Iblink awake slowly –my thoughts immediately going back to her. Again. What’s new?
She’s the bane of my existence, truthfully. Yet, I’m strangely intrigued by her.
Shaking away the thoughts of Scarlett, I realise that today is the fair.
A grin pulls at my lips.
Finally, I’m getting out of this house. Away from her.
I saw the sign along the drive up and after being stuck so long in this house with the Pilates Princess with no escape, I’m excited to get some real fresh air and a change of scenery..
I swing my legs out of bed, sitting up and running my fingers through my sleep-tousled hair. I reach my hands up, stretching before I move across the room toward my bathroom to quickly jump in the shower.
I pull on my clothes –black shorts and the Rainiers team shirt and grab a black baseball cap before I make my way downstairs.
Only to stop halfway down when I spot Scarlett leaning against the kitchen counter, the morning light spilling over her, bathing her in its glow. Beautiful.
She turned to smirk at me. “Morning. I thought I’d try and catch you before you left.”
“Uh - yeah. I was just heading out, actually.” I say, diverting my eyes to look for an escape. The last thing I need right now is to spend more time with this girl.
“Yeah. To the fair. I’ve decided I want to come.” She pushed off the counter, starting to move toward me. Shit.
My eyebrows pull together. “Why? Getting bored of doing your stretching shit?” I jibe.
Her eyes narrow as she continues to walk until she is standing right in front of me, head tilted back to maintain eye contact.
“It sounded fun. Besides, you need someone to drive you. Don’t you?” She rolls her eyes.
I open my mouth to respond but she beats me to it.
“I’m coming with you, Levi.”
I haven’t planned on having any company. Just myself – some shitty food, a few rides and a chance to get my head straight because this girl has been driving me insane.
I look into her eyes. Like, I really look into her eyes. She’s already decided. I have no choice but to relent. Refusing her would be stupid.
I give her one last out anyway.
“You sure you want to spend the whole day with me?” I say with a small smirk because maybe reverse psychology might work on her.
Her grin widens as her hand comes up to cup my jaw. I know I’ve failed.
“Oh, I’m absolutely positive, Carter.” She says as she strokes her thumb along my cheekbone.
My heart stutters. Fuck. I am so fucked.
I need to go back to hating her. But gazing into those incredible green eyes, I already know that’s not going to happen.
…
I step out of the passenger side of the car, taking a deep breath before looking at my surroundings.
A giant Ferris wheel looms over us, the sun shining off the colourful metal. Striped tents and colourful booths with vendors calling out. Large crowds with kids tugging their parents along to different rides and games.
We meet at the front of the car before walking toward the gate.
I pay the fee before stepping through only to hear a cough behind me.
