Page 30 of Fairground (Whitewood Creek Farm #3)

Cash : I need you to come here and help me with these damn decorations, woman.

Rae : Sorry, can’t, have to take the boys to their baseball practice. Can’t you cover the committee for a day?

Cash : Yeah, but Mrs. Mayberry wants me to string some lights up on the Ferris Wheel and now I’m getting hard around her because I’m thinking about your bare pussy on my face while I'm hanging in this cart.

Rae : Well that simply won’t do.

Cash : You’re right. Maybe I can find the one that you sat on and see if it still smells like your wet cunt.

Rae : Please enlighten me. What would you possibly do if you found that chair?

Cash : Lick the seat.

Rae : You’re sick. You know that, right?

Cash : Sick for you.

Rae : Cash, you need to keep things professional, or the committee is going to suspect something happened. Plus, it rained the whole weekend. Any evidence of our tryst should be washed away by now.

Cash : Dammit. Guess I just need you to come back here and sit on it again. Scratch that, my face.

Rae : Stop.

Cash : Never. When will you be done?

Rae : Not until late. Laken’s at a conference out of town until tomorrow so I have to stay here for bedtime and overnight.

Cash : So... Monday? We should call an emergency meeting to make sure everything’s decorated.

Rae : No. Please don’t. I can’t do Monday either.

Cash : Why the hell not?

Rae : Because I'd only planned for Wednesday—our original time for the committee and we're meeting with Macie and the entertainment that day. Monday, I’m covering for parent-teacher conferences while Laken’s at work. She has a late surgery.

Cash : So come to the bar afterwards when Laken gets home.

Rae : I don’t think that’s a good idea…

Cash : Why the hell not?

Rae : Because we should be keeping things professional.

Cash : Pretty sure that went out the window the moment my tongue spiked your clit, and you screamed out, "Yes, Cash!"

Rae : …

Cash : I need you, Edward.

Rae : Edward?!

Cash : Edward Scissorhands.

Rae : You can’t hit on me then call me Edward Scissorhands in the same text thread.

Cash : I’m thinking about your nails and teeth on the smooth skin of my cock and sack. I really fucking liked that.

Cash : Dammit, I'm hard again.

Rae : Get ahold of yourself, old man.

Cash : Mrs. Mayberry's looking at me weird. Gotta go!

◆◆◆

Rae’s been busy the past three days—or at least that’s the excuse she keeps giving me. Between running errands for her sister and wrangling her nephews, she’s had plenty on her plate. But it still feels like she’s avoiding me. Avoiding us .

So here I am, playing the good boy, waiting patiently until Wednesday for our meeting with Macie—the entertainment that Rae’s booked for the fair that’s next weekend.

And now, Rae’s late. I glance at my watch, then extend a hand to the man I assume is Macie’s tour manager who’s just entered the field.

“Cash Marshall, one of the mayoral candidates for Whitewood Creek.”

He shakes firmly. “Rex Green. Nice to meet you, Cash.”

“So, Macie’s a big deal, huh?” I ask, my eyes flicking to the artist who’s moving across the stage we set up last weekend.

She’s inspecting every detail like someone who knows exactly what she wants, her blonde ponytail bouncing with every step. I know only a little about her—haven’t even bothered listening to her music despite Rae suggesting I should. Didn’t have the time, didn’t care, and I trust Rae’s judgment.

“We’re working on it,” Rex replies with a hint of pride.

“She’s got a country music nomination, which is a big step in the right direction.

Performing at the North Carolina state fair could give her some solid exposure with her audience.

She grew up in the state, just south of here about three hours so this will be good. ”

“Sounds good. We’re excited to have her perform. Will y’all be staying in town until then?”

“She’s got a last-minute concert booked in Charlotte this week, but we’ll be back after that. Give her a chance to rest her vocals and settle in before the big day.”

“Good deal. If there’s anything I can help with while you’re here, just holler.

My family’s farm is a few miles from town, and my sister, Regan, gives a great tour of the facilities.

We’ve got some prime social media-worthy views of the Blue Ridge Mountains right along the creek.

Could make for some good content if she’s interested. ”

Rex nods. “Sounds promising.”

Macie hops off the stage and heads toward us, her excitement practically radiating through her smile.

