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The girls and Brady walked to the Pizza Place just before the parade was over to beat the crowd. Leila really enjoyed herself. The parade was just as much fun as she’d imagined it would be.
When they reached Pizza Place, it was already crowded. It seemed like most of the town was there, but the four of them and Grant got a booth without a problem. They ate quickly and were on their way to the carnival before too long. Since she’d walked to the parade, Leila just walked the short few blocks to the park for the carnival. Jessica joined her, and on the way, they talked about the auction.
“Everything’s all set up,” Leila told her. “Believe it or not, Adler has everything planned. He came up with some good ideas today for the stage.”
“You talked with him today?” Jessica asked.
“Yeah, this morning he came by my house, and we finalized things. I’m going to his house Saturday to look at the set up and make sure I approve of what he’s got planned. It seems like a lot of work to set up tents just to show me, but he insists they do it all the time.” She shrugged.
“Sounds like you two have been getting to know each other. Elizabeth told me about your dinner under the trees the other night.”
Heat crept up Leila’s neck and settled in her cheeks. She turned her head.
“Are you blushing?” Jessica nudged her with amusement in her voice.
Leila bit her lips.
“Oh, my gosh. You are.” Jessica’s voice was quieter. “Is there anything I should now?”
Leila breathed in deeply. She thought of Adler and how sweet he’d been lately. She still couldn’t figure him out. But there was something. “You know, it’s a little strange. I don’t understand what he’s doing. But Elizabeth thinks he’s interested in me, and honestly, I get the same vibe.”
Jessica’s mouth fell open with surprise.
Leila needed to squelch that quickly. “Don’t jump to any conclusions. I’m not interested in him, or anyone right now. My focus is Skylar and myself. I’ve got to get our lives together and don’t have time to worry about anyone else’s feelings or needs.”
Jessica’s brows raised, and she pursed her lips in thought. “I understand. Your life has changed a lot in the past year. It makes sense that you don’t want a relationship right now.”
Relief flooded Leila. Knowing that someone agreed with her need to focus on her and Skylar validated her feelings. “Even if I was interested in a relationship, the guy I give my heart to will have to be father material. Not selfish and egotistical. Even though I’ve seen a different side of Adler lately, he’s still too much like Skylar’s bio-dad. I don’t need to bring another one of them into the picture.”
“I get it, and you’re right. Anyway, when you meet the right person, you’ll know and there will be nothing you can do about it.”
“I hope it’s that simple.”
“I didn’t say it was simple. You’ll just not be able to do anything about it.”
Leila lifted her brows.We’ll see.
They made it to the park. It seemed like the entire population of their town and the surrounding ones were all there. It was just like she always pictured a small-town carnival would be. There were kids running everywhere. The sounds of cheers and screams of joy greeted her, and the smell of popcorn and funnel cake filled the air. She loved it already. They found Elizabeth, Brady, and Grant and went off to the kiddie rides.
The night was filled with fun. Leila’s dad and Diane hung out with them for a little bit. They took Skylar on the carousel. Brady played some games, and Skylar’s stroller ended up the home of a few large and small stuffed animals.
Eventually, Jessica went off to find Chad while Leila watched and laughed at Brady, Elizabeth, and Grant on the Scrambler ride, Skylar bouncing on her hip. A stuffed koala suddenly appeared in front of her face. She jumped back and grabbed the koala. “What the heck!” She turned quickly, and there was Adler.
He placed his hand on her arm to balance her. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”
He had that crooked, almost sexy smile on his face, and his eyes gleamed with amusement. She returned his smile and took in his features. His typical jeans fit him perfectly, and his T-shirt, tonight it was red, was tight and contoured his muscles underneath. Her eyes traveled to his bicep, chiseled, and covered in that eagle tattoo which showed more tonight than usual. Okay, if she was honest, he was hot.
Unfortunately, he knew it.
She put some space between them. “What are you doing here?”
Just at that moment, Tristan and Stacey joined them.
“Hi, Leila. Hey there, Skylar.” Stacey played with Skylar’s foot. “I love her dress. It’s so cute.”
“Yeah, and so patriotic,” agreed Tristan. “She looks like a little American flag. She’s adorable.
“Thank you, Tristan.” She looked at Stacey. “I see you have the sweet one of the two.”
