Page 109 of Beneath the Blue Moon
***Casey***
“Ugh!I don’t know why I let Mrs.Johnson talk me into this.”
“Come on, Case, it’s for a good cause.”
“I know, Sandy, but kissing strange men all day is not myidea of fun.”
Sandy and I were roped in by Mrs.Johnson to man the kissingbooth at the annual fair.It’s still early, and it hasn’t been so bad butstill, this is not my cup of tea.It’s just cheek kisses, but every time I kissa guy I have to imagine Ethan’s face.Not that I don’t do that every second ofevery day.I haven’t seen him in a few days either, not since my drunkenescapade at the bar.It’s good that he’s keeping his distance; I just hope hismother sees that I’m staying out of his way.I’ve also accepted the managerposition, so being able to throw myself into my work has helped.Sandy glancesover at me when I sigh.
“What are you going to do about Ethan?”she asks.
“What do you mean?”
“Honey, even through beer goggles I could see how you twofeel about each other.When are you going to make up with him?”
“It’s not happening.He’s just being a bigciuccioright now.He’ll get over it.”
If only she knew what happened in his truck.I wasn’t thatdrunk.I remember everything—every kiss, every touch, every word.I almostmelted when he’d begged me to come back to him.But… I can’t.I grab an applefrom my trusty little snack bag and start munching.I don’t know why I feelhungry all the time.
“I could use a margarita pie from Denino’s right now.I canjust smell the marinara sauce.”
“By the time you get over this breakup, you’ll be the sizeof a house.”
“Oh, shut up.”
She giggles, watching me scarf down my apple.A couple ofguys walk up to our booth, and we quickly send them on their way with satisfiedsmiles on their faces.
By five o’ clock, we’d taken a couple of breaks, rode a fewrides, and eaten a ton of junk.We’d also kissed too many frogs to count.Wenow have two long lines in front of us, and we’ve opted to sit on the counterinstead of leaning over it.All of a sudden, all the guys in my line scatter.Some of them walk away slowly, some join Sandy’s line, and the others justhightail it away.
“What the hell?”
“Maybe it’s got something to do with your bodyguards.”
Sandy jerks her head to the left, and I look over to seeCharlie and Brick, arms crossed over their chests, giving the evil eye toanyone who tries to approach me.Fuck!As Charlie walks toward me, I spot Ethan,not too far from where his friends were standing.The sight of him induces thatweird tummy tingle.
“Charlie, why are you scaring off my customers?”
“Can I talk to you?”
“Read the sign, deputy; it says ‘kissing booth,’ not talking.”
“Please.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Ethan making his wayover.I smile innocently up at Charlie as an idea pops into my head.
“You want my time, put the money in the jar.”
He huffs, reaches into his pocket, and drops a $10 bill inthe jar.
Here goes.
***Ethan***
I see it before Charlie does.The twinkle in her eye and theCheshire cat grin—she’s up to something.Before either of us can react, shegrabs Charlie’s shirt and pulls him toward her, planting her lips on his.Whenhe tries to pull away, she grabs his shoulders, holding him in place.This isno innocent kiss; I can see her tongue darting between his lips.Charlie seemsto be frozen in surprise.By the time I get to them, she releases him and gentlytrails her fingers down his cheek.He steps back and looks away inembarrassment.
“Casey.”
“Oh… Hey, Sheriff.Sorry, but I’m on break.You’ll have tojoin Sandy’s line.”
