Page 4 of Carnival Obsession

Lily laughs, allowing me to pull her along. “You and your creepy obsessions. I swear, it’s a miracle you haven’t ended up in a true crime documentary yet.”

“The night is still young.” I waggle my eyebrows. “Plenty of time for me to become a cautionary tale.”

We spend the next hour or so playing rigged carnival games and people-watching. I try my best to focus on the moment, to enjoy this rare night out with my best friend.

But my mind keeps drifting back to Lars. The way his muscles flexed under his shirt, the heat of his gaze on my skin. I can still feel the ghost of his touch on my cheek, the rumble of his deep voice in my bones.

Lily looks at her phone and shakes her head. “We’ve been here way over the agreed one hour,” she points out.

“Just one more ride!” I plead, pouting.

Lily smiles. “Fine, fine. But this is the last one, okay? I’ve got to work the morning shift tomorrow.”

I hug her tightly. “You’re the best! I promise this will be the last one.”

Grabbing Lily’s hand, I yank her toward the line for the bumper cars. Both of us giggle and I love how much fun we’re having tonight. It’s been too long since we let loose, just the two of us. By the time we get off, I’ve got whiplash, and so does Lily.

“Okay, now I really do have to go.” Lily’s expression is stern, and I know she’s serious. “Just let me run to the bathroom quick, and then we’ll head out.”

I pout. “Fine, but hurry up!”

Lily heads toward the bathrooms and I wait for her by the entrance.

While I wait, I can’t help but think that tomorrow night can’t come soon enough. I know it’s foolish to meet up with a guy I just met. A guy who screams danger from his tattoos to his wicked smirk.

But I’ve always been drawn to the bad boys. The ones who promise excitement and adventure, even if it’s just for a night. And something tells me Lars is the ultimate bad boy. The kind of guy who could ruin me in all the best ways.

I shiver in anticipation, counting the hours until I can see him again. Until I can discover just how deep this attraction runs.

3

LARS

Leaning back in my chair, I scan the numbers on the spreadsheet before me. Ty's trailer is cramped, the air thick with the scent of his cigarettes and the faint aroma of cotton candy from outside.

"Willow Creek is going to be big for us," I say, tapping my finger on the projected sales figures. "We've got the Blackwood brothers from Ravenwood and Carlo's crew from Bridgwater."

Ty nods, taking a long drag from his cigarette. Smoke curls from his nostrils as he exhales. "And they're expecting quality product. Think you can handle the distribution?"

"'Course I can handle it," I scoff. "When have I ever let you down?"

Nash is perched on the edge of Ty's desk. "Lars has it under control, boss. Nobody will suspect a thing with the carnival in full swing."

I shoot Nash a look. He's right, though. The bright lights, the laughter, the scent of fried food—it's the perfect cover. No one looks twice at a traveling carnival, especially not the cops.

Ty leans forward, stubbing out his cigarette in an overflowing ashtray. "Just make sure it stays that way. We can't afford any slip-ups, not with the kind of money we're talking about here."

I nod, my jaw clenching. I know the stakes because I've been in this game long enough to understand the risks. But the thrill of it, the rush of pulling off a big deal right under everyone's noses - that's what keeps me going.

"We'll get it done," I assure Ty. "Just like always."

Ty's piercing gaze meets mine for a long moment before he nods, satisfied.

"I still think we should bring in some extra hands for this run," I say, leaning back in my chair. "Cade's been antsy as hell lately. Could use something to keep him occupied."

Ty shakes his head. "No way in hell am I letting that psycho anywhere near this operation. There's a reason I invested in the secret compartments in the trailers. I don't need anyone else knowing about the side hustle." He runs a hand across the back of his neck. "Cade's too damn unhinged, you know that."

Nash whistles from his perch on the desk. "Gotta agree with the boss on this one, Lars. Cade's been acting crazier than usual lately. Remember that time in Flagstaff when he damn near torched the whole midway?"

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