“Watching one of my movies?” he teased.
I loved the movies Dad did stunts for and watched them over and over. “If I can get them to watch an action flick.” I jumped off the bed. “Probably some sappy romance,” I gagged.
He laughed. “I’ll wait downstairs for you, okay?” At my nod, he dropped the pillow back on the bed and left.
Me: Dad will drop us off at Sam’s after the carnie.
I sent a quick text to Laika then stood in front of my closet debating what to wear.
The carnival was in full swing when we got there, thirty minutes later. Dusk had just settled over the sky and against it, the lit Ferris wheel stood out like a giant Christmas tree. Screams and squeals coming from the rides filled the air, adding treble to the rock music blaring through speakers around the grounds. I scrunched my nose inhaling the smell of popcorn, candy floss and barbequed steak. My stomach rumbled, reminding me I’d skipped lunch.
“Hey, Logan, Skye.” The sheriff tipped his hat at us as he walked by. “I need to bring Bessie for that training we discussed,” he called over his shoulder, referring to the new horse he’d just bought.
“You do that,” Dad replied with a wave then guided me toward the food court.
Red and white checked covered tables, scattered across a large grassy area surrounded by several food stations, hosted families that tucked into delicious food amid loud laughter and chatting.
“There.” Dad pointed to Shay waving at us. A quick smile stretched my lips and Dad noticed. “Glad to see he made you happy with just a wave.” I wrinkled my nose at him as we walked.
When we got to the table, Shay greeted Dad and introduced him to Ryleigh’s parents before turning to me. “Hey, Blue.” He grasped me in a hug. The woodsy spice of his cologne wrapped itself around me and I inhaled sharply. He stood back, his gray eyes roving the length of my body before the dimple in his left cheek dipped and his lips curved into a sexy smile.
Oh, gosh, did I just call my brother’s smile sexy. How weird is that?
Right on cue, my insides spun crazy fire, taking over my thought process. I had no idea why but lately every look from Shay felt different, like I was burning up from the inside out and with every smile, a bizarre tingle filled my body from the tips of my toes to my neck. The warmer the look, the hotter my body grew.
Shay wasn’t supposed to make me feel that way, right? I tried to ignore it, but I couldn’t stop thinking about how his muscular body felt against mine whenever he hugged me, how is laugh always caused goosebumps on my skin or how he lavished me with attention when I asked a question like I was the most important person in the room.
What if I was infatuated with Shay? Was that even possible? Was I mental?
I was no closer to understanding my reactions when he said, “you look pretty today.”
My cheeks lit up and I blushed hard, glad I’d changed my jeans and tee for a white summer dress that sat just above my knees and paired with white sneakers. My long blonde hair, usually worn open around my waist, was pulled into a high ponytail. I’d even added a pair of silver stud earrings and finished my look with a touch of pink lip-gloss and mascara, Aunt Sarah bought me.
Shay introduced me to Ryleigh’s parents, as her mom unpacked plates and cutlery from a picnic basket while her father and Dad went off to fetch the food. I was helping her mom with the wine glasses when Ryleigh appeared. So pretty in tight white shorts and a lemon tank top, her black hair with green highlights bouncing around her shoulders, her winged eyeliner enhancing almond-shaped brown eyes and an equally beautiful girl in tow.
Stupidly, my insides flattened. What was I thinking, trying to act all grown up around them? They were gorgeous women while I was just a blushing teen trying to fit in.
Griffin came up behind them and I wasn’t sure if he noticed my sullen look because he made a beeline for me. “How’s the prettiest girl on the planet.” He wrapped his arms around my waist and lifting me against his body, he planted a wet kiss to my cheek, making me laugh.
“Prettiest girl on the planet?” Ryleigh asked when he set me back down. “Hey, Skye,” she greeted, her smile half-hearted.
“Hey,” I replied, catching Dad’s look to play nice as he came back and set the food on the table.
“Of course,” Griffin grunted. “I’ve never come across another girl that matches baby girl’s beauty.” He squeezed my waist and more laughter spilled from my lips.
“What about me and Lucy?” Ryleigh jerked a thumb at the other girl.
“Nope. Not even close.” Griffin imitated a gag, earning a punch in the arm from Ryleigh. “You ladies seriously can’t expect to compare with a beautiful teenager who’s going to steal hearts with just her smile,” he goaded, his lips curling in a smirk.
My cheeks flushed red. Ryleigh’s lips pursed in a scowl and next to her, Lucy pouted. I didn’t blame her for seeking Griffin’s attention. With wavy brown hair, deep green eyes, a muscular body, and a naturally mischievous smile, he was a drool-worthy catch.
“As long as Shay thinks I’m the prettiest girl on the planet, I don’t care what you think,” Ryleigh scoffed, looking at Shay. “Isn’t that right, baby?”
He didn’t answer her. His expression unreadable, his gaze stayed riveted on Griffin’s arm, still around my waist, for a moment more than a passing glance and when his eyes lifted to meet mine, his jaw tightened.
“Shay agrees with me,” Griffin mocked, and Ryleigh’s middle finger shot up. “Can’t take the heat, huh.” He winked at her. She ignored him. Not sure if Griffin also snagged Shay’s observation, I startled when he scooped me up in his arms and nuzzled the crook of my neck. Ticklish, I laughed uncontrollably. “I’m going to marry you one day, Skye,” Griffin said loud enough for everyone to hear.
Shocked, my jaw dropped.
