Page 91 of When Forever Falls Apart

“Sometimes, that’s all that matters,” I say with a grin.

I love everything about the country fair. From the fast, thrilling rides to the cute animals, the endless amounts of food, and, of course, the lame-ass games that I never win.

As a child, my father loathed taking Aston and me, but he acted like it was the best thing in the world, spending time with his kids, all to keep up appearances.

We return to our tasks as the café buzzes with patrons eagerly sharing tales of the fair. I weave through the tables, clearing away glasses and cups, the clinking of porcelain adding to the lively atmosphere.

As I make my way to the back, I notice Elliot trailing behind me, maintaining a careful distance. But as he catches a glimpse of Billie engrossed in conversation with a customer, a mischievous spark ignites in his eyes. With a swift motion, he closes the space between us, pressing me against the cool wall, his lips finding mine in a sudden, electrifying kiss that sets my heart racing.

As I gradually pull away, a radiant grin spreads across my face. “I think we’re breaking a code of some sort.”

“Yeah, which one?”

“Boss and employee.”

“I’m not your boss,” he reminds me.

“Oh, last night you were,” I tease.

“And this morning, if I’m not mistaken.”

“Yes, thanks for the kitchen-counter surprise. I think I pulled a muscle in my back.”

Elliot pouts, his gorgeous curls falling just above his deep blue eyes. “Oh, poor baby.”

“Yes, poor baby. You owe me a massage. With candles, essential oils, and funnel cake.”

“Funnel cake?”

“I’ve got this mad craving for it now, with all this country fair talk. Speaking of which—”

“I don’t like where this is going,” Elliot complains, taking a step back.

I point my finger at his chest. “You’re coming with me. I don’t care who sees.”

Elliot scratches the back of his neck in hesitation. “I just don’t think it’s a good idea.”

Billie enters the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “What’s not a good idea?”

“I invited Elliot to the country fair.”

“Sure,” she answers with a blank face. “And you don’t think it’s a good idea because you guys are sleeping together and you don’t want people to know?”

My jaw drops in astonishment and I watch Elliot’s eyes grow wide with disbelief, mirroring my shock.

“But… how… when…” I stutter, unable to get my words out. “I mean… it’s—”

Billie lets out a long laugh. “C’mon, you guys. It’s so obvious. One minute you’re besties, and the next you’re fighting. It’s classic friends-to-lovers.”

“I, um…” I stumble out a whole lot of nothing, and just when I think Elliot is going to hand me a lifeline, his playful smirk warns me I won’t like what he’s about to say.

“Well, girls, I have customers to serve,” Elliot announces casually. As he makes his way out of the kitchen, he pauses, leaning in with a mischievous grin, then brushes his lips against mine in a fleeting kiss. “Good luck,” he whispers.

My arms cross beneath my chest in frustration. I can’t believe Elliot is leaving me in the firing line of what will be thousands of questions from Billie.

“Now that Elliot has strategically abandoned the girltalk—you honestly thought I was clueless?” Billie questions with a laugh.

I shrug, a smile creeping onto my lips as I realize we don’t have to hide our relationship at work anymore. “Look, it’s still fresh,” I admit. “Like, just last-night fresh.”