AllFreeNovel
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“Honestly? I forgot who I was before. But then coming back here by myself…it’s given me time to think.”
We share a knowing look before Julian motions for me to exit the booth.
“What?” I stand on shaky legs.
“How do you feel about getting out of here?”
“And going where?”
“To do something fun.”
I don’t realize where Julian is taking us until I see the litup Ferris wheel slowing to a stop as Harvest Festival attendees hop on and off.
“No way.” I dig my boots into the ground.
“Why not?”
“I’m embarrassed.”
His head tilts. “About what?”
“All the stories being posted about me.”
“People around here barely read the news, let alone gossip columns.”
“But I look like a hot mess.” I point at my swollen face.
He closes the gap between us and gently brushes his thumb beneath my right eye, wiping away a spot of mascara I must have missed during my visit to the bar’s bathroom. “You look beautiful.”
My head spins faster than the teacups in the distance. “You’re only saying that so I go along with your plan.”
“If I wanted you to go along with my plan, I would have told you about the competition I have planned.”
My ears perk up. “Did you say competition?”
His laugh acts like a shock to the system. “Told you.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“I’d rather show you.” Julian places his hand on the small of my back and pushes me in the direction of the entrance to the festival. I try to shake him off a few times and remind him of our established rules, but he chooses to ignore me while leading me toward the food area.
“Please tell me you’re not suggesting a food-eating competition.”
“No, but we should get you fed and hydrated.”
“I only had two shots of tequila before Henry cut me off.”
He shoots me a look.
“Okay. Three. But that’s it. I swear. See.” I walk backward in a straight line while reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Julian rolls his eyes as he steers me toward the barbecue tent. He stacks our plates to the top with enough food to feed a small family. I can barely eat half of it, although I do guzzle three cups of water to appease him.
My experience with casual relationships might be scarce, but I’m smart enough to know him comforting me like this isn’t standard protocol. Neither is me accepting it without putting up my walls.
I didn’t realize how much I needed to be taken care of until Julian showed me what I was missing, and I’m not sure how to process that information.
Luckily, Julian doesn’t let me get lost in my thoughts as he pulls me away from the food tent. With my stomach full and my head no longer feeling fuzzy from crying and tequila, he leads us toward the opposite side of the festival.
