Page 37 of Lightning Angel
“I guess there’s no point in wasting my breath trying to make you understand that my words are anything but flirting.”
Alexa looked away to the road and hid a smile.
The sun dipped toward the horizon, and when they reached the quaint carnival at their neighboring small town, it had started to get darker.
The air was filled with the aroma of cotton candy and popcorn, and the distant melody of carnival music echoed through the lively atmosphere as Tristan parked the car and they stepped out. Alexa looked around her, a sense of relief and something else she couldn’t register washing over her as her eyes absorbed the surroundings.
When her eyes fell on Tristan, he was already staring at her with a gentle look in his eyes. Her heart skidded into a stop before galloping. Why was he looking at her like that?
He inclined his head toward the carnival entrance, gesturing a hand, and pocketed the car’s key. Alexa nodded and joined him at his side, and together, they walked to the carnival.
Though she had been to countless carnivals before, this time, her heart brimmed with gratitude to be here. Seeing the strings of light that adorned every available surface, transforming the carnival into a radiant wonderland, Alexa realized how important this distraction was and how its magic had already started on her.
The ambience soothed her dread and distress, andTristan’s steady presence at her side was… It was comforting.
The first fifteen minutes passed by as they went sightseeing, Tristan patiently at her side whatever direction she went. He asked her if she’d like to ride the bumper cars or on the Ferris wheel, but she shook her head with a small smile.
“Do you like cotton candy?” Tristan leaned closer and asked in her ear, in order to be heard over the noise of the crowd and the music.
“You don’t have to bother buying anything for me, Tristan. I’m grateful simply to be here.” Alexa smiled at him politely.
“That’s not for you to decide, come on.” He offered a hand.
She accepted it, fighting another smile and saying, “If you insist.” She loved cotton candy.
Tristan’s fingers wrapped around hers and he led them toward a whimsical stand adorned with pastel hues. He approached the vendor, ordered a vibrant pink cotton candy on a swirling cone, and handed it to her.
“Thank you.” She accepted with a smile. Something twinkled in his eyes, but it was gone as soon as it appeared.
“Our next stop is going to be the bumper cars,” he said and held up a hand when she opened her mouth to protest. “And I’m not going to takenofor an answer. Please?”
Alexa sighed, but kept her smile on its place. “Tristan, I understand your efforts. But I’m fine, really. Like I said, just being here feels wonderful enough.”
“But a little more fun won’t hurt.” He tilted his headand looked down at her. “Please?”
Alexa tilted her head up and looked into his warm blue eyes. He raised an eyebrow, and she sighed in defeat. “Only if you’re coming along.”
Tristan smiled gently. “Of course, I am.”
“Let me finish my candy first.”
Alexa’s phone vibrated in her pocket. She fished it out and saw it was Cassie. A soothing feeling washed over her seeing the caller ID, but instead of answering, Alexa declined the call with a text.
Alexa: With Tristan at the carnival. Details later. So noisy here, I’ll call you when I reach home.
Cass: Tristan? Are you kidding me?
Alexa: You cleared him of all charges of being my stalker when we came to the conclusion that he isn’t the Lightning Knight, your honor. Remember?
Cass: Fine, then. Don’t bother replying, enjoy your time. I’ll be waiting for your call.
She hid a smile and sent a heart emoji before slipping the phone back into her pocket.
“It’s my sister,” she told Tristan. “I told her I was with you at the carnival.”
Tristan raised an eyebrow. “Does she know me?”
Alexa blushed and ducked her head, recalling how she had playedEnchantedon repeat after they met. Ironically, it was last Sunday. “She and my best friend, yes.”