Page 78 of Debts and Desires
“We can’t steal a lamb, Carter!” I hissed.
“Why not?”
“Number one, that would be a horrible thing to do. Number two, Mac would disown you. And number three, how in the hell would we get out of here without being spotted?”
“Simple. You distract them, I grab it, and then we’d run.”
“Youcan run. I’ll stay back and give the officers your information.”
“Yeah?”
“Yep. And they’ll take you away to lamb stealing jail and I’ll be long gone. You’ll never catch me.”
He stood to his full height then, towering over me.
“I’ll get out of lamb stealin’ jail eventually, then I’m comin’ to find you. And when I do find you—and trust me, I will—you better be ready.” Carter stepped closer, placing his mouth to my ear. “‘Cause when I do catch you, I’ll bend you over and fuck you so hard that you’ll never run from me again.” He leaned back, his features back to that cocky, arrogant smirk I was used to seeing. I tried to keep my composure, but my knees felt weak at his words. “Now c’mon. We got other animals to look at and possibly steal.”
“You’re such an ass,” I whispered as I followed. He only shrugged and laughed.
We fed the rest of the animals, stopping at each pen. Goats, pigs, chickens, and even rabbits were there, each and every one coming to Carter almost immediately.
When our cups were all but empty, Carter looked at me and asked, “So, you’ve never been on a horse?” I shook my head.
“C’mon.” Carter didn’t wait for a response as he grabbed my hand and dragged me to where the horses were. “Fuck,” he muttered when we approached the long line. “We can wait if you want,” he offered. I shook my head and pointed to the sign indicating that it was for kids only.
“We’re too old.”
“Damn. Fine… Wait, I have an idea.” And he whisked me away once more.
When we approached the carousel, I laughed.
“Seriously?”
“Seriously.”
Even though there wasn’t a sign, Carter double checked with the ride operator that we would be okay to get on the ride. The young kid gave a nod and opened the gate for us to go through.
“You pick,” Carter said, tilting his head toward the many horses. I walked, picking an all white one, its painted face worn and weathered. Carter helped me up—and by helped, I mean, he picked me up effortlessly and sat me atop the wooden steed. Then he stood beside me, one hand resting on the saddle behind and one on top of my hands.
“See! Youarea knight,” I mockingly gushed. He rolled his eyes just as the carousel began to move, the music filling my ears. His hand drifted to my back as if to hold me steady, placing a chaste kiss to my cheek.
It was nostalgic, the cheerful music and colorful lights seeming to cast a spell over us both. He kept his hand on my back the whole time, his thumb rubbing against me in a comforting motion. I stared at him, my gaze flickering to his lips several times. Carter caught me staring one time, swallowing before leaning in. He kissed me, sending jolts of electricity throughout me.
When the ride ended, he grabbed my hand and led me to the next destination, a huge smile on his face.
I don’t know who this man was, but this was not my Carter.
My Carter.
My heart sped up at the thought.
As we walked, I heard, “Alright folks, place your bets and get ready for some high-speed piggy action!” the announcer exclaimed, inciting a wave of cheers and laughter from the crowd. I looked at Carter, who was grinning.
“Piggy action?”
“You’ll see.”
We approached the small arena, and I let out a snicker. A group of plump, wiggling piglets were lined up, each adorned with a brightly colored racing bib. Carter was able to get us agood spot on the fence, caging me in with his arms on either side, my back to his chest.
