Page 46 of Arden

He squeezes my hand. “You know what? You’re right. That’s why”—he steers us over to the food stand he was pointing at—“I’m going to indulge and have some fucking cotton candy.”

I laugh. “I knew you wanted some. Go for it.”

He does, and five minutes later, we’re strolling down another dirt pathway, this one lined with carnival games. Arden is thoroughly enjoying his pink swirl of cotton candy as we walk.

It looks so messy that I make a face and warn, “Don’t even think about kissing me later with those sticky lips.”

I’m just kidding. He can kiss me anytime he wants.

Knowing me so well, he scoffs, “Yeah, right. You like my lips too much, especially the things I can do with them, sticky or not.”

Crap, he’s right.

Shivering, but in a good way, I hiss under my breath, “Stop, you’re making me feel all tingly. And right here in the middle of the fairgrounds is not the place for that.”

Looking smug and pleased with himself, as he should, he says softly, “Just hold that thought for later, babe.”

“Mmm, I will.”

Hell, I can’t wait.

I love the way Arden makes me feel, in all ways. He’s not just my lover, he’s my friend. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a man. That’s why I’ve fallen head over heels in love with the guy.

Yeah, I love him.

But I’m not ready to say it to him just yet. I don’t know why. Maybe I’m waiting for him to say it first.

I guess, after what happened with Liam, I still want to protect my heart.

Too bad it’s probably too late for that.

I’m relieved when Arden asks if I want to go on a ride. I need to get back to enjoying our time at the fair.

“Yeah.” I blow out a breath. “Let’s go on the Ferris wheel.”

We head that way, and after we’re done with that ride, we go on the carousel.

Arden and I choose horses next to each other. I reach my hand out to him, and he takes it. We ride with our hands joined like that the whole time.

We wrap up with a ride called the Tumble Bug, which involves a lot of spinning.

After that one ends and we jump off, Arden asks, “Are you dizzy?”

I shake my head. “No, not at all. You?”

“Nope, I’m fine.”

I glance around. “So what’s next?”

“It’s starting to get dark,” he replies. “We should probably head over to the grandstand to watch the fireworks. They should be starting any minute.”

“Oooh, good call. Let’s go.”

We hurry over to the grandstand, where we find spaces to sit on the bleachers.

A few minutes later, I’m leaning my head on Arden’s shoulder as the fireworks begin.

Just as bursts of pink, red, and orange are exploding above our heads, I murmur, “Looks like we made it just in time.”

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