Chapter 7 Mountain
Istare at Hannah as she enters the bakery after the insurance agent, Gary, introduces himself. The first thing she does is smile at Cami like she’s trying to start shit. After the drama she caused three years ago, I want to kick her out and tell her to fuck off.
“Hey, Rex.”
“Hi.” I know Cami is watching even if she’s talking to Gary.
I can see the side-eye she’s giving us, thinking I’m fucking Hannah or something when that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
I don’t find anything attractive about this bitch.
And she is a bitch. After the way she treated Cami during the festival three years ago, I haven’t spoken to her more than a handful of times. I’ve gone out of my way to avoid her.
This shit she’s pulling now? I don’t get it.
Gary’s deep in conversation with Cami and looks her over with an appreciative gaze, not at all bothered to handle the claim with a pretty woman. Fucker.
She’s mine. I want to growl the words, and I fucking can’t say a damn thing. Cami would lose her shit.
I sort of want to rile her up on purpose just to see her reaction, but I won’t do that to her after the emotional roller coaster she’s had over the last two days. It’s enough to set anyone on edge, and I don’t blame her for being moody or weepy.
Maybe I have a savior complex because I can’t get the idea out of my head that I can solve all her problems for her.
It’s controlling, I know. But I want to be the shoulder she leans on, cries on, and finds her strength.
Holding her in my arms as she broke down felt so fucking right; it’s messing with my head.
There’s a part of me that wants to kidnap her, take her to my house, and fuck the hate right outta her.
It’s goddamn tempting because we need our second chance. I firmly believe that.
I’m not paying attention to Hannah at all, listening to Gary as he speaks.
“You’ll need a few estimates for the labor and supplies. Find reputable companies to put in bids and then fax them to me, letting me know which one you’re choosing.” Gary hands his card to Cami, and she tucks it into her purse.
“Thanks. I’ll do that.”
“The damage is extensive, and since the Fire Chief ruled this as arson, there’s no need to provide proof that it wasn’t sabotage from the owner.”
Cami bristles. “My Granny would never do that. This is a second home for both of us. The Butter Bliss is our legacy.”
Gary rushes to make amends. “Of course. I just have to explore all options before I submit the paperwork. There’s no worry here. I’m in agreement with you.”
Cami relaxes. “Good. I appreciate that.”
“Rex? Did you hear me?”
No, I didn’t. “I’m a bit distracted. What do you need?”
Hannah blinks. “I don’t need anything.” There’s the attitude I remember. “I just want to invite you to the bonfire we’re having this evening.” She cuts her gaze to Cami. “You can bring Camille with you if you want.”
There’s no fucking way Cami will want to go to a party where she’s sure to run into Hannah. I try to be polite since that’s how my mama raised me.
“I’ll let her know.”
Hannah rips her gaze away from Cami, but not before I see the hate that lingers. It’s unjustified. Camille never did a thing to Hannah. She just hates her for some stupid reason I don’t care to explore. “But you’ll come, right? Even if she doesn’t?”
Hell no.
“Possibly.” It’s the best answer I can give.
Hannah reaches out, lightly tracing her fingers over my cut. I’m tempted to smack them away. Instead, I take a step back.
“I’ll see you tonight, Rex.”
I don’t answer her as she leaves, trying her best to get me to stare at her ass. But there’s no way that’s happening with Cami watching. I also don’t have any interest in what Hannah keeps offering. She’s not the woman I’ve been obsessed with for years, much longer than the three we’ve been apart.
There’s only one woman I want in my bed.
As Gary wraps up his meeting with Cami, I join them.
“I’m happy to give a quote for Coleman Lumber. I can fax it straight to you if you give me your card.”
He almost hesitates before reaching into his clipboard and handing one to me. “You’ve got the best reputation and prices in central Ohio. I doubt anyone will beat your offer.”
They won’t because I’ll ensure that I get the job by underquoting the bid.
Cami will have to go with Coleman Lumber once she sees how much cheaper it is for Granny Jo.
I’ll take the financial hit because I can handle it.
I’ve got a considerable savings account thanks to the success of our company and the stock I’ve invested in. It’s no hardship to help.
“Let’s hope so,” I say, reaching out to shake his hand. “Good to meet you, Gary.” I’m being obvious without saying a word as I step closer to Cami and end the conversation.
There’s no reason for Gary to linger, and he knows it.
“You’ll hear from me as soon as you send in the quotes. Have a good afternoon.”
Once he’s gone, I turn to Cami. “You get everything you need?”
“I think so.” She puts her cell away and gives the room one last perusal. “There’s nothing to salvage. Might as well leave.”
Her voice catches, but she squares her shoulders back and walks toward the door.
I join her. “You hungry? The food vendors have really stepped up their game this year. We’ve got the best barbecue in the Midwest.” I’m not sure if she’s going to refuse, so I keep talking, hoping I’ll get her to agree.
“I need to eat first, but I’m going to be checking in with all the shops and asking questions about the fire.
You’ll probably want to be with me when I do. ”
“Okay. Yeah. You’re right.”
“You want a gyro, brisket, or a corndog? Hell, you can have all of them if you want. My treat.” I’m being too eager. I can hear it in my voice, for fuck’s sake. I need to get my shit together.
She surprises me when she laughs. It’s a sweet sound that travels down to my cock, and I fight for control, hoping I don’t pop a fucking boner right now.
“Brisket and cotton candy.”
“As you wish.” It’s an old reference to one of her favorite movies, The Princess Bride.
“Wow, you remembered.”
