asshole and he looks like the nice guy, wanting to show the new girl around.

Damn this town and its inability to keep a secret. He’s right—Iamcurious about the egg farm and distillery—but no way am I letting him know that yet.

“We meet on neutral ground. Tomorrow,” I counter.

He chuckles, low and rich. “Fine. Where would that be?”

I narrow my eyes. “We meet on fair, ground. At the State fairgrounds.”

Chapter 9: Rae

The North Carolina State Fairgrounds are nothing short of breathtaking. Sprawling across three hundred forty-four acres of vibrant green turf, it’s nestled just on the edge of the city right up against the creek where the rolling foothills give way to the towering majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

I grew up in the largest city in North Carolina, Charlotte. Went to college there. Worked there for all my adult life. Family vacations were spent on the shorelines of the Outer Banks or up north in Virginia Beach, at Sandbridge. Rarely did we wander this far west, into the heart of North Carolina’s mountainous terrain. And the few times I’d visited Laken since she moved out here were quick—day trips or rushed weekends for holidays that never left me enough time to really soak it all in and absorb the beauty of this charming, small town.

Charming. Wow, I can’t believe I’m saying that already. Because standing here, with the mountains stretching endlessly into the sky, it’s impossible not to be in awe. Even my blackened, city-girl heart who loves easy access to premium coffee, specialized gyms, and the ability to walk to everything I need has to admit they’re spectacular. The peaks rise sharply like they’re cutting throughthe clouds, and the trees are a tapestry of oranges, yellow and red.

And it’s so quiet. Not the kind of silence that buzzes with discomfort and makes me want to turn up the radio—but the kind that settles deep in your bones. Peaceful. Still. I hadn’t realized how loud the city always was until it wasn’t. Now I find myself having more time and space to think than I ever did before.

“They’re something, aren’t they?” Cash’s voice pulls me from my thoughts.

I turn, finding him leaning casually against the massive, all black truck that I didn't hear pull up behind me, wearing what appears to be his uniform now—light blue, well-worn, ripped jeans slung low on his hips and a dark navy T-shirt with yetanotherrip in it. This one is conveniently located over the center of his chest. A hint of tattoo peeks through the tear, teasing enough to make me wonder what else is hidden under there.

---