Her bright blonde ponytail swings behind her, and her big smile is infectious.

With each step, she seems to bounce more, like she’s buzzing with energy.

It’s nice to see she’s as hyped about this as Rae is.

And though they seem like total opposites, I get the feeling they’ll still get along just fine.

Now that I think about it, does Rae even listen to country music?

“Hi!” Macie gushes, her blue eyes sparkling as she stops in front of us.

I extend my hand with a smile. “Cash Marshall.”

She grabs it eagerly, her grip surprisingly strong, and pumps it a few times before giving it a firm squeeze.

“Whoa, you’re strong!” she says with a giggle, her gaze darting to my biceps.

I laugh lightly. “Farm life will do that to you.”

Macie beams. "I grew up on a farm too. Love being back in a small town that feels like home."

Her manager smirks, his gaze darting between Macie and me like he’s stumbled into some kind of private moment. I drop her hand, not wanting to give the wrong impression, but keep my easy smile.

“Cash’s family owns a chicken farm,” Rex says, clearly amused.

“Egg farm,” I correct, raising a finger. “And the town’s distillery. Whitewood Creek Farmstead and Distillery .”

Macie’s eyes light up, and she snaps her fingers excitedly. “Oh my God, I think I’ve seen that farm on social media!”

“Apparently it’s all the rage,” I say with a small shrug. “I don’t have any socials, but that’s what my sister keeps telling me. I know she comes in and films the hens when they’re sleeping sometimes.”

Macie grins, her head bobbing as if the idea delights her. “And you’re running for mayor, too?”

“I sure am.” I throw in a grin as she steps closer and gives my bicep a little squeeze and a bat of her lashes.

“Well, you’d definitely get my vote.”

And, of course, that’s when Rae decides to show up. Her throat clears behind me, and I nearly jump out of my skin like a guilty teenager caught in the act. Not that I’m doing anything wrong but I’m sure that would look back from an outside perspective. It doesn’t help that she looks… off.

Her usual tan complexion is a shade paler, and faint bags linger beneath her pretty green eyes.

Her light brown hair is twisted up into some haphazard claw clip, and the irritation she’s feeling practically radiates from her.

She’s in her usual ripped black jeans and an oversized black T-shirt, but something about her energy feels heavier.

“Sorry to interrupt,” she says flatly, her arms folded over her chest.

“No interruption at all,” I say quickly. Turning back to Macie, I gesture toward Rae. “Macie, meet Rae, the woman who discovered you and helped coordinate all this.”

Macie’s grin doesn’t falter for a second at Rae's rotten mood. She steps toward her, hand extended. “Hi! It’s so nice to finally meet you, Rae.”

Rae forces a polite smile, but I can see the tension in her posture. “Likewise. Glad you could make it for the test run.”

Macie’s ponytail sways as she nods enthusiastically, and I swear she could be in a hairspray commercial with all that bounce. Not my style, but it's impressive the way it's frozen in place.

“Okay,” Rex interjects as he pulls out a cigarette and stuffs it between his teeth.

“The sound guys are here, but the band’s still enroute.

Regardless, we’ll have her run through a couple songs, check the stage setup, and make sure she’s comfortable.

Then we’ll get out of your hair and head back to Charlotte.

Who should we send the contract to for signatures? ”

“Rae’s fine,” I say, stepping slightly to the side so Rae can take the credit she deserves. She shrugs, her usual spark noticeably dimmed, but doesn’t argue. I study her carefully before nodding at Rex. Something’s up with her today. “Send it to Rae.”

When the pair heads off toward the stage, I turn to Rae and gesture toward the plastic chairs lined up at the edge of the lawn where attendees will watch the performance. We take seats side by side, the buzz of Macie’s excitement lingering in the air between us.

I glance at Rae out of the corner of my eye. Something’s bothering her. And as much as she’s trying to keep it together, it’s written all over her poorly concealed facial expression.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

She arches a brow, her gaze fixed past me, lingering on Macie. “It’s been a rough week with the boys.”

“That so?” I ask, leaning back casually. “Anything I can do to help you?”

She sighs, her shoulders dropping. “Daniel sprained his wrist at baseball practice. He’s been extra clingy in the mornings and moping around nonstop.

