“Does everything meet with your standards?”
I frowned when I recognized Mark Lane’s voice. He’s oilier than a used car salesman and has more in common with a snake than Raven does. That’s saying something, because as a lamia she actually can trace her ancestors to a serpentine race of creatures that once ruled parts of Egypt.
“Hello, Mark.” The greeting came on a sigh, and I forced a smile for his benefit as I swiveled. “How are things?”
“Well, I’m torn about how to answer that question,” Mark replied, scratching the side of his greasy nose. His hygiene habits left much to be desired. Still, in the grand scheme of things, I would prefer hanging out with him rather than the clowns. There are only so many fake boob honks I can take in one sitting.
“Why don’t you try for the shortest answer,” I suggested. “It’s almost dinner time, and I’m starving.”
“That’s what happens when you take off into the woods for the better part of the afternoon.”
“I’m glad to see you’ve been watching me. What’s up?”
“As happy as I am that neither you nor Max have been around to watch me work – we both know I’m more productive when I’m my own boss – I can’t help but wonder if you took any of my concerns into consideration when you picked this venue.”
“Max and I have been dealing with other issues,” I said. “The midway runs very well under your supervision. I would think my faith would make you happy.”
“Do I look unhappy?”
He looked filthy. “What are your problems with the venue?” I asked, changing course. “Do you have specific complaints, or is this simply a general grousing session?”
“Oh, I have specific complaints,” Mark intoned. “You picked a dry venue in the midst of a bunch of religious freaks who have nothing better to do than judge us.”
“Tell me how you really feel,” I deadpanned.
“That is how I really feel.”
I forget how often sarcasm is wasted on him. “We don’t sell alcohol at every venue. You know that. This is a family atmosphere … and if you insult the guests’ religion I’ll make sure you’re fired. That’s unacceptable. You’ve been warned.”
“Would I do that?”
I rolled my eyes. If left to his own devices he would do that and worse. “This is a beautiful area, and the families are big here. We’re going to have a lot of visitors even without alcohol to tempt people. It will be fine.”
“I’m glad you have faith in that, because I don’t believe it for a second,” Mark snapped. “The big show will be packed. The midway is another story. We both know that’s where we make our stake. I don’t think the people in this area are big on gambling.”
“What gambling?”
“The games.”
I sucked in a breath to steady myself and tamped down my irritation. “Everything will be fine. If it isn’t, we won’t return. This is a new venue. If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out. This weekend won’t make or break us.”
“Yeah, I get that,” Mark said. And then he pulled the trigger. “I want to be included on future decisions when it comes to venues. I think I’ve earned a vote.”
I considered dragging out the argument, but decided against it. The less time I spend with Mark, the better. “I’ll bring your concerns to Max and let him decide.” I already knew what Max would say, but dropping the problem in his lap seemed fitting, especially given his disappearing act. “Does that work for you?”
“No, but it will work for the time being,” Mark replied. “Do you plan to resume your supervisory duties now that you’ve made up with your side of beefcake?”
It took me a moment to realize what he was referring to. “I’ve never given up my supervisory duties. If you would like more supervision, though, I’m positive I can swing it.”
Mark swallowed hard. “I’m sure that won’t be necessary.”
“Great.” I moved to leave, but a perverse idea stilled me. “I’ll tell the beefcake in question about your worries. I’m sure he’ll be just as concerned as I am.”
Mark scowled. “I don’t need security hanging out in the midway all night. It’s unnecessary.”
“Oh, no.” I made a clucking sound that I knew would drive him crazy. “I don’t want to shirk my duties. I’ll make sure he’s aware of the situation and provides the supervision you so clearly need. He’ll want to remain on top of this. I know him well enough to recognize that. He’s nothing but diligent when it comes to his work.”
“You suck.”
“And don’t you forget it.” I offered Mark a half-hearted wave as I cut through two tents and headed for the main drag. I pulled up short when I saw Kade appear on the pathway in front of me. “I … um … what’s up?”
Kade pursed his lips, amused. “I was coming to check on you. I saw you talking to Mark, so I decided to wait, because … well … I hate talking to that guy. You looked as if you were deep in conversation. Is something wrong?”
“Other than him?”
“Point taken.”
“He’s just being Mark,” I replied, tucking the doll into my pocket and shifting closer to Kade. “He thanked me for the lack of supervision while slapping me down for it at the same time. He then demanded to be included in decisions when it comes to venues.”
“Why?”
“He hates a dry venue,” I explained. “It cuts into the midway’s profits, and his entire reason for existing is pulling in the biggest slice of the profit pie.”
“Yeah, he’s explained that to me several times.” Kade shuffled from one foot to the other. “Do you need me to talk to him? I think you’ve got enough on your plate without having to deal with the likes of him.”
“Thanks for the kind offer, but … I’m okay.” Surprisingly, I found that to be the truth. Once I decided to stop feeling sorry for myself my mood elevated fairly quickly. “He did call you a side beefcake, though.”
