Page 79 of Debts and Desires
“Wanna make a bet on who wins, just between us?” he asked.
“Only if you’re ready to lose that bet,” I challenged.
“What are the stakes?”
“What would you like?”
He leaned in close, his warm breath tickling my ear as he whispered, “Another two days added on.” I couldn’t stop the shiver. I knew neither of us really cared about the hours anymore. He wanted to keep me longer.
And I wanted to stay.
“Fine.”
“And what if you win?” he prompted. I didn’t want to take hours away, in case I needed more of a reason to stick around. In fact, I decided then that I was going to find a way to tack a bunch more on. I toyed with a few ideas until I finally settled on one. One I knew he would enjoy, regardless.
“I want a reverse free-use weekend. As in, you’re the one pleasing me.” I’m pretty sure Carter stopped functioning for a moment.
“Mmm,” he breathed, the sound a low rumble, almost like a growl. “Deal.” His hand came up beside me and I took it, shaking it. He pulled away, his focus going to the small race track. “Which one’s your pick, Buttercup?” I scanned the row of pigs.
“Hmm, I’m gonna go with the one with the polka-dot bib,” I decided, pointing out a particularly energetic piglet. Carter chuckled, his deep voice rumbling beside me.
“What about the one with the racing stripes?” It was then I noticed the sponsor's name below it. I looked over my shoulder at him, realizing his face was a lot closer to me than I thought. I stood my ground.
“You sponsored a piglet?”
“I do every year,” he admitted with a shrug.
“Well, I take it back, then. I’m rooting for stripes, too.”
“Nope. Too late.”
We exchanged playful glances as the race commenced; the pigs darting off with surprising speed and agility. The crowd erupted into cheers, urging their chosen pig to victory as they raced down the track in a whirl of dust and excitement.
“Go, polka-dot! You’ve got this!” I cheered, laughing as the pig I had picked surged ahead, its tiny legs pumping furiously.
Carter joined in, his voice blending with mine as we cheered on our respective pigs. Despite the absurdity, I found myself completely caught up in the moment, my heart pounding with each stride the pigs took. I didn’t care which one won, wishing they would tie so that we both got our prizes.
But it was mine that crossed the finish line first. His mouth found my ear once more as he wrapped his arms around me. He pressed his body to mine, making me aware of every inch of him. The bulge in his jeans was obvious, and I felt my own temperature rise in response.
“Looks like I owe you a weekend,” he whispered. “But why not try your shot at another bet, double or nothing?” I turned in his arms, gazing up at him with a mischievous glint in my eyes.
“Nope. I won fair and square. But I’d be willing to make a different bet for the next round.”
“Let’s try a different arena, then.”
“Lead the way.”
Carter guided me through the bustling crowd, his warm hand once again reassuringly in mine. The place was packed, but we managed to find a seat. I thought he was going to let me have it until he pulled me down on his lap.
“Looks like it’s about to start,” Carter said, nodding toward the arena where the horses and riders were lining up. “So, the bet is, which one’s gonna have the quickest time?”
“Did you sponsor one?”
“Nope. Just the pigs.”
“Hmm.” My eyes roamed over the lineup. “Number five.”
“I pick number seven. What’s your ante?”