Then Laken picked up another surgery yesterday, and Daniel decided to stay home from school because, and I quote, ‘there’s no point in life anymore if I can’t play baseball. ’”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Sounds a little dramatic, but I kind of dig it. Sports are life when you’re that age.”

She snorts softly, the corner of her lips twitching upward for the first time since she arrived.

“He’s being over the top about it but he’s also basically me.”

“Well, I wasn’t going to say that” I tease.

She rolls her eyes, but her expression softens. “I just haven’t had a decent night’s sleep since... I don’t know...” Her cheeks flush as her words trail off.

I lean in slightly, catching a hint of her scent—sweet cherries, just like the day in the tent with the cherry pies. The memory hits me hard. She’s kept me at arm’s length for the past four days, and I’m itching to close that gap. To taste her again. To ease whatever stress she’s feeling.

“Since the Ferris wheel and the haunted house?” I ask, my voice low.

She bites her lip and nods. “Yeah. Probably.”

Before I can press further, Macie’s vocals boom through the empty fairground, pulling both our gazes toward the stage. She’s belting out what sounds like the chorus of one of her songs, pausing occasionally to chat with the sound guy and adjusting her mic.

When she starts again, her voice fills the space with a honeyed confidence that feels like it might be aimed directly at me.

She moves toward the edge of the stage, tossing in a quirky little dance move without breaking my gaze and that’s when I realize I should probably not look at her anymore.

Not that I was watching her for the reasons Rae thinks I am.

I could care less about any other woman. All I see is Rae.

Beside me, Rae shifts, and I can practically feel her glare on the side of my neck.

Normally, this kind of thing wouldn’t faze me. Women noticing me is just... part of the package. Hell, I’ve been on the receiving end of misplaced jealousy plenty of times before, and it’s never mattered much. But with Rae? I care. I don’t want her to have any doubts about us.

“She’s into you,” Rae says flatly, her tone devoid of emotion. “You should shoot your shot.”

I turn to her slowly, raising a brow. “Excuse me?”

“You know,” she says, waving a hand nonchalantly. “Ask her out. You two would make a cute couple. I read her bio. She grew up on a farm somewhere south of here in North Carolina.”

I shift in my seat, turning fully to face her now, completely ignoring whatever Macie’s doing on stage. “Okay, Edward Cullen.”

Her brows knit together in confusion. “What?”

“ Twilight ,” I say with a smirk. “Yeah, I’m going there because you deserve it for that one. What are you trying to push me away into Jacob’s arms to protect me or something?”

She rolls her eyes, exhaling heavily. “I’m just tired. But seriously, she’s pretty. Nice. Happy. And talented.”

I groan, standing abruptly and motioning for Macie’s manager to come over because this version of Rae, I hate.

The insecure one when she has nothing to be insecure about.

Maybe I'm not good at making a woman feel secure in my interest to them because I've never wanted to before, but I want to do with Rae, and this attitude just simply won't do.

I need to make my intentions clear and get her out of her head immediately.

Rex walks over curiously.

“Send the paperwork over to Rae when Macie finishes,” I say firmly. “And if she needs anything else, email. No calls or texts tonight—I’ll be busy.”

He nods, a little confused. “Um... okay. Sounds good.”

I glance down at Rae, fixing her with a pointed look. “Let’s go.”

“What? No. We’re supposed to stay while she rehearses.”

“Not anymore. Let’s go.”

She arches a brow, clearly suspicious of me. “Why? And where are we going?”

I lean in just enough to lower my voice. “I told her manager that I’ll be busy tonight, and I intend on that. With you. I’ve got something to show you. Don’t ask too many questions, or I might have to haul you out of here myself and you know that’d cause a scene for Macie.”

She eyes me for a moment, but eventually she gives in, standing and following me out of the grass-covered fairground toward our cars.

"I might not mind you causing a scene," she mutters.

I toss my head back and laugh, loudly. “Well, that'd be a first for you. I’ll drive,” I say, opening the passenger door for her.

She hesitates, her lips twitching with a hint of defiance. “What if I want to escape from wherever you're taking me?”

I grin, shaking my head. “Not tonight, you’re not.”

And for once, she listens, sliding into the passenger seat without another word.