Page 32 of The Billionaire's Secret Child

A red-coated master of ceremonies summersaulted onto the stage, and the entertainment commenced. Despite her anxiety, the acrobatic wonders, death-defying stunts and an astounding high-flying trapeze family managed to distract her, while sweet, melt-in-your-mouth cotton candy and the scent of buttery popcorn brought her back to her childhood days. Still, she cast continuous gazes at her partner, as he chuckled with unbridled humor. The man never did anything halfway. If only she could share in his joy, in his laughter and fun, but the anxiety over her daughter’s proximity grew stronger by the moment. What would happen if they accidentally met?

Finally, the circus ended. As they filed out of the tent, Aidan asked Laura how she liked the circus. She remarked that she liked it. He then asked how she knew she liked it since she was watching him the whole time. She remarked that he was an arrogant scoundrel, to which he replied she was “one strange lady.”

They emerged into a sun-splashed clearing surrounded by stands offering sizzling funnel cakes and foot-long pretzels. Holding her hand to shield her eyes from the bright afternoon sunshine, Laura swiftly glanced around, but thankfully there was no sign of Jeanie’s group. As expected, the park had become densely populated, and countless people wandered around.

“Looking for someone?”

Laura bit her lip at the low question. Aidan was studying her in that suspicious sort of way he always did. Perhaps ESP and not business acumen had gotten him so far. “Not at all,” she denied. “I was just thinking about what a nice time I had today. Do you want to go out to eat now?”

“But we just got here,” he spoke slowly, “and seen a total of two attractions. The activities run all day.”

“It seems like we just got here.” She pointed to her watch. “But it’s been a full hour and a half. I’m exhausted.”

“You don’t look tired.” He folded his arms across his chest, flexing his biceps. “Why do I get the feeling you want me to leave?”

She laughed nervously. “I have no idea.” Yet her actions saidexactlythat. She glanced again at the crowd. If they had to be at the carnival, then standing out in the open, with so many people milling about, was the worst place to be. Because if Jeanie caught sight of her, the little girl would come a-running. Since she was clearly not going to convince Aidan to leave the fair just yet, she needed to get him out of sight.

He placed his hands low on his hips. “As usual, I can’t decipher your motives, but I don’t want to leave. Unless you have a good reason…” He stopped as understanding brightened his eyes. "Hey, this wouldn't be because…"

He continued to speak, but Laura could no longer hear his words. Because at that moment, in the not-so-far distance, her good reason appeared. Fifty feet away, along with thirty giggling four-year-olds, stood her daughter,hisdaughter. Jeanie was looking the other way, and, thankfully, had yet to see her mother. But a slight turn, and it would all be over.

“Roller coaster!” Laura suddenly shouted.

Aidan stopped mid-sentence. “What?”

She took a deep breath, fought for calm. “Would you like to go on the roller coaster?”

He just shook his head. “You realize you're only delaying things, right?"

Yes, she did, but thankfully, he sighed and nodded. She didn’t hesitate, grabbing his hand and tugging him through the crowd. She jogged through the packed path, hopping over twigs and passing through swirls of smoke that carried the savory scent of kabobs roasting on the grill. Finally, they had travelled half the fair, and a quick glance back showed no sign of her daughter. She relaxed, yet tightened as they arrived at the roller coaster, a giant metal track of steep drops and loop de loops. One tiny detail loomed as tall as the monstrosity before her:

She was terrified of roller coasters.

Aptly named “The Coaster of Doom,” the roller coaster was hailed as one of the scariest of the traveling fairs. With frightfully long drops, upside down loops and speeds in excess of sixty miles per hour, the ride was a beast. She jumped as a car slid by, its inhabitants screaming and clutching the rails, as they went by a blur. The tiny taste made her nauseous. Only how could she avoid it now?

“Are you all right? You look a little pale.” Aidan looked from her to the roller coaster and then back. “You’re not afraid of coasters, are you?”

She laughed nervously. “Of course not.” Yet her shoes turned to concrete as she trudged to the entrance and handed the attendant two shiny tokens. She stepped into a fire engine red car (of doom), wincing as the door (of doom) closed with a resounding click (of doom). She fastened the seatbelt, checking no less than five times to ensure it was secure (it probably wasn’t). Through it all, Aidan remained silent, although he watched her closely.

The ride jerked to a start, and Laura jumped. Aidan’s expression transformed from confusion to concern. “Are you all right?”

She squeezed her eyes shut as the car ascended rickety tracks, opened them and blinked. “Perhaps I’m just a little nervous.”

Aidan didn’t ask why someone so obviously uncomfortable with roller coasters would ride one, nor did he mention the fact that she suggested it. Instead, he brought his arm around her. “Don’t worry.” He gave her a tight squeeze. “You're perfectly safe. If you get scared, just hold on to me.”

As they made it to the top of the incline, she sat back against his chest, and her heart slowed ever-so-slightly. Finally, the cabin curved over the crest, the angle turning to a sharp descent as they picked up speed. A moment later, they raced through twists and turns like a silver sphere in a pinball machine.

Aidan’s arms tightened around her as they journeyed through the whipping wind. They sped this way and that, over peaks and under tunnels. The wind spun her hair like an F5 twister, its howls playing bass to metal screeching against metal. Aidan screamed over the raging symphony, “Are you all right?”

She nodded and was astonished to find it was true. She was all right. Even more shocking, she was actually enjoying the thrilling ride. Her heart beat thunderously against her chest and adrenaline raced like lightning through her body, but with Aidan next to her, it was actually fun.

Suddenly, the ride slowed, and she looked around, waiting for the next twist or turn. Instead, the car pulled up to the front gate. Wait… the ride was over?

“Does that smile mean it wasn’t too awful?” Aidan hopped out of the car and held out his hand.

She took it and disembarked, and although a little shaky, managed to walk, as if she hadn’t just conquered theThe Coaster of Doom. She had done it, and without fainting, screaming or falling out of the carriage. “I actually liked it.” Her voice betrayed the surprise she couldn’t hide.

He laughed. “I hope so, since you’re the one who suggested it. I don’t suppose you have a good explanation for that, do you?”

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