Page 2 of Carnival Obsession

No pressure or anything.

He claps me on the back, a gesture of confidence I’m not sure I deserve. “Knew I could count on you.” His gaze drifts toward the town, his brows pulling together in a frown. “You seen Cade around?”

I shake my head, feeling a twinge of unease. “Not since this morning. Duke said he took off into town.”

Ty’s jaw clenches, a muscle ticking in his cheek. “He’s going to be the death of me. Alright, if you see him, tell him to get his ass back here pronto. We open in an hour, and I need all hands on deck for opening night.”

“Will do.” I give him a mock salute before heading toward the Tilt-a-Whirl, my toolbox a comforting weight in my hand.

As I walk away, I wonder what Cade’s up to. Probably nothing good, knowing him, but like I said, not my problem. I’ve got bigger fish to fry.

I’ve got a ride to fix and a long night ahead. Just another day in the glamorous life of a carnie. As I approach the Tilt-a-Whirl, its garish lights flickering weakly, I steel myself for the battle ahead. Time to work some magic and keep this rusty death trap running. The show must go on, after all.

2

ALICE

Hopping onto the Tilt-A-Whirl, I can’t help but laugh. The metal seat is cool against my bare legs as Lily waves from outside the fence, her face pale. Poor thing’s been looking queasy ever since we split that funnel cake.

“Are you sure you don’t want to ride?” I call out to her, flashing a grin. “It’ll be fun!”

Lily shakes her head. “I’m done with rides for now. You go ahead, though!”

I shrug and settle into my seat. Her loss.

Suddenly, a large figure plops beside me, the seat creaking under his weight. I glance over, my eyes widening.

Holy shit.

This guy is massive, with broad shoulders stretching his tight black t-shirt and muscular, tattooed arms gripping the safety bar. His chiseled jaw is dusted with stubble and his stunning dark eyes meet mine, a smirk on his full lips.

“Hey there,” he says, his deep voice echoing over the carnival sounds.

I swallow hard. “Hi,” I squeak, suddenly feeling like a tongue-tied schoolgirl.

The operator comes around, checking the lap bars.

I grip the metal bar tightly as the Tilt-a-Whirl begins to spin, my stomach churning from the cotton candy and corndogs Lily and I devoured earlier. The flashing lights and blaring music fade into a dizzying blur as the ride speeds up.

The ride spins faster, pressing me against his solid frame. I inhale sharply, catching a whiff of his musky cologne and a hint of grease.

“First time on this death trap?” he asks, leaning closer.

I shake my head, trying to play it cool despite my sweaty palms and somersaulting stomach. “Nah, I love this ride. My friend Lily though, not so much. Total wimp.”

He laughs, the vibration rumbling through his chest. “Sounds like you need a new riding partner, then.”

Holy fuck, is this Adonis hitting on me? I bite my lip, feeling a rush of excitement and nerves. I’m usually the one who has to make the first move with guys, but this guy oozes confidence and raw sexual energy.

The ride jerks to a stop, and he stands in a fluid motion, towering over me. “I’m Lars, by the way.” He offers me his hand.

I place my smaller one in his, electricity zinging through me at his touch. “Alice,” I reply as he helps me up.

His eyes rake over me appreciatively, and I’m suddenly very aware of how my sundress clings to my curves. “Well, Alice, what do you say we go on a few more rides together?”

Heat creeps up my neck at Lars’ssuggestion. God, I want nothing more than to spend the rest of the night wrapped around this gorgeous man.

But I can’t just abandon my best friend like that. I glance over at Lily, who’s looking a bit green around the gills as she leans against the fence.

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