Page 54 of Kisses Sweeter than Wine

Carter glanced over his shoulder and nearly fell.

He wiped off his sunglasses and blinked.

No fucking way. It couldn’t be.

But there stood Richard, trying to hide himself. The only reason Carter knew it was him was because the fool had taken off his hat, showing off his bald fucking head. He pulled out his cell and texted Malbec. No point in unnecessarily worrying Merlot if by chance he was wrong.

But he doubted it.

Malbec texted back immediately, stating he’d scope out the situation and get back to him.

Carter lined up the racers. He hated doing this, but for some reason, the town thought he’d be some impartial judge.

Right.

Everyone cheated.

As soon as everyone took off, he checked his cell.

Fuck. His suspicions were correct. Fucking Richard. The man was crazy, but if he had come to Candlewood Falls, then Carter worried his biggest fear could be materializing and Talbot’s identity was in jeopardy, if it hadn’t already been compromised.

He texted Malbec back to keep an eye on Richard while he dealt with this stupid, meaningless race that meant so much to Weezer for whatever reason.

He cringed as Ty plummeted into the water, but only after Weezer had tripped them.

Then Weezer and Corbin stumbled while Silas picked up Claudia, flew by, and crossed the finish line.

Carter jogged over to Weezer, helping her up. “Corbin, go find your mother. We’re all going back to the vineyard for a celebration.”

Weezer glared at him with a narrowed stare.

“Aren’t there more games and shit?” Corbin asked.

“Weezer’s a bad loser, so it’s best if we go home, right, honey?”

“If you say so,” she said, giving him the stink-eye.

“I think it’s best.” Carter winked.

“What the hell was that about? And fucking Silas cheated and you watched it happen,” Weezer said.

“And I saw you trip Ty Wilde and said nothing, so it’s all even.” Carter wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her temple.

“I can’t believe we lost. We always host the Holiday Showcase.”

“We have bigger problems than your ridiculous rivalry with Mrs. Cummings.”

“Yeah, like what? Because that’s a pretty big deal in my book.”

“Promise me you won’t look to your left, but Richard is standing in the crowd, incognito, and he’s glaring at Talbot and Corbin.”

Weezer paused midstep, but to her credit, she didn’t shift her gaze. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me? Why didn’t we know he was in town? Doesn’t he come with like a bodyguard, and he’s always such a press whore.”

“I have no idea why I didn’t get a heads-up, but the fact he’s hiding behind a baseball cap, ratty clothing, and sunglasses that make him look like a fucking idiot gives me a bad feeling.”

“What are we going to do?”

“Malbec has been keeping an eye on him. I’ve called a buddy of mine at the local PD to see if he can put a tail on Richard. I’ve sent a text to the family group chat, telling everyone that we’re having an impromptu gathering at the house. Just us. And that it’s mandatory. That way, I can manage the situation and keep everyone safe, for the time being.”

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