Page 17 of Playful Kris

“Go, I’ve got it here.” She waves me off.

I run as quickly as possible a block down the street to where the porta potties were delivered.

I always want to shower immediately after stepping inside one of these, and you know when you think about it? I bet they’ve all been knocked over a time or two. And how do you really get a porta potty clean? Ain’t no way.

I use the bathroom quickly, trying my best to hover over the giant hole and without touching anything. When I step outside, there’s a small line forming at the other two stalls. I move over to the portable wash station and wash my hands and arms twice, just in case.

One of the porta potty doors opens, and a guy I recognize comes into view.

He’s dressed in fire gear, but smeared blood covers him. It takes me a second but I realize it’s the same guy from the bakery the other day. The one that stared at me long enough that I took notice.

“Hey,” he says, stepping next to where I am to wash his hands.

“Hi.” I smile.

“I saw you in the bakery the other day.” He smiles, and my eyes immediately go to his teeth.

For a firefighter in a small town, he sure is nice to look at.

“I remember.” I nod, stepping back so he can grab a paper towel to dry his hands with. He’s muscular, not as muscular as Kris, but he’s definitely putting in the work at the gym.

And why am I comparing this man to Kris?

“You’re working the line at the haunted house?” he asks, tossing his towel in the trash before giving me his full attention.

“I am, that’s where I got stuck the rest of the night.” I smile.

“I’ll walk you back.” He holds a hand out in front of us for me to lead the way.

Despite the event coming to a close soon, and most of the town being in line for the haunted house, the street is still fairly busy. We weave through the crowd slowly, and every time we have to walk in line, his hand finds the small of my back letting me go first.

“I’m Damon,” he tells me.

“Kameron, I work for the Chamber.”

“I figured.” His eyes drop to my chest, and he points. My immediate response is to be angry, I mean the guy is literally pointing at my boobs, but then I realize my chest says Chamber of Commerce volunteer.

“Right.” I laugh, feeling silly.

“Are you new here? I don’t really remember seeing you around, and I have no doubt I would have.”

We get closer to the haunted house, and our steps have slowed slightly, as if we both don’t want the quick walk to end.

“I’ve only been here a short time. I just graduated from U of T, and moved here for the job opening with my best friend.” I point in the direction of the ticket table, Cora is busy handing out tickets and accepting cash.

“Maybe we could get together sometime.”

I open my mouth to tell him that I’m new and trying to get settled in before I even attempt to date but before I can, Kris, of course, ruins the moment.

“There you are.” He throws his arm over my shoulder. “You almost done yet? We have to discuss what you’re wearing to the wedding.”

Now, I can admit that my brain doesn’t always fire on all cylinders when Kris is around and I do get distracted easily by his looks, but that last sentence made it through loud and clear.

My jaw drops open, and I feel the embarrassment heat up when I sneak a look at Damon. He frowns slightly, his eyes bouncing between the two of us trying to figure out what’s going on.

“I’ll, uh, if you’ll excuse me, I should get back.” He points to the haunted house before stepping away.

I can’t seem to find my words to clear up the mess Kris just made.

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