Page 57 of That Conflicted Feeling

Thecrowd erupts into applause.Anda couple of wolf whistles.

Afertilitywreath?

Myeyes dart across all the signage.Wherethe fuck did it say this was afertilitywreath-making lesson?

Oh, there.Onthe list of classes on the chalkboard over to the side. “10:15 a.m.RapidFertilityWreath-MakingChallenge.”

Asnicker builds in my throat asIlook atPolly’sbeautiful, mortified face.

“Well,”Isay, as the applause subsides, “Iguess that means the sex is going to be awesome.”

17

POLLY

Apparently,I’mthe only person who doesn’t find this funny.

Istare atMax’sbroad grin, surrounded by people clapping, whooping, and wolf-whistling.

Myface is so hot even my ears are burning.

Maxis obviously exceptionally pleased with his own joke.Henods atRita, who is possibly the most enthusiastic applauder.

Somuch for the idea she’d tell him his store will destroy her daughter’s bakery.Notonly does she not hate him, she seems to find him positively adorable.

I’llhave to revisit this issue another time.Rightnow, my priority is to escape this hideous humiliation.

Iforce a tight smile and do my best ventriloquist impression asItry to talk toMaxwithout moving my lips. “Outof here.Rightnow.”

Igrab the elbowI’ddeclined earlier and march him out of the tent, waving polite thank-yous to the crowd.

Thesun hits my eyes, making them instantly start to water.Ilet go of his arm.Anarm so firm it makes me wonder how tight he might hold me.

“Ican’t believe you did that.Sounfair.”Iturn my back to the sun and run a finger under my lower lashes.

“Oh,God.Areyou actually upset about it?”Heputs his hand on my shoulder and dips his head to get a better look at my face. “Ithought it was funny.AndIthought you’d think it was funny too.Areyou upset, though?”

Hestrokes his thumb rhythmically across my shoulder, the warmth of his touch heating my skin through my thin dress and light cardigan.

“I’mso sorry,” he says, biting his top lip in concern. “Iwould never have said it ifIthought you’d be so upset.Youseem to give as good as you get.SoIthought you wouldn’t mind the joke.”

Histone is genuine, the stroke of his hand affectionate.There’sa chance he might be honestly concerned he’s hurt my feelings.

“It’sokay, it’s okay.It’sjust the sun making my eyes water.”

Helooks relieved. “ThankGodfor that.”

Butmaybe it’s only because he’s worried that the more he pisses me off, the less likelyIam to call off the protests.

“Imight not be upset.Butit doesn’t meanI’mnot furious.”

Hetips his head to one side.Ihate it when he does that.Itsends an irritating flutter to my lower belly.Howcan just tipping your head to one side be so annoyingly hot?

“Itwaskindafunny though, wasn’t it?”Hehas that cheeky smirk again.

Maybe.ButI’msure as hell not going to admit it.Ilook down at the wreath looped over my arm, digging into my flesh. “AndnowIhave to carry this thing around all day?”

“Theremust be a big garbage can here somewhere.”Helooks around.