Page 10 of Cuddling Carly

With that, he gently took hold of Carly’s arm—sending excited tingles throughout her entire body—and escorted her away.

Once they were safely out of earshot, he said, “I’m guessing she’s kind of a brat.”

Carly was torn. On one hand, she didn’t like talking badly about people. But on the other hand, she wanted to be honest.

Perhaps a truthful yet diplomatic approach was best, she decided.

“Yeah. For some reason, she’s never liked me.” Adding a shrug, she explained, “I’m not even sure why. Started in middle school. I think she sort of judged me because her family was doing good. Not super rich but not struggling like mine. Her dad owned a few businesses, and her mom was the go-to real estate agent around here. And Kelly was the popular cheerleader and all that. Kind of made fun of me and we just never got along.”

“I’m sorry, Carly. There’s no excuse for that sort of thing.”

“Thank you. And I agree. I hate meanness.”

They reached the tent where Carly’s booth was and saw that more people were starting to filter in.

“Hey, you better get back to work. I don’t want to keep you from making some sales. And I’m judging for the 4H club in a few minutes when the kids show some calves.”

“That’s great! Hey, thanks for lunch. And for going through that haunted house with me.”

“You kidding? Thanks for going with me. That haunted house was better than I thought one at a rural county fair would be,” he said with a grin.

“It wasn’t bad. But one day I’m going to go to the best one ever! It’s in Mountainville and—” She stopped talking instantly.

Oh snap! Had she really just mentioned Mountainville?

Way to go, Carly. Why don’t you just admit you’re a Little to him and really scare him away?

Of course, if they were ever in a relationship—not that there was an actual chance of that—she would have to tell him.

But any thoughts of them being together were all just pipe dreams. Nothing would come of them.

Right?

“Where’s Mountainville?” he asked.

“Here in Texas. Just a little town.”

“And they have a good haunted house?”

There was no reason denying it or trying to backpedal. And acting weird would probably raise suspicions and he’d look it up. Right now, he’d most likely think it was just some small town around there and would forget all about it the second he walked away. So, Carly played it cool.

“Supposed to be the best. They really do it up big. Has Hollywood-like production values and stuff. One day I’ll make it there.”

“I hope so,” he said. “Hey, maybe I’ll tag along. You’ll need someone to tackle when you get scared.”

He winked and she giggled.

The hot, sexy cowboy who gave off major Daddy vibes with her in Mountainville?

Yes, please.

“That would be fun.”

They hugged, and the embrace felt wonderful as his arms were wrapped around her—even if it was just a friendly, brief gesture.

But she didn’t want it to end and couldn’t help thinking how amazing it would feel to spend more time in those strong, powerful arms.

To spend all night…