Page 11 of Enchanted Hero (The Secret Enchanters #1)

The slightest shiver came at the low words, as the mood changed. “That’s perfect.” She cleared her throat. “I also saw a flying saucer, Big Foot and a unicorn. The witch tried to cast a spell on me, but I foiled it.”

“Too bad.” He winked. “It sounds like fun.”

She relaxed. “If you had magic powers, the world would be in big trouble.”

He laughed.

They conversed amicably for the rest of the drive, touching upon a wide range of subjects, from the trivial and light to the serious and important.

They agreed on most matters, their interests and opinions converging greatly.

Alexander was fascinating and charming, and she enjoyed the conversation more than she’d ever admit.

It seemed as if mere seconds had passed when they reached the colorful flags signaling the country fair.

The county fair was a delight to the senses.

Massive rides soared high into the sky, their passengers twisting and turning and speeding in loop di loops.

Huge red and white tents dotted the green expanse, surrounded by hundreds of smaller tents offering games, fried treats and neon toys.

The festivities were a sea of colorful lights and sounds, set to the zipping of some of the largest coasters in the world. “Wow.”

“Impressive, isn’t it?” Alexander pointed out the window as the car turned into the VIP parking lot. “The fair attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year.”

“I can’t believe how high they go.” She shielded her eyes from the sun as a coaster zoomed almost directly overhead. “They must feel like they’re flying.”

“Not quite.”

“What?”

“Nevermind. Would you like to ride it?”

She shook her head firmly. “Thank you, but I’ll keep my feet on the ground.”

They reached the parking attendant, who took a single glance at Alexander through the open window and allowed them immediate entrance.

The chauffer threaded his way to the front gate, and they disembarked into a wide green field.

The scent of grass and cotton candy mingled, amidst the rumble of rides and tinkling of children’s laughter.

Boisterous music played from a dozen directions at once, carried on a cool breeze that tickled her skin and ruffled her hair.

The ticket clerk recognized Alexander as well, of course. Actually, by the pointing fingers, wide smiles and boisterous waves, everyone recognized him. “I forgot you’re a celebrity.”

“Hardly.” He nodded politely to a group of attractive women vying for his attention. “People know Stone Holdings.”

“Stone Holdings is well-known, but you’re the main attraction. Of course, you have been on the cover of sixty-two magazines.”

“Actually, it’s only thirty-four.”

She stopped. “Really?”

He shrugged, and she resumed walking. “You’re far more popular than you admit.

” Perhaps it was his good looks and charm, or the power, wealth and mystery that ever-surrounded him, but the world had a fascination with Alexander Stone.

He was the ultimate catch, the bachelor of every woman’s dreams. There had even been a petition to get him on that show, the one where dozens of ladies vied for one man’s hand.

Apparently, even the producers had been interested, but the man wasn’t. Everyone had been disappointed.

“I think they mentioned me in the fair program.”

Everleigh halted. “You mean people came today just to see you?”

His lips twitched. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were–”

“Don’t you dare say it!”

“How do you know what I’m going to say?” He smiled widely. “Can you read my mind?”

“I don’t need to read your mind. You think I’m jealous.” Just because she had the ridiculous urge to challenge his admirers to mud wrestling, which they offered here, didn’t mean she was jealous. “I’m sure you enjoy women fighting over you. By the size of your fan club, it must happen quite often.”

“Did you join my fan club?”

“I was joking.” She parted her lips. “Do you actually have a fan club?”

He merely shrugged. And she sighed. “I don’t need to join your fan club. I already know the real you.”

“Do you?” He folded his arms across his chest, and his biceps bulged. She tried to keep her gaze on his face, she really did, but well – biceps.

“Everleigh?”

“Hmm?”

“You do realize you’re ogling me.”

She gasped.

“Not that I mind.” He winked. “I just thought you should know.”

She put her hands on her hips. “I. Was. Not. Ogling. You.”

“And I believe you,” he replied smoothly. In all fairness, she had been ogling him. “But I contradict the assertion you have me all figured out.”

Perhaps there was a mystery behind Alexander Stone. “You’re a powerful man accustomed to getting what he wants. With so many adoring fans, you think you have the right to take control.”

“I’m a successful businessman, Everleigh.” He looked straight at her. “I possess strategies for attaining what I desire. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“Even when they infringe on someone else’s rights?”

“I like a challenge.”

Was that all she was to him? “I don’t care how many women wave at you.

” It had been thirty-two. “Just don’t start thinking you have superpowers.

” She started walking again, this time quicker, as if she could somehow escape him.

And she ignored the million or so women who waved at him, as well as the suspicion that just maybe jealousy could be involved.

She couldn’t be jealous. Because that would mean she actually liked him.

And nothing was more frightening than that.

They strolled in silence for a few minutes, but then Alexander broke it with lighthearted banter about his family.

Despite her efforts to remain aloof, his fascinating tales snagged her, and she laughed and reminisced as she shared her own special memories.

Just like that, their easy camaraderie returned, and somehow they edged closer with every step.

When he reached out to grasp her hand, she allowed it.

The fair was loud and colorful and altogether wonderful.

Hundreds of tiny booths vied for attention, crammed with beeping, yapping and ringing toys, gigantic dolls and neon plastic novelties.

Sales pitches clamored as vendors sold fair-favorites from pizza to burgers to deep fried everything .

Clowns on stilts paraded through the street, set to a background of speeding roller coasters and racing pigs.

Even at this early hour, the fair was packed, with everyone from babies to seniors making their own priceless family memories.

She passed a sign painted blue with crystal stars. “A fortune teller. I love those.”

Alexander sighed. “Don’t tell me you believe in those, too.”

“I believe some people have certain abilities.” She stepped toward the fortune teller’s tent. “For instance, there’s you.”

For a second his eyes flashed, a play of the sun making it seem like they literally glowed. He folded his arms across his chest. “What abilities do you think I have?”

“The ability to get people to do what you want. To follow your every bidding. To worship you. All except me, of course.”

He visibly relaxed. “Those aren’t powers.”

“Just because you don’t have special abilities doesn’t mean other people don’t. You don’t have to be the best in everything, you know.” She grinned, tapping him on the shoulder.

He looked down to where she’d touched him, and his lips curved into a smile. “That’s ridiculous. If extraordinary people existed, surely I’d be their leader.”

She pulled him toward the tent. “Come on. Maybe I can convince you to let her you’re your fortune. Then I’ll find out all your secrets.”

“Are you sure you’re ready to hear them?” His voice was low and soft. And suddenly she had the urge to do exactly that.

Just perhaps Alexander Stone had secrets worth discovering.