Page 19 of Rise of the Melody
“Are you here visiting someone?” he asked.
Aunt Lorna helped me out. “Yes, we’re visiting friends and taking care of some business for the summer.”
“Nice.” His smiling eyes roamed my face and I shifted my stance, pulling a chunk of shiny, black hair over my shoulder. “So, I know this is random,” he said. “I’m supposed to compete, but my friend, Clare, who was my partner bailed on me. I tried to call my other friend, Shani, but she got called to work, and I was looking around and just saw you and I was likebam. There you go!” He kept smiling and for a second my brain short circuited as I tried to take in his meaning.
“Wait…you want me to dothat?” I pointed to the crazy couples, men running full sprint with women flung upside down over their shoulders.
“It’s super easy! You just have to hang on tight with your thighs.” He peered down at my thighs with a nod. “And around my waist with your arms. But also let your body be loose enough to go with the flow of my movement.”
I gaped. “Wait, you’re serious.” I laughed and looked to Aunt Lorna for help, but she was full on covering her mouth to hold back her glee.
“Very serious.”
“Isn’t it for husbands and wives?” I asked, feeling a modicum of nervousness mixed with excitement. This guy had some major balls, which I admired.
“Nah, that’s just the name.”
I bit my lip. I wasn’t one to turn down an adventure, but I was out of my element here.
“I’ll be honest,” Teague said to me. “I have to beat my uncle. He’s the mayor and he’s been talking wicked trash to me.”
My mouth popped open and Aunt Lorna’s giggles disappeared. We looked around, and sure enough, there was Bryant MacCray. He was large and domineering in a suit, but in a kilt and fitted white T-shirt he was grossly hot for an older guy. The large wrap that had been around his leg was smaller now, an oversized bandage on one spot.
“Isn’t he injured?” I asked.
“Yeah, he was, but he’s healing fast like we all do.” We did? I tried to think of any injuries I had in my life—only cuts and scrapes—all of which healed within a day. I guess that was fast? I’d never actually thought about it. I looked at the mayor again, who was laughing as he tossed a tiny blond lady up over his shoulders. I thought about what a jerk he’d been.
“I’m probably not as light as your friends.”
“Psh!” He peered down, roaming my curves with his eyes like I was made of nothing but marshmallow fluff. Okay, his arms and chest were as jacked as his legs, so maybe I should give him the benefit of the doubt.
“You really think you can beat him?” I asked.
The guy, Teague, rubbed his hands together fast, making a loud swishing sound. “Hell yeah.”
“Letty,” Aunt Lorna said, stepping closer with a worried look. “This is not a good idea.” I knew she probably wanted me to keep a low profile when it came to “Mayor” MacCray and stay off his radar, but that just wasn’t my style.
I handed her CooShee’s leash, making her frown, and I faced Dimple Boy. “Okay. Show me what to do.”
Chapter5
Teague MacCray and the Wife Carrying Competition
We weren’t able to practice, though he showed me the basics. I barely had enough time to wind my long hair into a braid and roll it into a bun at the base of my neck before couples were lining up. They were filled with confidence, while I had no idea what to expect. Trepidation began to creep in.
What had I been thinking?
I shook out my hands, and Teague must have seen my doubts because he took my chin and gently pulled my face to look straight at his. The sun decided to make an appearance right at that moment, glinting off his gray eyes like rays through the clouds.
“Don’t worry,” he said. “I can tell you’ll be a natural. Just have fun. Take off your boots.”
I untied them and pulled my feet out, then peeled off the black cat socks to reveal red toenails. He eyed them appreciatively and I was thankful I’d had the urge to paint them last night when I couldn’t sleep.
Teague crouched in front of me, and a moment of panic surged. “Wait….” I peered around at the other men, also getting into this position. Teague looked up at me and grinned.
“Stay with me.” He pointed to his eyes. “Right here. I’m going to just put my head between your legs.” My face immediately flamed. “And when I stand, you’ll be draped down my back.”
I realized my face would be near his butt. “Are you wearing anything under that kilt?”
