Page 58 of Fairground

She arches a brow. “We couldn’t do this in a tent? Maybe under some kind of cover? Look at the sky. It’s about to rain.”

I shake my head. “Nope. Had to be here. In the air. Where you can’t run.”

Her lips twitch like she’s holding back a smile, but she shakes her head again to keep it away.

“How are you doing?” I ask after a beat.

Her brows furrow. “What?”

“I mean… since moving to Whitewood Creek. Running for mayor. Taking care of your sister’s kids. You know, the wholeyou change your entire life to do something new and move to a new city thing.”

Her mouth drops open, and she stares at me like I’ve grown a second head. “We’re making small talk right now. In adeath trap?”

“It’s not a death trap. I made sure it passed inspection.”

She crosses her arms, her tone sharp. “How would you know that? I just signed off on the paperwork ten minutes ago.”

I smirk, leaning back lazily. “I called in a favor yesterday. Had it pre-inspected last night. Double-checked it myself to be sure it was going to pass today.”

She rolls her eyes, muttering under her breath. “Of course you did.”

“I’m nothing if not prepared. It’s a characteristic of a strong mayor.”

She snorts but is smiling now and looks a little more relaxed.

“So… how’s it going?” I press. “And don’t think I haven’t noticed. You’ve been avoiding me. Running off every time I get you alone. Like you’re not sure what to do with me since—” I lean forward, my voice dropping a bit as I smile at her— “since I sucked on your pretty tits.”

Her face turns scarlet, and she jerks back in the seat. “Don’t saythat.”

“Why not? It’s true. That’s exactly what happened.” I tilt my head, letting the memory flood back. “Want me to remind you? I yanked off your shirt, put my mouth on those gorgeous tits of yours, and felt you fall apart while grinding all over me. You came so hard, I thought you’d break my zipper with the force of your orgasm. Hell of a sight. Would like to replay it. In fact," I snap my fingers together, "I wonder if Colt's security camera picked it up.”

Her cheeks burn even redder, and she sputters, “I remember what happened. I was there. I don't need a video of it.”

I grin, leaning even closer, crowding her in the tiny space. “Good. Just making sure because it'd be a shame if you didn't. It’s something I’ve been replaying in my mind for days now.” I pause; my eyes locked on hers. “So… how’s it going?”

“It’s going… fine,” she says finally, her voice steady, though her fingers fidget with the hem of her jacket. “I feel like I’m getting into the swing of things around town. Got a good routine going—waking up early with the boys, dropping them off, hitting the gym.”

I nod, keeping my eyes on hers. “Mhm, that’s good. And how are you feeling about your campaign?”

Her lips twitch into a smirk. “Should I really be discussing that with you? You aremy competition.”

“Good answer.” I lean back with a satisfied grin. “That was a test.”

She rolls her eyes, but she’s still smiling.

“And how are you feeling about me?” I ask.

That catches her off guard. Her brows knit together as she blinks at me. “What do you mean?”

“I mean… I can’t figure out why you’re keeping me at a distance. We're friends, right?”

“Well, because…” She pauses, her lips parting like she’s searching for an excuse. “You’re my competition.”

“Nah,” I drawl, shaking my head slowly. “I don’t think that’s it.”

Her silence speaks volumes. She nibbles on her bottom lip, a nervous tic, one I’m starting to recognize, and that pink flush creeps up her cheeks.

“You’re attracted to me, yeah?”

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