Page 83 of Autumn Kissed

My mouth opens in surprise, and water fills my mouth. The crowd is still cheering as I emerge, sputtering out water and wiping it from my eyes.

I whip my hair to the side, flinging the droplets away and facing Juliet with delight. “Cheater.”

“All for Autumn Ridge.”

She watches as I pull myself out of the water and seat myself back on the plank. Her eyes unabashedly trail across my front, the water spilling down my chest. “Enjoy those wet jeans.”

Then she walks back to deliver the balls to the next contestant.

I will enjoy them, if only because I know her eyes are stuck to me now.

I’m dunked twice more in the next fifteen minutes. By the end, I’m more than ready to dry off, though watching Juliet’s admiring eyes on me is worth any hypothermia I might catch.

Mr. Sharrow arrives for his allotted time at the dunk tank next, and I’m finally relieved of my duties. Nikki Baker takes over Juliet’s job, as well, so Juliet meets me around the back of the dunk tank with a large, thick towel.

“Thanks,” I say, scrubbing it over my hair and face before wrapping it around my neck and holding both sides of it in my hands.

Her eyes flick down my front, then back to my face. “Sorry for dunking you.”

I laugh. “No you aren’t.”

“You’re right. That was the highlight of my day.”

Our eyes catch, and the warmth in those oceanic depths makes me forget all about the cold breeze against my soaking wet skin. Leaves from the maples above gently rustle, and the voices and laughter around the festival fade.

The only person to exist now is Juliet.

“Thanks for helping us out,” she says, her voice soft. “I think they really enjoyed having you up there.”

“I’m more interested in how you felt having me up there.”

She tips her head to the side. Her eyes wander across my face then my chest, and she opens her mouth to respond. I hold my breath, hoping for more insight.

But a deep voice sounds behind her. “Juliet?”

She swings around as Mr. Monroe comes up to us. “Dad, there you are.”

He eyes my shirtless state with a deep frown. “This is a family event, Mr. Kade.”

He’s one to talk. I open my mouth to make a comment about his missed timeslot for the dunk tank—was it because he was making out with one of the ladies he’s dating?—but then I remember I’m supposed to be getting his approval.

“Yes, sir,” I say, swallowing every ounce of pride I have left. “Just trying to get dry.”

“He was doing the dunk tank, Dad.”

“I didn’t know he signed up.”

“He didn’t. He stepped in when no one could find you for your time slot.”

His eyes dart to Juliet’s. “My slot isn’t for another half hour.”

“No, it was a half hour ago. Didn’t you get my messages?”

He pulls up his phone, and his features fall. “I...I’m sorry. I must’ve mixed up the times.”

“Preoccupied?” Juliet asks with a glance in my direction.

Mr. Monroe scrubs a hand across his graying scruff. “Yeah. I got caught up with—” His words break off, and he clears his throat. “They needed my help with some things. Anyway, I’m here now. Can I sign up for another slot?”