Page 6 of Stalked By the Farmer

I grin. "Yeah, sure thing."

"Aw, don't pout." Misty slides her arm through mine, leaning against my shoulder.

My chest constricts at her casual touch, warmth bleeding down to my fingertips. Misty doesn't realize it, but having her this close is victory enough.

It's tortue watching Misty devour a funnel cake. The way the powdered sugar clings to her lips. The way she licks her fingers and moans, her eyes closed in appreciation.

It's a wonder my aching dick doesn't burst right through my zipper.

Fuck, what am I going to do? If I stand up, there's no way she's not going to see the huge boner I'm sporting.

I take a deep breath and avert my eyes from her, trying to think of anything else.

Misty continues chattering away, completely oblivious to my plight, but somehow I'm somewhat under control by the time she's finished.

And then we're off again.

Misty's eyes light up like stars as we approach the livestock pens, her grip tightening around my arm. "Conner, look! Baby goats!"

She drags me over to a pen housing a few kids no bigger than a dog, all knobby knees and floppy ears. Misty slips through the rails, sitting cross-legged as the goats stumble over, nosing at her hands and clothes.

"Aren't they precious?" Misty scoops up a speckled kid, nuzzling its head. "I want one so bad. A whole herd of them."

"You'd have your hands full with that." I scratch behind a goat's ear, its amber eyes drifting shut. "But I bet you'd love every minute of it."

"Yeah." Misty's gaze softens, lingering on mine. "I would."

My throat tightens. There's something in her tone I can't decipher, but it awakens a spark of hope in my chest. Hope for what, I don't know.

The goat kids scramble away as a piercing shriek rends the air. Misty startles, nearly dropping the kid in her lap. It lets out an indignant bleat, wriggling free to join its kin.

Misty rises on shaky legs, dusting off her jeans. "Sorry about that, little guy." Her smile doesn't quite reach her eyes. "I guess I should stop hogging the attention, huh?"

"Hey." I grasp Misty's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Don't worry about it. They're just being kids."

A flush creeps over her cheeks as she glances down at our joined hands. I start to pull away, anxiety twisting my guts, but she laces our fingers together, anchoring me in place.

"Thanks, Con." Misty's eyes meet mine, soft and warm as melted chocolate. "You always know just what to say."

My heart stutters against my ribs. I swallow hard, willing my voice not to shake. "What are friends for?"

Liar. I want to be so much more than friends.

Misty offers a fragile smile, blinking back tears. She gives my hand another squeeze before letting go. "Come on. I think I want to hit another food truck."

"Anything you want." I sling an arm over her shoulders, pulling her close. "My treat."

We stroll through the fair, the scent of frying batter and Misty's floral shampoo enveloping us. Maybe this isn't a date, but it's enough.

I'm content just strolling along with her like this. I can't imagine not having at least this. I want to tell her how I feel about her so bad, but I can't risk this.

I just can't.

"Conner, look." Misty points.

The Ferris wheel looms before us, a giant spinning disc outlined by flickering fairy lights. My pulse kicks up a notch as I steer Misty toward the ticket booth.

It's one of her favorite rides. We ride it together every year.

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