Page 61 of Craving

Lucy stumbled back a step, then narrowed her eyes. “What do you want, Aaron?”

“You got a booth at the Wedding Expo,” Aaron accused.

“Yeah. So?”

“So,” he spat, “I’m the Stirling stationery guy. Me. You’re just some pathetic upstart who thinks she can muscle her way in with her fancy website. But you’re on my turf now, and you better pull out of the expo before you regret it, you little—”

Marlon bristled—but it was Cormac who moved. He took one single step to put himself between Lucy and Aaron. His chest seemed to grow, his eyes dark as they took in the other man, whose lips clamped shut before he could finish his insult.

“What were you going to call her?” Cormac’s voice was low and dark, his arms loose at his sides. He looked ready to attack.

Aaron blustered, red-faced. “This has nothing to do with you, Rent-a-Cop. I’m talking to her.”

“You’re talking to me.”

Marlon shifted Camilla so she was behind him, then stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Cormac. His business partner’s face was set in harsh lines, eyes burrowing into Aaron’s.

“I think it’s time for you to leave,” Cormac said, quiet and deadly.

Aaron snarled, then looked around Cormac’s body to meet Lucy’s gaze. “Cancel your booth, Barlow.”

Cormac barely moved—just took one step forward—but Aaron stumbled back, scowled at the group, and walked away. Cormac spoke into the radio at his shoulder, and a security guard peeled away from his post and met Aaron halfway across the square, gesturing to the exit.

The group watched him go in silence, then all eyes turned to Lucy. Marlon frowned. What was that about?

“Thank you,” Lucy said quietly, glancing after Aaron. She looked up at Cormac and smiled.

Cormac met her gaze with thunder on his brow. “Who is that guy?”

“Didn’t you hear?” Scarlett cut in with a grin. “That’s the Stirling stationery guy. He’s kind of a big deal.”

Amelia laughed. “Watch out! He might give you a paper cut.”

Lucy huffed a laugh and shook her head. “He’s just feeling threatened, that’s all. I don’t want to worry about him tonight. Let’s go get some food.”

Cormac flicked his gaze to the exit. Aaron had moved out of sight. He nodded at Marlon, who slapped him on the back. Maybe he’d triple his fee for the Winter Fest next year. It was way, way too much hassle.

Sighing, Marlon slid his arm over Camilla’s shoulders and pulled her close. The group left Cormac at his post and headed for the food trucks.

As they walked, Camilla smiled up at Marlon and leaned her head against his shoulder. She fit perfectly, her arm around his waist, their steps moving in sync.

“Cute,” Amelia crooned, then brightened as Leo came up behind her, spun her around, and planted a kiss on her lips.

“Right back atcha,” Camilla replied, laughing.

The six of them ate, laughed, and chattered while the sun went down. Aaron Phillips’ appearance was dissected down to the second—their discussion peppered with endless quips courtesy of Scarlett, Camilla, and Amelia—until Lucy’s worried frown dissolved and her smile returned to its full brightness.

There were heat lamps dotted near the food trucks and eating areas and inside the beer tents. They found a table on the lawn and watched the town come together to celebrate the end of autumn together. The trees’ bare branches were strung with lights, music filtered over the whole square, and the buzz of laughter and conversation rounded out the energy of the festival.

In a quiet swell of inner peace, Marlon realized he was happy.

“Never thought I’d be back here for one of these,” Leo said musingly as he watched a few children play nearby. A dog bounded toward the kids and joined in the fun. Two of the kids had glow sticks, and the dogs went crazy for them.

“You still like having your home base in Stirling?” Scarlett asked Leo. “Don’t miss jet-setting?”

Leo nodded. “Love it. You?”

Scarlett smiled and looked around the table. “Yeah. I’m glad I met you all. This place feels like home now.”

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