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“Thank you,” she murmurs, clearly thrilled with the compliment but unsure how to handle all the attention.
My nephew has an excited sparkle in his eyes, and I know before he opens his mouth that he’s about to ask her a million questions. I also know that there’s no stopping him, so I just smile and study my girl as he starts to rattle off questions.
“Where did you learn to do all of that? Have you ever fallen off? How old is your horse? What kind is she?” Steven asks, his eyes wide in wonder.
“I did vaulting as a kid, and I learned the moves there. My horse, Penny, is eight, and she is a palomino.”
“That’s so cool,” he says. Pia just grins at him.
“Thanks. As for injuries…”
I cover her hand with mine, giving it a squeeze. “I don’t think my heart can take any stories about you getting hurt.”
Georgia nearly chokes on her drink but catches herself before spitting it out all over me. I know she has a million thoughts about my obsessive statement, but I don’t have time to answer any questions.
Pia giggles, her laughter rolling through me and filling me up with joy. “Fine, then. I guess I’ll save those for later.” She winks at Steven, who gives her a mischievous grin.
“Can you show us around the circus?” Steven asks.
“Of course,” Pia says with a smile.
We finish eating and throw away the trash before Pia starts to lead us around. She’s busy talking with Steven when Georgia sidles up next to me. I glance down at her, knowing what she’s going to say before she opens her mouth.
“So?” my sister pries.
I smile. “She’s the one,” I say quietly.
Georgia grins at me. I can see her internally squealing, and I roll my eyes but grin.
“She seems really sweet,” Georgia whispers, and I nod.
“She is.”
“We’ll leave and give you two some time alone,” she says, and I give her a grateful smile.
“Thanks.”
She nods, nudging my arm with hers, and then she’s calling for Steven and saying goodbye to Pia.
“It was nice to meet you. I’m sure we’ll talk to you soon,” Georgia says.
“It was nice to meet you too.”
Georgia gives Pia a quick hug, and Steven does the same. Then they’re waving and disappearing into the crowd.
“What now?” Pia asks when we’re finally alone.
A slow smile spreads across my lips. “Let me take you back to my hotel room. It’s not too far from here. We can get to know each other a little bit better without all of this noise.”
She pauses for the briefest second, and I worry that I was too forward. I can’t help the fact that I want everything with her right this goddamn second, but I can pull back if I need to. I think.
Thankfully, my girl smiles at me, a blush staining her pale cheeks.
“Alright.”
With that one word, I’m in motion. I grab her hand in mine, marveling at how perfect it fits. Pia giggles behind me as I drag her toward the exit. I can’t wait to get this precious woman all to myself, so I can show her how much she already means to me.
SIX
