Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 68594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
I ran a hand through my hair, noting I needed to get a trim. I would go into town next week and get it cut.
I glanced in that direction, knowing, right now, the fair was happening. The Ferris wheel and Tilt-A-Whirl would be going nonstop. The air would be rife with the scent of deep-fried foods and sweet treats. Families would be gathered, couples strolling, kids laughing. Glancing at my watch, I saw it was barely past eight. I could drive in, walk around, maybe have a corn dog. Chat with some neighbors and friends. It wasn’t my usual style, at least not these days, but maybe Laura was right. I needed to move forward. Before I could overthink it, I had my keys in my hand, shutting the door firmly behind me, and climbed into my truck, heading into town.
Why, I had no idea, except I didn’t want to be alone anymore.
The fairgrounds were busy, but I found a spot, parked, and headed toward the bright lights. Everything I recalled about the fair hit me. The sounds, the smells, the lights.
I wandered a bit, talked to a few shocked people, hid from some others I had no desire to converse with. I got a corn dog, munching on it as I walked. I watched the rides, a smile pulling on my mouth as I listened to the screams of laughter, a few shrieks of terror, and the general happiness around me. Deciding I needed a beer, I headed toward the tent, planning on getting a cold draft and sitting in the corner to watch people.
I skirted the main area, walking around a few passionate clinches, a couple arguing, and then headed toward my goal. But it was the sound of a scared voice that stopped me.
“No. Please, just leave me alone.”
“Hey, darling,” a slurred voice replied. “We just wanna have a little fun.”
“I said no. Let me go.”
Frowning, I stopped behind an enclosure, peering into the darkness. Three younger men were standing in a loose circle around a woman, who had her arms wrapped around her torso. I couldn’t make out her features, but I heard the fear in her voice.
“I was just headed to the midway.”
“You shouldn’t have taken that shortcut,” another of the men insisted. “We can help you have fun.”
Rage simmered in my chest, and I curled my hands into fists. Stepping forward, I grabbed two of them by the shoulders, pushing them away from the woman.
“She said no. Are you fucking deaf?”
The two I pushed stumbled, falling on their asses. They blinked up at me, unsure where I had come from. In the dim light, I studied their features, but I didn’t recognize any of them. I turned to the one still gripping the woman’s arm. “Let her go. Now.”
“Why don’t you mind your own business?” he said, his bravado stupidly speaking up.
I stepped closer. “Why don’t you remove your hands before I rip your arms out of their sockets for you?”
He blinked, looked at his friends, and dropped his hands. He stood back, holding them up. “Sorry, just a misunderstanding.”
“You want to know another misunderstanding?” I snarled. “The lady said no. That means no. Here in Richton, we respect that word. And the law. I can see you boys aren’t from around here, so I’ll give you a choice. You have thirty seconds to get the hell out of here and never come back—or you can stay, and I’ll take you all on. I’ll even give you a head start.” I chuckled, my voice low and threatening as I flexed my shoulders. “But I guarantee the only one standing will be me. I’ll even help the sheriff pour your asses into the cruiser as he takes you to jail for accosting this lady.”
“Jesus,” one of the idiots still on the ground muttered. “I’m leaving.”
In seconds, they had run off. I watched them with narrowed eyes, wondering if I should have called the police anyway. I turned to the woman, who was watching me with wide eyes.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes,” she said with a nod. “They had just surrounded me when you showed up.”
“I don’t think they’re from around here.” I studied her. “Neither are you.”
“No, I’m visiting.”
“Ah.”
“I shouldn’t have cut through this area,” she said. “It was unwise.”
“You shouldn’t have to worry about being accosted by drunken idiots at a town carnival,” I replied. “But let’s get you to the midway.” I swept my arm out. “This way.”
She went in front of me, and I tried not to notice the way her hips swayed. She wore a pair of loose denim overalls, but they didn’t disguise her shapely form. She had a great ass.
I shook my head, clearing the thoughts.
She stumbled, and I automatically reached out, grasping her waist and pulling her close, keeping her upright.