Slipping her feet into a pair of white gladiator sandals, she gave one final glance at her reflection.
“Hello gorgeous,” she purred at her reflection, and grinned.
Yeah, some would say she was vain, but those people didn’t know her heart, the place where the insecurities, fears, and imposter syndrome lived. She was confident she could grab and hold a man’s attention, but that didn’t mean she wanted it.
Within ten minutes, she was in her car and on her way to the fairgrounds and an evening of fun.
Her moment of bliss turned into cold anticipation when the strangest sensation rioted through her. Her heart thudded in her chest, and she struggled to breathe through the fear burrowing deep into her lungs. Gripping the wheel, she tamped down theunease, fighting to gain control of her emotions. She peered behind her and shuddered as dread forced its way into her veins.
Something is coming. Something is coming. Something is coming.
She couldn’t shake the thought that something was pursuing her, waiting for her to falter so it could overtake her, like a cheetah waiting for a wildebeest to stumble so it could sink its razor-sharp fangs into the soft throat of its prey.
Breathe in. Breathe out. Slow the racing heartbeat. Take stock, nothing is there, it’s all in your imagination.
Abruptly, as if the gates of hell swung open to call back its minions, the oppression retreated.
Sucking in a fortifying gulp of air, she tried to concentrate on driving. Right now, more than anything, she wanted to be safe at home.
Safe from what?
Unable to shake the slick layer of wrongness left behind, Haven shuddered.
Meanwhile, something waited, crouched and ready to devour her whole.
Chapter Three
By the time she arrived at the fairgrounds, Haven had her outward façade of a carefree, newly single woman in place. She glanced in the rearview mirror, searching her features for any outward signs of what happened in the strange, inexplicable moments in her car. Her heartrate had returned to normal, and the “dreadicles” in her stomach had disappeared.
The fairgrounds were abuzz; tents, rides, and other structures visible over a chain-link fence covered with thick, black plastic slats. If this was an adults-only carnival, as Elleane explained, then making sure prying innocent eyes couldn’t see inside was a good idea.
After getting out of the car, she immediately welcomed the delectable sounds of laughter and music, the mouthwatering scent of deep-fried food, and the eye-catching sight of gorgeous men.
She took a deep breath, smoothed her hands over her hair, tugged at her skirt, and steadied her emotions. The giddy girl in her wanted to forget all the craziness from the car and let go for one night. With that thought in mind, she went looking for her friends, determined to enjoy Carlenna’sCarnal-Val.
Haven met up with Elleane and Rhiannon inside the entrance gate. Rhiannon, the newest member of their “band of the beautiful and fun-loving,” started working at the club six months ago. Her perky, yet reserved personality, cloaked in a hard-nosed, no-nonsense candy shell, made her an immediate comrade-in-arms. Over a night of freely flowing margaritas,Monty Python, and “almost-pissed-my-pants” laughter, they’d forged an inseparable bond.
Elleane and Rhiannon greeted her with quick hugs and warm smiles.
“Hey, hey! This place looks amazing.” The provocatively dressed carnival-goers moved among large, red and orange tents, food vendors peddled their fattening wares, and flashing lights and carnival posters filled her vision. “I can’t believe we’re here. A carnival for grownups—what a kick!” She laughed.
“Okay, I can’t keep my excitement in my pants, let’s get going. I’m ready to see the sights, eat some food, and get a cheesy t-shirt!” Elleane squealed.
“Wow,” Haven breathed as the bright colors, upbeat carnival music, and raucous noise dazzled her. “You outdid yourself on this one.”
Elleane’s smile could melt ice off Pluto. “I did, didn’t I? I knew you’d love this place. Now, let’s go see what’s socarnalabout Carlenna’sCarnal-Val.” She moved in the direction of the fairway, and Rhiannon and Haven tried to keep up in the crush of people.
Since none of them had eaten, they stopped at a food truck featuring street tacos and carnitas.
“This is delicious,” Rhiannon exclaimed as she dug into her food. The other two mumbled in agreement as they devoured bite after bite of their own messy but delicious tortilla masterpieces.
Haven grinned and peered at all the amazing diversions. “Carlenna'sCarnal-Val is something else, isn’t it?”
“It sure is,” Elleane said, pointing at a fire-eater. “Hmm, he's hot.”
They chuckled.
“So, Haven, you glad all this divorce and gambling debt stuff is over?” Rhiannon asked, nursing a beer.
