Page 61 of Salvation (Clover-Hills #1)

Wesley

I always moan and bitch about these festivals before they happen, but even I know just how fun they are when it comes time.

The entire town comes together, some people even travel from out of state for it.

It’s in full swing by the time I arrive at the bar, an extra bag of ice slung over my shoulder.

Stilt walkers are roaming around, hayrides are full, and live music is already underway.

“That’s pretty badass, Harper.” I put her in charge of the scarecrow this year, and she killed it. It looks like a classic scarecrow, but it’s wearing sunglasses and sporting a beer belly. The best part about it all is the basket full of beer that says, Adults take one.

“No way was I letting us lose to Clover's again this year.” Clover's, the vet shop across the street. Last year, they had a dog scarecrow with a bunch of little puppy scarecrows. The locals went crazy for it, so they won. The town always gives a small donation to the winner, so I wasn’t too shaken up over it.

They needed it more. Harper is always one for a challenge, though, cute puppies aside.

Haden sits at the bar sipping on what looks like whiskey. I can’t stop my gaping mouth when I see what he’s wearing. “Cute costume.”

He frowns as he looks down at his Spider-Man-clad body. “Harper told me you were dressing up as Iron Man.”

His narrowed eyes slice to hers as she taps her chin in thought. “Did I? I don’t recall.”

Haden doesn’t miss a beat, though, and doesn’t even glare at her. His signature flirtatious smirk lights up his face. “If you wanted to play dress up with me, Harper, all you had to do was ask.”

Her face morphs into one of disgust, but I don’t miss the way she turns crimson red. I cut it off before Harper chooses to start throwing fists. “You two are going to be the death of me.”

"Aren’t you supposed to be with Wyatt?” I add. He always sets up and brings some of the animals for the kids to see. No other reason than he loves to watch a kid’s face light up at the sight of a horse or pig. He may be a prickly bastard, but he’s as soft-hearted as they come.

“I’m taking a break.” Haden shrugs.

With whiskey? Sounds about right. “Well, no breaks here. Get off your ass and help me bring the rest of the ice in from the truck, Spider-Man.”