Page 207 of Embriagado

“That’s one scary-looking dog.”

He glanced back at the keychain. “It actually reminds me of you.”

“Really?” I took it from him and held it next to my face.

Narrowing his eyes, he pursed his lips and tapped his chin with one finger.

“An almost identical duplicate.”

“Asshole,” I laughed, handing the keychain back to him, but he refused.

“It’s for you.”

Surprised, my brows rose. “Seriously?”

He nodded, already back to looking around as if searching for something.

“Well, it would look cute next to the one I gave you,” I said, sliding the keychain into my pocket. Only then did Ari look at me, the smile no longer on his lips.

“I actually lost it.”

“That’s okay.” I draped my arm over his shoulder. “It was a piece of crap anyway.”

Reaching up, I thought he’d push me away, but instead, he only pulled his hat a bit lower.

“It wasn’t. I wish I hadn’t lost it.”

Fucking butterflies filled my gut, and hyped, I bit my lip so I wouldn’t smile from ear to ear like a Cheshire cat.

“I’ll get you a new one.”

“I’d like that,” he said, his voice almost a whisper, but I heard him, loud and clear.

“You know, sometimes I think you’re actually cute⁠—”

“Hold that thought.” He stopped walking, his eyes focusing on some sign ahead. “Let’s go over there.”

“A mirror maze?” I huffed, reading the sign.

“Yes.”

What a weirdo.

I tried convincing him to try the much cooler bumper cars instead, but he insisted we go there.

“It’s like the lamest attraction in the whole fair,” I grunted, following him. “No wonder there’s no line.” I stopped when I noticed the Out of Order sign hanging on a rope that supposedly “blocked” the entrance. “Oh, what a shame. Seems like it’s closed for now— Hey!” I called after he hopped over the rope. “What are you doing?”

“Going inside.”

“But it says it’s closed.”

“What’s the matter, Mr. Rivas? Suddenly scared of breaking the law?”

I wasn’t sure what was hotter, the way he looked at me or his teasing smile, but either way, it got me moving.

Walking inside, I expected mirrors, but all we got was a long hall.

“You sure there’s mirrors here?”