I don’t know why she’s surprised. “Yeah.” Of course, I remember. It’s all in that file in my head.
“I didn’t think you would.”
“There’s not a single thing about you that I don’t remember, Blissy Girl.” It’s bold of me to admit it, but I’m using every opportunity I can to remind her.
Her eyes widen. “Rex.”
“Let’s move, darlin’.” I reach for her elbow and guide her gently forward. “My stomach is gonna gnaw its way through my belly.”
By the time I lead her back to the street, it’s full of people. The sun has set, stretching the warm colors across the sky in hues of purple, red, and orange. Above, the moon begins to rise into position, already a soft amber in the lower sky. It’s a bit cool out tonight, but perfect fall weather.
We stop at The Smokestack first, which is a local favorite.
Best brisket and pulled pork I’ve ever had, other than when I’ve traveled to the southern states.
Scythe has a contract with the restaurant to remain a vendor with us for the next five years.
The lines never stop forming, so I’m sure they’ll be with us for a long time.
I place my order and add Camille’s, paying for both of us as we wait for the food. She gathers utensils, napkins, and extra sauce, and it almost feels domestic the way we each gather everything we need without saying a word.
Once I’ve got our order, I walk to the pavilion, and we grab seats at an empty bench.
I’m starving, so I dig into the food, dunking my pulled pork sandwich in extra sauce between bites.
I’m onto my brisket sandwich before she’s halfway through hers, watching me with what appears to be equal parts fascination and humor.
“What?” I ask after I’ve chewed and swallowed.
“Nothing. It’s just that I forgot how much you like to eat.”
“I do.” I wait a few seconds and then grin. “I’ve got a ravenous appetite.”
I know the innuendo isn’t lost on her when I see her cheeks darken in the low light. They’re dusted with pink, and I hope she’s thinking about my tongue and how well I can use it.
It won’t be long before I’m showing her.
We finish our food, and then I buy her the cotton candy she wants, walking through the entrance into the Fear Farm. Paid actors, including club members and other townspeople we trust, dress in costumes and adopt personas to enhance the creepy vibe and haunted atmosphere.
It’s not uncommon to hear screams or see people running in terror. That’s part of the allure of the carnival and why we designed it that way. There are signs posted at the entrance, and that’s as far as we go with a warning. Step into the Fear Farm, and you enter at your own risk.
Cami walks beside me, and occasionally her hand brushes against mine.
I throw caution to the wind and reach for her soft fingers, threading our hands as we pass by carnival rides and the ticket booth.
Vendors have set up in a long row facing one another with dozens of games.
Fair foods, popcorn, and a photo booth are available, many of them with long lines.
They move fast because we schedule plenty of staff and encourage our vendors to do the same.
The point is that people are having a good time, spending money, and making memories that will last long after they leave.
With any luck, they’ll return. Every year, we try to add something new, so it doesn’t grow boring or stagnant for visitors.
We’re upping the scares, and the hayride has a reputation for being one of the scariest experiences in the Midwest.
I don’t take Cami to the hayride, though. She doesn’t need that adrenaline rush. I opt for the Chills’ N’ Thrills Corn Maze since it’s early, and there’s plenty of time to go through the local businesses to ask about the fire.
When she sees where I’m heading, she squeezes my fingers. “It’s been forever since I’ve walked the maze.”
“Think you can make your way through without help?” I ask, teasing her. Last time, she got lost, and I had to push through the hay bales to find her. Just weeks before the fall dance that ruined everything.
I won’t fuck it up this time.
This year’s theme centers on clowns. There are props and actors spread throughout the maze, strategically placed for the most scares. I know Cami isn’t afraid of clowns, so this is the safer, more enjoyable option.
I guide her beyond the ticket booth and up to the front of the line.
Since I’m a King, it’s a perk I take advantage of.
Nobody in line argues when they see my cut.
People know the Fear Farm is organized and run by our club.
If they don’t, there are plenty of signs around the carnival to inform them.
One of our employees is taking tickets, allowing only small groups to enter with 10-minute gaps to prevent the maze from backing up inside. The experience is far more enjoyable when it’s dark, less populated, and the jump scares have a chance to work.
Right away, we’re presented with two options. We can take the left or right path.
“Your choice,” I tell Cami.
She pulls me toward the left, and I fight a smile. This is the longer route. We’ll still find the exit without too much trouble.
We use spooky-themed lighting and special effects to light the maze enough to see in the dark with LED uplights that cast eerie shadows and strobe lights that add to the haunting ambiance. There are sections where the corn stalks are uplit, as well as colored pathways and areas with blacklights.
The result? You can’t quite tell whether it’s a prop, an actual person, or if something else is waiting around the next corner.
Cami screams as a demented clown jumps in front of us, lunging in her direction. She practically crawls up my body, and I hug her close, laughing as she smacks my shoulder. The clown breaks character and laughs, too. I know it’s Voodoo, and I lower my head, catching myself right before I kiss her.
She blinks, putting distance between us, but it’s not out of malice or anger. This is different. I think she feels the connection we share, and this time, it actually tempted her too.
Without warning, the maze plunges into darkness. I hear a few screams and wonder what happened. Our lights never go completely out. It ruins the vibe.
There’s a whoosh of air beside me, and Cami breaks contact, her hand no longer touching mine. It’s so damn dark I can’t see shit this far into the maze. Thick gray clouds cover the moon as I feel my way around, moving forward until I touch the rough straw of a hay bale.
“Cami?”
No answer.
A sickening, horrible feeling festers in my gut. I have to find her. Now!