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Liam: Maybe. On both counts…
Benji: Dude. You’re leaving me twisting for a woman? My brother is all over me about this. We need an answer by next weekend.
Liam: I get it. And no, not leaving you hanging for a woman. My uncle is still recuperating. But I understand. Let’s chat at gala. I’ll have an answer for you then, promise.
I shoved my cell into my pocket, my chest even tighter than before. Now that clock had an alarm—I needed to somehow convince Macy to come to L.A. next weekend, fall madly in love with California, and want to live there with me forever.
Locking the door to the apartment, I walked down and knocked on Macy’s door. She didn’t leave me waiting long, answering on the second knock.
“Hey,” I said, my eyes sweeping up and down her body, taking her all in. Her hair fell in loose waves over her bare shoulders, the sun glistening off her golden highlights. “You look beautiful.”
She blushed, looking up at me through long, dark lashes. “Stop. I look exactly like I do every other day.”
“Yeah. Beautiful,” I said, pressing my lips to hers. She tasted sweet, like honey and vanilla, and I had to resist the urge to pull her inside and make out instead of going to the festival.
“We should go,” I murmured, my groin muscles tightening, urging me to stay.
“Mmm. ..” she said, giving me one last, long kiss before linking her fingers in mine.
“I’ll drive,” I said. We walked downstairs to the lot, my chest loosening up again now that we were together. The vibe between us was great; I’d probably been stressing over nothing.
The annual Peach Fest took place in Peachtree Grove Park, just at the end of Main Street. Cars lined the street, every available space taken. I parked the truck at the general store and we walked down the cobblestone road hand in hand, following the crowd.
“Wow,” I said, marveling at the flowering pink buds of the peach trees lining the pathway into the park. “I forgot all about this.”
“It’s a little different than those West Coast palm trees, huh?” Macy asked, her nose wrinkled up.
“For sure.”
The festival was already packed, even though it was just past noon. Loads of people waved to Macy; it was a whole different world down here, that was for sure, and not just the foliage. Everyone seemed friendlier, more welcoming. A few people I recognized from the general store even said hi to me, which was nice. Made me feel more at home here.
“Okay, city boy. I don’t know how long it’s been since you’ve attended a festival like this, so let me remind you how it all works,” Macy said as we wound our way around the lake towards a row of booths. “First, we have to buy tickets for the rides and games. I don’t know about you, but I always make sure to hit the Ferris wheel—the view is amazing from up there. You’re not scared of heights, are you?”
“Me?” I asked, one brow raised. “I’m not scared of anything.”
“Liar,” she said, elbowing me in the ribs and smiling. “I know for a fact you’re scared of bats. I saw your face last week at the Rowdy, when that bat flew close to us in the alley.”
I held my hands up. “Fine. Bats, you got me. But I can handle heights.”
“Great. Then after the Ferris wheel, I typically hit the food booths. It’s mandatory to eat at least one peach something or other. I usually go for the peach ice cream, but have been known to venture out.”
“Delaney has a booth this year. We have to stop by and see her. I promised.”
“Alrighty. We can get that done. I adore her bakery. I’m sure whatever she’s selling will be amazing. After we eat, we can play some games. Then, later tonight, we need to be here for the fireworks. Only other time you might see better ones is the Fourth of July, and truth be told, I usually like these more.”
“Sounds like a solid plan,” I said, leaning over and kissing Macy full on the lips. She stilled at my touch and a cold wave of panic rushed over me. I hoped I hadn’t overstepped. But then she moved in closer, reaching her hands around my waist and pulling me in, and I relaxed. I felt like we’d hit another milestone in our relationship, like I’d just unlocked the next level: Relationship Reveal—General Public.
“You ready to do this, McCauliffe?” she asked, leaning back and gazing up at me, her pupils dark and wide.
“You know it.”
“Let’s get going then. Otherwise, we’ll be waiting in line with your cousin’s entire pee-wee football team,” she said with a wide smile.
I followed her lead, taking the path around the lake to the right. We dodged small children racing away from their parents and even smaller dogs on leashes, barking at the ducks in the water.
“How many tickets?” I asked Macy once we’d finally made it around to the ticket booth.
“I don’t know, how many rides can you handle?” Her hazel eyes glittered at the double entendre, and I chuckled, a deep, low laugh, tapping her lightly on the ass.