Kade’s eyebrows arched. “Really?”
“I told him I was going to put you in charge of his supervision, so if you want to mess with him, frequent visits to the midway tomorrow night would pretty much unhinge him. That’s always fun to watch.”
“Good to know.” Kade took a step back and extended his hand in a sweeping motion. “Dinner is ready, by the way. I thought you might want to walk back to trailer row with me.”
I chewed my lip as I fell into step with him, confused. “Why are you being so … flirty?”
“I didn’t realize I was.”
“I’m not complaining,” I said hurriedly. “You’re sending mixed messages, though.”
“You started the flirting back up,” Kade reminded me. “I’m simply following your lead.”
Was that true? “I didn’t mean to pressure you.”
Kade chuckled. “I don’t believe that for a second. If it’s any consolation, I don’t feel pressured. It’s … fine.”
“I’ve been using the word ‘fine’ for ten days and I never meant it when I said it,” I admitted. “Do you mean it or … how are you feeling?” I changed course in the middle of my thought, causing Kade to snicker.
“I can never decide if your mind or mouth is busier,” he said, shaking his head. “I feel better than I have in recent days. I don’t feel good, mind you, but there’s a certain weight that’s been lifted from my shoulders. For a few days there I didn’t feel as if I could breathe. That, thankfully, has gone away.”
“I’m glad for you. I … .”
“Don’t ruin it,” Kade warned, holding up a finger. “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I know I’m sick of hating you. Can we please have dinner without a deep discussion?”
“Sure.” I nodded. “What do you want to talk about? I hear the weather is a real crowd pleaser when you want to avoid deep discussions.”
Kade chuckled. “Let’s see what Luke has on his slate, shall we? He’s always good for a laugh.”
“He is indeed.”
“I’M TELLING yo
u that polygamy is the way to go,” Luke announced. “I’ve been giving it some thought … and doing a little research … and I think multiple spouses is the way to go. I would have to be the alpha, but I think I would do well with six or seven husbands.”
The table broke out in riotous guffaws as I cleaned my plate, grinning as Luke took center stage and amused the crowd. He certainly knew how to play to a rapt audience.
“I think it’s a good idea, too,” Nellie said. “The problem is that everyone wants to be the alpha and no one wants to be in the harem.”
“I don’t think it’s supposed to be referred to as a harem,” I pointed out. “I’m not big on sharing, so I can’t see going that route. Plus, well, I think you lose intimacy when you add other people into the mix.”
Kade sent me a thoughtful gaze as he stroked his chin. “I can’t keep up with one woman. Having more than one sounds like a headache.”
“Perhaps you haven’t focused on the right woman,” Raven suggested sweetly.
“I’m pretty sure I can make that decision for myself,” Kade shot back.
Luke ignored the potential argument and fixated on me. “I think you’d be a headache to any man, whether you had sister wives or not. I think that’s part of the magic that is you.”
“Oh, you’re so sweet.” I poked his side. “I think the same could be said for you. You already have delusions of greatness. If you had seven husbands pumping up your ego you’d risk floating away.”
“I can live with that.”
After a few more minutes of banter I pushed myself to a standing position and dumped my plate in the trash receptacle. Nellie and Dolph were on cleanup duty for the night, so I offered everyone a wave before heading toward my trailer. The sound of trailing footsteps caused me to glance over my shoulder, and I jolted when I found Kade following me.
“What are you doing?”
“Going to bed.”
“Your trailer is that way.” I pointed for emphasis, frowning when I saw my finger tremble. I was a bit shaky, but I couldn’t pinpoint why.
“I’m sleeping in your trailer.” Kade’s voice was firm. “If you want to pick a fight over it, let’s wait until we’re inside and away from prying ears.”
I pursed my lips, but did as he asked, waiting until the door shut to shrug out of my hoodie and meet his gaze. “You know they’ll simply plant themselves outside to eavesdrop, right?”
“Probably. We don’t have to make it easy for them, though.”
“You don’t have to do this,” I offered. “I’m perfectly safe.”
“We don’t know that,” Kade argued. “All we know is that someone very likely broke into your trailer and bit you … or sucked on you … or something equally creepy. We also know that someone made a doll with your hair and you’re very likely a target.”
“I know you probably get tired of hearing this, but I can take care of myself.”
“You didn’t wake up on your own last time,” Kade reminded me. “I’d feel better if I was close to make sure that nothing happens.”
“Because it’s your job?”
Kade looked conflicted. “Because I need to do it.”
I blew out a sigh as I removed the doll from my pocket and rested it on the counter. “Okay. I assume you want to sleep on the couch, right? I’ll get you a blanket and pillow.”
“I’ll sleep in the bed.”
His answer caused my heart to skip a beat and I made a sound – something akin to a wounded animal – deep in my throat. “W-what?”
“Nothing is going to happen,” Kade supplied, although I couldn’t tell if he was reassuring himself or me. “The couch is shorter than my body. I’ll be more comfortable in the bed. No one will get past me if I’m sleeping next to you.”
