Page 40 of Saddled in Secrets (Cloverleaf Meadows #2)

T rue to my initial itinerary for Colton’s birthday, we find ourselves at the Shetland County fairgrounds on Halloween.

Haunted Harvest Haze is in full swing. The smell of pumpkin spice and fried food on a stick hangs in the air.

Kids are racing around with their faces painted in a variety of recognizable designs.

It’s total chaos, which is my happy place.

Colton hasn’t fussed about our social outing. For once, he appears to be at ease in a crowd. That has me thinking about his relaxed stride as we puttered down Main Street earlier.

“You’re different,” I observe while we walk past the corn maze.

A downward sweep showcases his entirely black outfit including the Stetson on his head. “Sure about that? I’m a shadow blending into the background. You don’t see me there protecting you.”

Meanwhile, I’m wearing a bright green dress that sticks out like a pageant queen in a parade. “The princess and her stalker.”

“Clever, huh?” My grumpy jailer winks.

The carefree, flirtatious action stuns me momentarily. It was shocking enough that he wanted us to make a scene throughout town. Our couple costume, which probably doesn’t make sense to many, put me in a very cozy mood. I’ve been snuggling against him all day and people have stopped to stare.

Lynn Ellen Paige—the biggest gossip in Cloverleaf Meadows—chooses that moment to strut by us.

I wiggle my fingers in greeting before lifting onto the tips of my cowboy boots to kiss Colton’s cheek.

He wraps one arm around my waist, bracing the other behind my shoulders, and lowers me into a romantic dip.

Our lips brush in a chaste peck before he flings me back to my feet.

Giddy flutters swarm my entire system, but I still hear when the rumor hound gasps at our display.

She quickly skitters off like a cockroach to spread the news.

I nudge him with my elbow. “Are you enjoying the attention?”

He nods and puffs out his chest. “We’re making a very public announcement. You willingly claimed me as yours for the entire town to see.”

Warmth spreads through me. “I’m proud to show you off, but I couldn’t care less who notices. You’re meant to be beside me. That’s the way it should always be.”

His chin tucks, trying to mask the bashful redness coloring his face. “Means the world, baby girl.”

“Been waiting for that, hmm?”

He reaches for my hand, threading our fingers together with a gentle squeeze. “Feels like I can finally breathe.”

My bottom lip gets tortured between my teeth as I consider bursting the bubble. “What happened to staying under the radar?”

“You’re safe with me.”

I study his casual gait and sunny expression. This man is completely unbothered.

“There’s more to it,” I prod.

“Just choosing to take it all in,” he sighs.

It’s a positive view from him. One I can effortlessly share in this festive atmosphere.

Haunted Harvest Haze is another event that was very near to my mother’s heart.

Her memory lingers in every cheerful laugh that dances on the autumn breeze.

But that doesn’t explain Colton’s sudden change in attitude.

I want to drop it. Probably should. But there’s an itch under my skin that demands I unsaddle this secret.

“What’s the latest with your father?”

He doesn’t falter. If anything, his posture broadens. “Had a stroke yesterday. He’s catatonic.”

Air gets caught in my throat and I cough.

Welp, that’ll do it. He’s nonchalant and unapologetic.

That’s the biggest “fuck you” he can offer to James Keller.

It’s not the reaction I’d have about my dad, but our childhoods couldn’t be more opposite.

Colton’s past has obviously weighed him down and this update has significantly lightened his load. I can’t fault him for celebrating.

That’s why I find myself directing us to a certain food truck. “Can I interest you in a meat tornado?”

“Fuuuuuuck,” he groans. “I love you.”

My hip bumps into his. “Love you right back.”

We approach the vehicle to order. Grease and smoky flavors waft from inside the small kitchen. Colton greedily accepts the turkey leg that’s wrapped in thin layers of chicken and beef, which is magically held together by strips of bacon.

I stare at the creation in awe. “Good luck eating that.”

“It’s remarkable.” He kisses the protein overload before taking a massive bite.

“About to get jealous,” I mutter.

“Want some?” Colton offers me the mangled meat tornado that’s now dripping in juices.

“Um, no. That’s all yours, Stalker.”

