Redemption Road (Vicious Cycle #2)(38)

Although part of me would have preferred to turn around then, I knew I owed it to Rev—and to myself—to try to stay. I was safe with him. No one could hurt me as long as Rev was around. And in some small way, if I did stay, it would be a victory of overcoming my fears. “I will,” I replied.

As we walked around, I battled the sensory overload I found myself in—the noisy chatter, the smells of popcorn and funnel cakes, the screams from people on the roller coasters and other rides. Each time I would meet the eyes of a strange man, I would burrow closer to Rev. Thankfully, he didn’t seem to mind.

“What was your favorite part of the fair growing up?” I gazed up and tried to focus on him rather than the crowd around us.

“That’s a tough one. Even though they’re kinda cheesy now, I really loved the rides. The bigger the adrenaline rush, the better time I had. But I also liked playing the games.” He smiled down at me. “As I got older, I would try to win something to give to a girl.”

“Aw, that’s so sweet.”

He laughed. “Yeah, that was my idea of being a suave Casanova. I had a lot to learn.”

My gaze caught the glittering lights of the Ferris wheel. “I can wait here if you want to go on some of the rides,” I offered. Secretly, I would die a thousand deaths until he returned, but I was willing to do it for him.

Rev immediately shook his head. “I’m fine.”

“Well, the least you can do is play some games. You know, for old times’ sake and all.”

With a smile, Rev said, “Yeah, I guess I could.” He then led me over to one of the booths. The game was set up so you won if you could hit the bull’s-eye on the target.

The guy behind the counter eyed Rev’s cut before handing him the toy gun. I could tell by his expression he didn’t much care for Rev playing the game—as if wearing the cut gave him an unfair advantage or something. If Rev noticed it, he didn’t let on.

Instead, he focused on the target in front of him. His first shot pinged against the center of the bull’s-eye, knocking it down. “Great shot!” I exclaimed.

“What prize?” the man asked.

“It’s the lady’s choice,” Rev replied.

I laughed. “Really?”

“Of course.”

“Hmm,” I murmured as I gazed up at the stuffed animals on display. A cute brown and white dog caught my eye. “I’ll take that one,” I said, pointing to it. The man took it down and then handed it to me. “Thank you.”

“Come on. Let’s try some other ones,” Rev said.

“Ah, I’ve created a monster, huh?” I teased.

“Yes and no. I fully intend to have you play some as well.”

“Me?” My voice squeaked.

He grinned. “Why not?”

“Rev, I wouldn’t even begin to know how to shoot,” I protested.

“We’ll find you one that doesn’t involve shooting.”

“One thing I haven’t told you is I’m not very athletic.”

“I’m not sure I’m too surprised to hear that.”

I smacked him playfully on the arm. “Hey now.”

“Here. Let’s try this one.” He motioned to a booth where smaller children were picking up floating ducks to match prizes.

“I don’t think I’m so bad that we have to start at a kiddie booth.”

Rev laughed. “Okay, okay. You pick one.”

I gazed around at my choices. “How about that one?” Across from us was a booth that boasted milk jugs. To win you had to toss a ring over the top of a jug. I figured it couldn’t be that hard.

“Looks good to me.”

After we walked over, Rev paid the man for some tickets. I was handed three rings. My first attempt didn’t even make it to the milk jug. The next smacked against the bottom. And after I put some oomph into the third, it went flying behind the jug. When I dared to look at Rev, he gave me an innocent look. “Want to try again?”

“Sure. Why not?”

Once again he paid and I was handed the rings. Once again I managed to get them nowhere near where they were supposed to be. “Again?” Rev asked.

I shook my head as I fought the embarrassment I was sure was tinging my cheeks. “No, I want to find the nearest concession stand. I plan to drown my inadequacies at carnival games in some cotton candy.”

Rev laughed. “Sounds like a plan.”

It wasn’t too hard locating the food. We simply had to follow the delicious smells wafting through the air. I decided on a corn dog and fresh lemonade along with my cotton candy. Rev ordered a funnel cake and a beer.

When he once again got out his wallet, I sighed. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

I frowned. “I just hate you’re having to pay so much for me. I’ll be glad when I can find a local branch of my bank and have some money of my own.”

“I don’t mind paying.”

“I know you don’t. It’s me who minds.”

“If it will make you feel better, I can start you a tab.”

“Smart-ass.”

While we ate our food, we walked around the other side of the fair, taking in the rides and various booths. As dusk started to fall, I became a little apprehensive. There was something more menacing in being around strangers in the dark versus the daylight. Every little noise from the rides made me jump.