“Thank you, Riley!” the man with the mike nods toward me.
I nod back awkwardly.
It’s fine. Riley is a common name. It’s not like he said my last name…
“Everyone, give it up for Riley Carter!”The go-cart owner says and then he starts clapping.
The crowd follows, applauding too.
Everyone is looking at me.
A hundred pairs of eyes.
But only one pair matter.
Even from a distance, I can see Nat’s jaw dropping as his deep green eyes fill with shock.
And horror.
Chapter Six
NATHAN
The last time I saw Riley Carter, she was this scrawny little girl with braces, acne, and two frizzy pigtails running down her shoulders.
Bossy and annoying.
That’s how I’d describe her.
“Riley Carter!” The guy with the microphone booms.
He’s staring right at the woman who took off like Cinderella from my arms.
That’sRiley Carter?
MyRiley Carter?
Braces and acne and little shy smiles Riley Carter?
Riley does a brief, awkward wave and dodges the spotlight the way she’s been dodging me around town.
And it hits me then.
That’swhy she’s been avoiding me. Riley thought I’d recognize her if we crossed paths, but I had her right in my arms, right up against my face, and nothing registered.
To be fair, she looksnothinglike she did when she was younger. I mean… I’ve never seen Riley Carter as awoman.
Which feels kind of creepy to even think.
Riley Carter?
A woman?
Worse yet, a woman I felt an attraction to?
Blah! I want to wash my eyes out.
Why didn’t she tell me who she was?
