Page 74 of Forever Cursed

With a huge grin, Gwen hugs her raccoon plushie and crashes into Ash’s arms. “Isn’t it cute?” she asks.

“It’s something...” He plasters on a fake smile and nods. “Since when did you start liking raccoons?”

“Since I discovered they’re basically outdoor cats who live in trash cans.”

“Oh, boy,” Zack grumbles with a hint of amusement.

“Gwen, darling.” Max places his hands on her shoulders and stares into her eyes. “I love you, you know that, right?”

She nods excitedly.

“Good, and you love me?”

Another nod.

“Good, very good. I don’t want to come home one day and see a raccoon raiding my refrigerator. Deal?”

“Oh, please.” She dismisses him. “You have nothing to worry about. Besides, I don’t know how to catch one... yet.”

“I’d pay to watch you try.” Ash snickers louder and louder as the scene plays out in his head.

“There’s my girl.” I hold my arms out for Chrissy, and she crashes against my chest. I rest my chin on top of her head and let a wave of butterflies swirl from my stomach into my heart.

She was not even five feet away from my side, and she missed me like we’d been apart for days. I’ve never felt this way before,and I avoided it for so long because I was afraid of inevitable heartbreak. Now? I don’t foresee that happening between us.

“Whatcha thinking about?” she asks me, pulling me from my thoughts.

Her cheeks are pink from the heat, laughter, and maybe something else. She has a twinkle in her eyes, and her tone suggests she’s up to something.

“Want the honest answer or a lie I can throw together?”

The crew starts to walk away, assuming we’re right behind them.

“You know what I want.” She stands on her tiptoes, and our noses touch. “The truth, Carter. Nothing but the truth.”

“You,” I whisper against her lips.

“What about me?”

The hum of carnival buzzers, mechanical rides, and chatter ceases. It’s just me and my wildflower. No one else is here. Nothing else matters.

“How your mouth would look wrapped around my cock.”

“Hmm.” She smirks before she starts scanning our surroundings. “Want to make that thought a reality?”

Without giving me a chance to reply, she takes my hand and urges me to follow her, and I happily oblige.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chrissy

Rome motherfucking Carter.

He’s making me reckless. Don’t get me wrong; I know the kind of girl I am. I crave adventure and mischief, but this is new, even for me.

His hands are trailing over my bare stomach, inching downward as he kisses and licks my neck. Behind a vacant tent, I’m trembling beneath his touch as he curls his hands in my hair, urging me closer.

“Wait,” I say between our hungry kisses.

---