Page 83 of Fairground

I roll my eyes so hard I swear I see the back of my skull. She notices immediately and lets out a clucking noise.

“You really should stop doing that,” she scolds, resting a hand on my shoulder. “You’ll get eye bags and need a face lift before the age of forty.”

My jaw tightens, and for a split second, I consider shrugging her hand off and telling her to back off for good. But she doesn’t give me the chance.

“We’re taking Laken and the boys out to lunch,” she announces, as though I have no choice in the matter. “Join us.”

It’s not a question. And though I’d rather stick my head in the nearest port-a-potty that Rhett's installing than sit through a meal with them, I know arguing will only prolong the agony.

“Sure,” I mutter, already plotting my escape. “Just give me a few minutes. I’ll meet you there.”

Because first, I’m going to find Cash.

Chapter 35: Rae

“Cash!” I hiss, finally catching up to him. He’s standing by the concession tents, talking to a guy about our age with dark brown hair, a thick plaid shirt, and a name patch on his chest that readsWhitewood Creek Plumbing.

Cash turns at the sound of my voice, his brows pulling together in concern. “Oh, hey, Rae. Everything okay?”

“No,” I exhale sharply, trying to keep my voice steady. “My parents are dragging me to lunch.”

His expression darkens slightly, and he nods. “I see.”

“Will you come with me?” I ask, my words tumbling out before I lose my nerve. “Be my buffer? Please?”

He pauses, giving me a long, searching look, his lips pressing together in thought. Then he shakes his head—not in dismissal but with a gentle care that tells me he has a good reason for saying no.

“If you really want me there, I’ll go,” he says, his voice steady and calm. “But, Rae, I’m too old to fake it with people who’ve hurt the woman I care about. And your parents?” He tilts his headslightly, his gaze cutting right through me. “From what you’ve told me—and the way they just spoke to you—they don’t seem like they’ve got your best interests in mind.”

The woman I care about.

The words hit me square in the chest. Cash doesn’t say things he doesn’t mean, and though he’s told me already that I’m his, sometimes it takes that being tested for me to believe it. To have someone stand up for me when I’ve never had that before. Deep down, I know I should have the guts to tell my parents no. To stand my ground. To put another boundary in place that will protect me. But some part of me—call it stubbornness or the tiniest sliver of hope—feels like I need this. Maybe it’ll be closure.

“Maybe I need the reminder,” I admit quietly, looking down at my hands. “Why I put up boundaries in the first place. Why I cut them out. I’ve been so much happier here. Lighter. This town feels more like home than they ever did. But I think I need to see them for what they are one last time, just to really close the door.”

He studies me for another beat, then nods. “If that’s what you want, I support you.”

“Yeah... okay. It’s probably best for you not to come. I need to do this on my own. Honestly, I don’t even want to be there, but I’m going to go.”

He steps closer, his hands settling on my hips as he pulls me against him. His face softens, but that mischievous glint in his eye tells me I’m in trouble.

“Go get your closure,” he murmurs, brushing his lips over mine. The kiss is firm, steady, grounding me when I feel like my emotions are threatening to spill over. This is the first time that I’ve let him kiss me in public where other people can see, andit doesn’t bother me. I sigh into him, letting the tension in my shoulders melt as his thumb strokes a lazy line against my waist.

When he pulls back, his smirk is wicked. “Then meet me at the egg farm. I want to fuck you under the new heaters I just installed for the hens—one last time before the chaos of this fair starts up.”

A choked laugh escapes me, but before I can respond, the guy Cash was talking to lets out a snort, shaking his head in disbelief. My cheeks flush hot as I realize he’s been standing there, watching this very private moment—and Cash’s shameless confession.

“Hi,” the man steps forward, offering me a hand with an easy grin. “Rhett Miller. I’m buddies with Colt and Molly.”

“Oh.” I take his hand, giving him a polite shake while trying to regain my composure. “Hi, Rhett. So nice to meet you. I heard you’re managing the plumbing for the fair?”

He nods, glancing back at Cash. “Yeah, we’ve got everything squared away, thanks to this guy. Should be smooth sailing from here.”

Cash scoffs, rolling his eyes, but Rhett grins at me. “Is this the only thing he’s done for the planning? Because from what I’ve heard around town, Rae Black is the one pulling all the strings.”

I laugh and elbow Cash playfully in the ribs. “So, I guess that means I’ve got your vote for mayor?”

“Hell yeah, you do,” Rhett says, clapping Cash on the shoulder. “No way I’m voting for this jack ass.” Cash glares at him, but Rhett just laughs again, tipping his head in farewell. “Catch you around, Rae. Good luck with your lunch.”

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