Page 18 of Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Jake’s eyes lit up. “Everything, then.”
And for the next two hours, they did exactly that. They wandered through the festival grounds, stopping at game booths where Jake demonstrated impressive skill at ring toss (winning her a ridiculous stuffed bat she immediately named Frederick) and absolutely abysmal aim at the baseball throw.
Faith surprised them both by hitting every target at the shooting gallery, earning a bewildered look from Jake.
“What?” she asked innocently. “A girl needs hobbies.”
“Remind me never to make you angry,” he said, watching with newfound respect as she collected her prize—a plush black cat with enormous green eyes.
They sampled festival food—caramel apples, funnel cakes dusted with powdered sugar, and roasted chestnuts that warmed their hands through paper cones. As darkness settled completely, the festival lights created pools of golden illumination against the night sky, and a three-piece band started playing in the gazebo.
“Dance with me,” Jake said, setting their empty cups aside and extending his hand.
Faith hesitated. “I haven’t danced in years.”
“Just follow my lead,” he promised, his voice dropping to that intimate tone that made her forget all the reasons she should keep her distance.
The moment his hand settled at her waist, Faith knew she was in trouble. Their bodies fit together perfectly as he guided her in a simple swing step. He was a natural dancer, his movements fluid and confident. Faith found herself following with surprising ease, as though they’d been dancing together for years.
“You’ve been holding out on me, Murphy,” Faith said with a smile as he guided her through a turn. “Where did you learn to dance like this?”
Jake’s expression flickered briefly before his easy smile returned. “Cotillion classes. My parents insisted. Said every gentleman should know how to lead a lady across the dance floor. One of those skills that help you climb the social ladder I guess.”
“They sound like they wanted their son to succeed.”
Jake tensed slightly. “In their way.”
Faith noticed the shift immediately. “Something I said?”
“No, it’s nothing.” He forced a smile, expertly changing the subject. “Tell me about your first Halloween costume. I bet you were adorable.”
She allowed the subject change, letting him spin her again before answering. “I was always a princess waiting for the prince to rescue me. My mother didn’t believe in creativity when it came to gender roles.”
“And now?”
“I traded in princess gowns for loungewear, and I’ve learned to rescue myself.”
His eyes darkened. “I’ve noticed. You’re an admirable woman.”
The music shifted to a slower melody, and without discussion, they adjusted their stance. Faith found herself drawn closer, her cheek resting against Jake’s shoulder, his arms encircling her more completely. They swayed together, barely moving, the world around them fading until it was just the two of them in a pool of light.
Faith closed her eyes, surrendering to the moment. His cologne mingled with the crisp autumn air, creating a scent she knew would forever remind her of this night. His steady heartbeat beneath her ear seemed to echo her own, and for once, she silenced the cautious voice in her head.
“Faith,” Jake whispered, his breath warm against her hair.
She tilted her face up to his, knowing what would happen next, wanting it with an intensity that shocked her. His hand came up to cradle her cheek, thumb brushing lightly across her lower lip.
“Still think we wouldn’t be good at this?” he asked, his voice rough with emotion.
Before she could answer, a commotion near the stage interrupted the moment. The crowd parted as Ruth appeared, megaphone in hand, calling for the costume contestants to assemble.
Jake rested his forehead against hers with a sigh. “Her timing is impeccable.”
Faith laughed softly, both relieved and disappointed. “We should probably go watch the judging. She’ll never forgive us if we miss her big moment.”
“Rain check?” Jake asked, pressing a kiss to her temple that felt like a promise.
“Rain check,” she agreed, surprising herself with how much she meant it.
