She ducks underneath my arm and jumps to the ground. “Let’s continue our day off. I’m thinking we can stroll through the market in the center of town. What do you say?”
“Only if you’ll let me flirt with Mrs. Carter. She’s eighty and easy.”
Macey rolls her eyes, and I chuckle as we start walking toward Main Street.
“You know that woman can’t stand my family. She thinks The Cowherd should be shut down because my daddy is an alcoholic. I can’t say she’s necessarily wrong, of course. But she doesn’t have to be so judgmental.”
“No, she doesn’t. But you know I love getting under your skin. And Mrs. Carter makes it too damn simple.”
When we reach the outdoor market, we walk from tent to tent, chatting with the vendors and trying everything from grape soda in giant beer mugs that say “Choose Your Mr. Darcy” to putting temporary tattoos on our forearms. The tattoos are Macey’s idea, and somehow I let her talk me into it. We already got real tattoos together years ago, and that’s all I need.
But getting fake tattoos today feels like a good way to reset and just have some fun.
Macey chooses both our tattoos from Gwen, who runs the booth, and she won’t let me look at mine until it’s on.
“Okay, go ahead and see.”
I glance down at the inside of my forearm.
“Darcy Rocks.” I shake my head. “Jesus, our town is so damn cheesy.”
“Tell me about it.” She shows me her arm.
“The Cowherd Whiskey Saloon & Chapel complete with an actual image of a cow.” I chuckle. “How did Gwen decide on that design?”
“I’m sure my mother talked to Gwen and asked her to include it on the list of options.”
“These ridiculous tattoos are my limit. I’m calling it. No more tents for us,” I say firmly, leading her away from the town lawn. “Let’s go get cupcakes.”
We leave the grassy area and head across the street to the row of limestone buildings along Main Street. We pass the library and the inn and head into the bakery. After we order a cupcake each, Macey turns and puts her hand on my arm.
“Thank you,” she says simply.
I know what she means, but I play dumb. Because I love it when she’s happy, and I want to see her smile a little longer. “For what?”
She squeezes my bicep, and my dick hardens. “For this. For today.” She leans her head on my shoulder.
I soak in the moment, knowing it will be over long before I’m ready.
“You’re welcome, Mace. You deserve more of these days, you know.”
“Maybe someday,” she says.
“Hey!” I turn at the familiar voice.
Blake and his current “girlfriend”—and I use that term loosely because Blake doesn’t date anyone for more than a month or two—stroll through the screen door of the bakery.
“What are y’all up to?” he asks.
“Getting a snack.” Macey smiles at his girlfriend. “Hi, Raquel. Nice to see you again.”
Blake kisses Raquel’s cheek. “What do you want, baby? A chocolate cupcake okay?”
The redhead glares at him. “I’m allergic to chocolate.”
His eyes widen in surprise. “Really?”
She frowns. “I’ve told you that every time we’ve been out, Blake. It’s like you don’t pay attention to a word I say.”