“But … .”
“I don’t have answers, so don’t ask me questions,” he warned. “I need a good night’s sleep. I haven’t had one in days – weeks really – and I need it. So we’re going to sleep in the same bed. It’s not as though we haven’t done it before.”
I thought about arguing. I figured I could push the issue and maybe even get my way, force him to say something he wasn’t quite ready to admit. Instead I merely nodded. “Okay. I’m going to wash my face and change into some pajamas.”
“I’ll meet you in the bedroom.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
TEN MINUTES later I found myself trying to get comfortable as Kade tugged the blanket over both of us. He lay on his back, his arms folded behind his head as he stared at the ceiling.
I killed the lamp on the nightstand and shifted twice, searching for comfort when I feared there was none to be claimed. “This is weird, huh?”
Kade chuckled at my observation. “It would be easier if I could touch you.”
“I’m not stopping you.”
“I’m stopping me. I don’t know what to feel. I don’t know what to think. All I know is that I’m exhausted.”
“So … sleep,” I prodded. “I promise not to molest you when you’re unconscious.”
“Oh, well, that’s sort of a bummer.”
I grinned, although he couldn’t see it in the darkness. “I really am sorry for all of it.”
Kade sighed. “I know you are. That’s what makes things so difficult. I told myself I was going to hate you forever, but I’m pretty sure that’s not possible. That doesn’t mean I can forgive you.
“I feel as if I’m caught in a web and there’s no escape,” he continued. “I’m the stupid fly and I’m going to die if I don’t figure a way out.”
“Am I the spider in that analogy?”
“You’re either the spider or another fly, with the web acting as a surrogate for the tangled mess of the bigger world. Which would you prefer?”
“I’m not big on bugs.”
Kade snorted. “I guess that’s fair. Turn off your brain and get some sleep. I’ll be here when you wake in the morning.”
We lapsed into comfortable silence. Despite the surreal situation, I felt sleep tugging at the corners of my mind. “Kade?”
“Hmm.”
“If I had to choose, I would be another fly,” I offered. “I would rather stand with you than against you.”
“Good answer. Now sleep.”
“Goodnight.”
“Sweet dreams.”
15
Fifteen
I woke to find my face pressed against Kade’s shoulder and his arm around my back. I took a moment to grasp my surroundings, confusion causing a murky mist to slow my brain, and then I realized I had a golden opportunity.
I flicked my eyes up to make sure Kade was still asleep, and then ran my fingertip over his solid chest. He’s built like one of those male models who pose for romance covers, and even though he chose to sleep in a shirt I couldn’t stop myself from letting my hands wander. That led to my mind wandering, but that was to be expected.
I rubbed my palm over his chest, relishing the steady beat of his heart, and let loose with a wistful sigh. Of course, that’s when he woke.
“What are you doing?”
“Um … .” I pressed my lips together as my cheeks burned and considered pretending I was still asleep. He couldn’t bust me for being handsy if I was dreaming.
“I see your mind working from here,” Kade said, pressing the heel of his hand to his eye and giving it a good rub as he regarded me. “Are you considering pretending to be asleep?”
Crap! How did he know that? “Um … .”
Kade snorted, his chest rumbling as the laughter washed over me. “You’re a freaking trip. Do you like what you see?”
“You have a shirt on,” I pointed out.
“That was on purpose. I was trying to make sure no one lost their head while we slept.”
“I didn’t lose my head. It’s on my shoulders.”
“Good deal,” Kade muttered, wiping the corners of his mouth. “Can you please stop doing that? It’s giving me ideas. I can’t afford to have ideas tha
t don’t revolve around keeping you safe right now.”
I realized my hand was still roaming the expansive plains of his chest and jerked it back, mortified. “I am so sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry,” Kade chided. “I knew it was a risk when I suggested we sleep together.”
“Is that why you did it?” It was an honest question, but the dark look Kade shot in my direction told me he didn’t appreciate my bluntness.
“That is not why I did it,” he answered. “I … um … .” Now he was the one left fumbling.
I could’ve taken pity on him. I didn’t. “Did you hope I would make the first move? That’s still an option.”
Kade snagged my hand before I could tickle his side, taking me by surprise when he offered me an intense look. He opened his mouth, as if he was going to say something important, and then snapped it shut. He didn’t release my hand as he stared at me, and for one wild moment I thought he might lean forward a few inches and kiss me. My lips went numb at the prospect.
“I … .”
Kade didn’t break eye contact for a long time, finally pressing the tips of my fingers to his mouth and kissing them before rolling away from me. He shifted his legs over the side of the bed and stared at the blank wall that separated the bedroom from the bathroom.
“I need time to think.”
I ran my tongue over my teeth and tamped down my disappointment. That was fair, of course. He’d earned the right to think and make decisions without me pressuring him. Besides, it would be better for both of us if he made the right decision from the start and didn’t change his mind later. That would only crush both of us.
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