Page 22 of All Hallows' Haunt
My cheeks burned with that question and its insinuation. I believed in a lot of things. If you felt something and could name it, regardless of time shared, then you should be free to explore that and enjoy it. Only, I applied that belief to everyone but myself.
“I believe people know, whether it’s at first sight or within the first month. I think we’re all tied together and when you find your red string, you just know.” He nodded at my answer and fought a smile as he rolled his lips.
“I like that.” His free hand moved to my thigh, where he kneaded and stroked in time with the motions on my back. “Have you ever loved someone romantically in your past?”
I looked from his eyes to his lips. His question was specific and avoided knowing my current feelings toward him. “No,” I breathed. I looked away again, but I could feel his stare on the side of my face. “I thought I did, but they were just a disappointment. I’ve found most people are disappointing given enough time.”
“Have I disappointed you tonight?”
The view wasn’t as enticing as the set of his smile or intensity of his glare, and when I confronted that look again, I saw worry in place of enjoyment. His cheeks weren’t high, the corners of his mouth were downturned, and the furrow between his brow highlighted the sadness that ebbed and flowed in his eyes.
“Not at all.”
* * *
We steppedoff the unloading platform, and he took my hand before leading me down the metal steps. My phone started to vibrate repeatedly in my pocket. I pulled it out and glanced over the notifications coming in.
Shawn: Si, where are you?
Shawn: You alive, Si?
Shawn: If that clown fucker hurts you, I’ll kill him
I rolled my eyes at the last one and it caught Everett’s attention, but he didn’t say anything.
Ver-Bear: If I kill Shawn, will you be upset? He’s annoying and won’t keep his jealousy to himself.
AmieeLove: Ignore Shawn. Cody is taking care of his anger. Enjoy your night.
I sighed and massaged my temple. Shawn was so predictable and definitely not the attractive type of possessive. He was creepy because there was never a moment where I gave him any piece to hold and keep.
“You look stressed. I don’t like that look on you,” Everett said, coming forward and twisting my pigtails in his hands. “One more stop for the night and I’ll walk you out to meet them if they’re getting antsy. I’ve taken more time with you than I deserve.” He kissed the top of my head and turned, walking in the direction we came from.
I watched him for a beat and decided I wanted one last moment with him. We were so good together, despite the twisting thoughts that swirled through my mind. I took quick steps and slammed into his back, wrapping my hands around his waist.
I feel so much for you.
Everett
I pattedSienna’s hands as she squeezed me. She’d walk out of those gates and it’d be the last I saw of her. She was still deciding on that path, but I read her clearly enough. She put too much worry into my feelings, but I took so much time with her tonight because I reconciled the fate bearing down on us.
One last time.
I kept us moving, leading her to the photo booth. These were littered all over the park grounds, but only a few offered the privacy I wanted. Most companies designed them with a curtain for a door, but we contracted with a supplier who offered a closing andlockingdoor.
“What do you have planned?” she asked, taking in the people, rides, and vendors. I pulled her upper arm, redirecting her and causing her to squeal as she stumbled into the change. We stopped in front of the photo booth, and she looked at me skeptically. Her narrowed eyes were playful, and the smirk she wore tried its best to convince me she wasn’t having my shenanigans.
But her poker face was a liar.
“Just some pictures.” I tried to come off as innocent as I could.
“We have phones,” she sassed, crossing her arms and shifting her weight to one side.
“And I want a piece of paper with your beautiful, smeared, runny clown makeup so I can obsess over how you looked taking my di—”
“Oh, my fucking hell,” she cut me off with a guffaw and rolled her eyes.
“Ah,” I mused. My smile widening over the feeling that bloomed in my chest. “It definitely did something that’s good for the both of us. Get in the booth, Sienna.” I held the door open and ducked in after her. The space was a bit cramped, but sitting would work well enough.
