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They didn’t speak as they waited for their turn to get on the big wheel. He kept his arm around her, and she was aware of his gaze going to the left and right of them. Her bodyguard was on duty.

They were next in line when George Trahan approached them. It was fairly obvious he had been drinking throughout the day.

“Hey, Jacque… Monique.” He offered them a loopy grin as he slurred his words. “Monique, it’s so good to see you up and around.”

“Thanks, George,” she replied.

“I was so damn sorry when I heard what happened to you. You three sisters have really had a rough time lately,” he said. “Is Daniel hot on the trail of who beat you up?”

“He’s working the case and eager to find the person responsible,” she replied.

“So how long do you think you’ll be staying in my man’s shanty?” He clapped Jacque on the back. “Or are you two a real romantic couple now?”

“No, it’s not like that,” she replied quickly. “Jacque is a good friend just helping me out until I completely heal.”

“And she’s going to be with me for quite a while,” Jacque added firmly.

Then it was time for them to slide into one of the Ferris wheel’s benches, and George wandered away. The safety bar clicked into place, and then they were lifted up so the rest of the seats could be filled.

Up and up they went. “Look, you can see the swamp from here,” she said when they reached the very top. She grabbed hold of his hand in excitement. “And you can see the whole town.”

She turned to look at him. The bright reds and blues and yellows of the lights flashed on his features. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

His eyes glowed with neon green flames, and the fire there had nothing to do with the carnival lights. They were on the top of the world when his lips took hers.

The kiss only lasted a minute. Still, it was long enough to shoot hot desire through his body. It was enough to make him realize just how badly he wanted her.

When he drew back from her, he released a forced small laugh. “Chalk that up to carnival madness,” he said. He’d not been able to stop himself from kissing her. She’d looked so beautiful with the lights of the carnival coloring her features and her eyes glittering so brightly.

Her gaze held his. It was so soft…so inviting. “I like a little carnival madness in my day.”

“You’d better enjoy the view because this ride won’t last forever,” he replied as he released her hand.

Around and around they went, but all too quickly, the ride came to an end. “Is there anything else you want to do?” he asked. Although this whole carnival thing wasn’t his cup of tea, he wanted to make sure she had a good time. She deserved it after all she’d been through.

“I think I’m ready to go home,” she said.

“Why don’t we grab a hot dog to eat before we leave so we don’t have to worry about making dinner?” he suggested.

“Sure, that sounds good to me,” she agreed.

It didn’t take long for them to find a vendor who was selling grilled hot dogs. He got her one and he got two for himself. They both got chips and a drink. Directly in front of the vendor was a picnic table so they both sat to eat.

The music from the band was audible, and a light breeze made it a pleasant evening. He tried not to look at Monique. He was particularly vulnerable to her loveliness tonight.

She was in a pink two-piece outfit that heightened the silky fall of her dark hair and her medium skin tone. The makeup she wore was just enough to enhance the pink of blush on her cheeks and her eyelashes were darkened with mascara even though he didn’t think she needed it.

There had been far too much closeness between them all day long. Her scent had invaded all his senses and the warmth of her body when he pulled her against his side had stirred him to the very depths of his soul.

They finished eating and then headed back to All That Jazz where his car was parked. Once they were in the car, all he could think about was his need to distance himself from her. The sweetness of the kiss still lingered on his lips, a guilty pleasure for sure.

“Did you have fun today?” he asked as he pulled out on Main Street.

“I had a lot of fun,” she replied. He felt her gaze on him, but he kept looking at the road. “Thank you, Jacque.”

That made him cast her a quick glance. “Thank you for what?”

“Oh, where do I begin?” she said with the light tone he loved to hear. “Thank you for spending your entire day at the dress shop and for protecting me. I also appreciate you smiling at the customers who came by. Thank you also for the Ferris wheel ride.”