“I can’t say it’s for a reason. She seemed annoyed by Thad more than once. He’s a bit of a jokester and draws attention. I noticed her staring at him a few times.”
“Staring how? Like she was angry? Or frustrated?”
“Not exactly. I’d say focused. Like he distracted her, and maybe she didn’t like it.” Nat slides her drink away and leans her elbows on the table. “Do you know the employees at the Mayfield Inn? Maybe I’m overthinking this.”
“I never ignore a gut reaction. It’s usually correct.”
She doesn’t have a clue that’s how I live my life. Sensing danger and preventing it are integral parts of my membership in the club. It’s my job to assess people, and if someone is kidnapping or hurting tourists, I need to find and handle it.
“I appreciate the indulgence.”
I watch as she drops her head into her hands, clearly feeling the stress and worry about her brother and struggling to contain those emotions. “Hey, we’ll find him. It’s not that big a town,” I joke, trying to lighten the mood.
Nat lifts her chin. Her green eyes focus on me. “Can we talk to the tour guide together? Maybe I can learn more if you’re with me.”
“Yeah. We’ve got time before the Farm opens.” I stand and stretch. “Ready for another ride?”
“Yes!”
I can’t resist placing my hand on her lower back when I guide her toward the exit. “I like your enthusiasm.”
“Then don’t keep me waiting.”
Chapter 4 Natalya
As it turns out, the tour guide isn’t at the hotel when we stop at the reception desk and ask. I do find out that her name is Ellie. She works the night shift and is scheduled to return tonight. When I ask Hayride if he’ll come with me after the Fear Farm closes, he agrees.
We ride back to town, and he drops me in front of the Butter Bliss Bakery. My car is still nearby, parked in the same spot where I left it.
Hayride remains on his seat as I hand him his helmet. “Got to leave you, gorgeous. I’ve got church.”
“Is that a biker meeting?” I guess, wondering if they discuss chrome, leather, and whiskey, or if they’re like the popular TV show and smoke, plan murder, and talk shit.
Hayride laughs, and the deep timbre of the sound is sexy as hell. I can’t help my attraction, but it’s the worst timing. I don’t have the luxury of hopping into bed with the hottest guy I’ve ever met. He’s the bad boy I never got to take a chance with, and it’s far too appealing now.
My focus needs to remain on finding Thad.
“Yeah, gorgeous. It’s a club meeting,” Hayride confirms.
“I’ll see you tonight? At the festival?” I ask, unsure if he’ll have time. I’ve no clue what to expect. From what I saw online, it seems like this place gets pretty wild after dark.
“I’ll make time for you,” he promises. “Wear something warm. It gets cold in the cornfields.”
I don’t get a chance to ask him what he means because Hayride rides off, never looking back.
Once he’s out of sight, I face the Butter Bliss Bakery and decide to stop inside for a treat. The line isn’t nearly as longas earlier today, and I buy a cinnamon roll along with a few chocolate chip cookies.
There’s an older woman behind the counter, and beside her, a younger version who has to be a family member. They share the same smile, dimples, and height.
“You must be new here,” the younger woman says. “Welcome to the Butter Bliss. I’m Cami. This is my grandmother, Granny Jo.”
“Hi! I’m Nat. I came for the historic hotel tour, but I can’t wait to check out the Fear Farm.”
“Oh! Isn’t it creepy? I haven’t gone in ages.”
Granny Jo sets a to-go cup on the counter. “Everyone who visits the Butter Bliss for the first time gets a special tea.”
Special? “What’s in it?”
