Page 25 of Fairground

Now? I prefer the company of my hens. The structure of the work. The way the days line up and make sense in a way people rarely do. It’s a strange day, all around. One of those that makes you feel a little older than you were yesterday. A little more aware of how time just keeps moving whether you’re ready or not.

I find myself zoning out, my eyes drifting across the room to take in our group until they land on Rae. She’s standing at the front of the committee room, speaking with that clear, even voice of hers. Confident. Poised. She seems like she was born to lead even if she doesn’t like people all that much.

I know politics. I’ve lived it enough to spot the real deal when I see it. And Rae? She’s authentic.

Lydia let it slip that she used to work in Charlotte, and I wasn’t above using that nugget during my own announcement speech when I threw my hat in the ring for mayor. People listen when they know you’ve got experience behind you. But I wonder if the town will look past everything that’s happened—the mess our last mayor left behind, the way trust feels like a currency in short supply these days. Small towns don’t forget easily. But maybe, if they’re paying attention, they’ll see what I see which is a woman who knows her shit and will do right by this town.

A few people toss out questions about the decorations, and Rae handles them like a pro, proposing a vote to settle any objections. I stay behind her, off to the side, letting her take the lead because I’m enjoying watching her. Maybe I should glare menacingly or step in to snag some of the spotlight, but honestly? I like this view of her. All soft curves, sharp wit, and a face so pretty it makes my chest ache. Even her chin is cute.

When have I ever noticed a woman’s chin before? Rae’s got me noticing and liking everything about her. Not even her grumpy mood and the way she scowls at me turns me off.

“Well, I guess that’s it,” Rae says, turning to me with a hint of panic in her eyes. It’s subtle, but I catch it. She’s not sure what to do next now that the group’s finished up.

I step forward, filling the gap. “Alright, folks, you’ve got your marching orders. Go plan and come back to Rae and metomorrow with the purchase orders you need us to approve. Everything should be bought and on the fairgrounds by the end of this week. If you’re on the food committee, we’ll regroup Wednesday to review vendors. Keep an eye on your email for the time and place.”

The group murmurs their agreement and slowly disperses, excitement buzzing in the air as they head off for their vehicles to drive home. Once the tent clears out, Rae lets out a long sigh and turns to me.

“Thank you.”

I grin. “For what?”

She rolls her eyes. “You know what.”

“They’re just getting used to you, that’s all.”

“I know,” she says, but there’s a trace of doubt in her voice.

“You seemed like a natural up there, taking control. The fair’s going to go well this year. I can already tell.”

She arches a brow, shooting me with a skeptical look. “What's with the niceness? Aren’t we supposed to be rivals? Enemies, even?”

I shrug, leaning casually against one of the tent poles. “Nothing says we have to be. Why can’t we be friends vying for the same position?”

“Because whoever loses isn’t going to want to be friends with the winner,” she says matter-of-factly.

“That’s not how I see it. I think we can support whoever wins. Plus, I've never met an enemy.”

Her eyes narrow as she studies me, like she’s trying to figure out what angle I’m playing. I stand a little taller, puffing out mychest just enough to show her that I’m solid—not just in size, but in character too.

“Are you… sticking out your chest?” she asks making a face.

I laugh. “Maybe. You like it?”

She smiles and I like the way she wears that on her face. Her eyes crinkle at the edges like it’s the first time she’s done it, and her pretty lips curve up at the edges revealing her straight teeth.

“Hey, you got any plans now?” I ask, leaning against the tent pole, keeping my tone casual.

“Um…” Her hesitation is clear, though I can’t get a read on why. Usually, it’s easy enough to get a woman to say yes to whatever I’m suggesting. I could sayhey, let's drive to the next town and throw rocks in a stream,and most women would saysure!But that’s not what I’m doing here. At least, Ithinkit’s not. Sleeping with Rae would be a disaster—a fun, unforgettable disaster—but a disaster nonetheless, given our whole rivals-for-mayor situation and her clear aversion towards anything to do with me and this town. That and I get the feeling sleeping with Rae might not be a one-time thing for me.

“Relax,” I say, forcing a smirk. “Not trying to take you home or anything. Considering our current status, that’d be highly inappropriate.”

“Oh.” She smiles, her cheeks tinting the faintest shade of pink, and I can’t help but wonder—wasthatwhat she was thinking too?

I lift a brow, because after I suggested meeting at the Marshall farmstead, she brushed it off a little too quickly. Like maybe she’s avoiding being at my place on purpose. Perhaps she doesn’t trust herself to be alone with me either? That thought lingers.Maybe that’s why I bring it up again. I want to see if she’ll say no a second time. Maybe I just want to see what she’ll do.

“I need to help my brother with something at the family distillery. Thought maybe you’d want to come check it out? Get a behind-the-scenes look at what we’re doing on the Marshall property.”

She hesitates again, nibbling on her bottom lip, and I can see the gears turning in her head. “Um…”

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