He shrugs and resumes devouring his meal. I guide us in the direction of the darkened bleachers that surround the riding arena. The horse show ended hours ago, leaving that portion of the grounds quiet.

But before we can leave the carnival section, Brody and Paisley cross onto our path. Or that’s who they are on an average day. Halloween changes everyone, even my grouchy brother.

Laughter folds me in half. “I can’t believe what I’m seeing.”

My bestie smooths a palm down her fluffy pink costume. “You like?”

“Is it Christmas?” I cackle. “This is the gift I never asked for, but really needed.”

Brody scowls, obviously not impressed with his matching pony onesie.

“How—?” My question is a sputter. “Oh, gosh. I’m speechless.”

“He lost a bet,” Paisley answers.

I wipe under my eyes, fighting for composure. “And what was that?”

The blush on her cheeks punches me with regret. “You don’t wanna know.”

An exaggerated retching sound agrees. “Please forget I asked.”

Paisley’s smile is coy. “You two have caused quite the stir.”

“Us?” I snort. “That’s hilarious.”

She lifts her brows. “Costumes and jokes aside, your names are spilling from every mouth we walk by.”

I glance at Colton, but he’s too busy eating and making Brody envious. “They’ve never seen me in a relationship.”

My friend hums. “And Benson fodder fills the cup to the brim. You’ll be the talk of the town for months.”

“Good,” I chirp.

Paisley’s jaw drops. “You don’t care?”

“I do care. That’s why I’m glad they’re witnessing our fairytale.”

Her expression melts into goo. “I’m really happy for you, Bee.”

“Thanks. It feels really good to be loved like this.”

“You deserve it,” she exhales. “Okay, soak in the romance. We’re doing another lap. Have to get the most out of this reward before he retaliates.”

My brother grunts, but follows his wife like a dutiful husband in the doghouse.

I turn to Colton after they blend into the crowd. “Well, that was—”

The words die on my tongue. Desire burns his gaze into a hypnotic smolder. I feel the heat in my veins, pumping hotter with each second. Saliva sticks in my throat and I gulp. My grumpy jailer looks positively feral.

“You fed me, but I’m still famished.”

The lust in Colton’s gravelly tone makes me shiver. “What’re you craving next?”

He puts his cowboy hat on my head, sending a fresh wave of whispers through the gossip mill. But it’s the skull mask he pulls over his face that captivates me.

“Run, Princess. Try to hide from your stalker.”

Liquid heat collects in my lower belly, swirling to gather in my knees that threaten to buckle. “You’re kinda scary.”

“Does it turn you on?” His voice dips lower.

“Yes,” I gasp.

Colton juts his chin. “Show me how much.”

My legs quake as I begin backing away from him. “Do I get a head start?”

“Sure, but it doesn’t matter. I’m gonna catch you.”

That’s all I need to hear. I whirl around and take off. People are everywhere, but not clustered close enough to conceal me. My boots kick up dust as I dodge a couple by the corn booth. The concern in their eyes slows me down a notch.

I can’t move too fast or it’ll raise alarm. The best strategy is to weave and swerve to get Colton off my tail. A quick glance over my shoulder reveals him staring directly at me over the throng. Damn him and his vertical advantage.

A stampede drums in my ears while I duck behind a bouncy house. The leafy obstacles and thick trunks of the woods call to me. It could be the escape I need.

My determination pounds against the turf, but heavy footsteps chase me.

I’m almost to the isolation of the bleachers when thick arms cinch my middle.

A pitiful wail strips me of my dignity as I’m taken to the ground.

His hat pinwheels off my head, wisely choosing to abandon this battle. If only we were all so lucky.

“Mother trucker,” I spit as my spine hits the dirt.

Colton pins me beneath him, his bulk pressing against me like prison bars. “Did you even try, Princess?”

Rather than answer, I struggle under his immovable force. “Why are you so heavy?”

His creepy skeleton mask hovers over me. “Blame the chocolate.”

My eyes roll as I force my muscles to go slack. “You’re back to normal. Don’t drag it out.”

He doesn’t answer. Not directly. After a few tense seconds, hunger rumbles off his chest like the main course is served.

“What do you want?” My voice is too breathy.

Colton swoops down until our lips touch. “Everything.”