Page 93 of Barron's Second Chance
Food trucks were scattered around, and the irresistible scent of burgers, hot dogs, fries, and her weakness - cinnamon-sugared mini donuts - teased her senses and watered her mouth.
Carnival music, bells, and whistles rang out, mixed in with a live band performing on the main stage in the middle of Fren Close.
As the day progressed, Eden relaxed more in Barron's company. Their mannerisms changed from polite friendliness to gentle teasing and flirting. Glances lingered a little longer, fingers brushed against each other more purposefully, shoulder bumped shoulder as they strolled together towards the next ride or game. It felt like old times - the way they just fell into rhythm with each other like an old married couple who still felt that shock of exciting thrill at being together.
Over the course of the day, they both caught up with friends.
First, Joshua who tried to appear incognito with a baseball cap, long-sleeved Henley, and long shorts. Unfortunately, since 90% of his body was covered in tattoos, he still stuck out like an obvious sore thumb. They were constantly approached by fans who wanted photos and autographs. It all got a bit much for him, so he headed back to his trailer until he was called on stage.
Ryan and Sofia, who were with dates, also joined them. They rode the Zipper together before she and Barron broke away for lunch. But not before Sofia had given her a saucy wink over Barron's shoulder before making a circle shape with her forefinger and thumb and crudely inserting her other pointer finger in and out of the makeshift hole.
Eden's face had reddened with embarrassment at her insinuation. As attracted as she felt towards Barron, she wasn't quite ready forthatyet.
As the day progressed, locals approached them to say hi. Some were nosy former school peers who feigned an attempt at "catching up" while casting curious eyes over the former lovers who were clearly reunited in some capacity.
Others were her fans who stopped for a quick chat about her career. There were also parents of girls she had had in her class. All of them gushed over how much their children enjoyed her talks. That warmed her heart.
But, surprisingly, many of the folks who approached them did so to greet Barron. She quickly realized that her ex-boyfriend was quite beloved in their town. The local boy who started a successful business from scratch, whose establishment raked a lot of much-needed tourist business and money into their town.
Barron had also started and headed up New Haven's social soccer team that regularly competed in local leagues with neighboring towns. High school boys also came up to him - all in the soccer team he coached. Their season was restarting soon, so he spent a few moments chatting with them about upcoming training.
Another thing she noticed about Barron, something Eden remembered him doing when they were together, was that he always included her in conversations. He was a social butterfly, whereas she preferred a more introverted setting.
But whenever they were at parties or sports events together, he always had an arm around her shoulder, always looked down at her with tender eyes, and always said things like, "isn't that right, baby?" Or "Eden and I...."
He did the same now whenever he chatted with someone she wasn't familiar with. He drew her into the conversation - "hey, have you met Eden?" It made her feel important, a part of his life.
Bailey also caught up with them later in the day. Eden had watched on in amusement as Barron made several attempts at a ring toss game to win Bailey a giant unicorn that she had seen and coveted.
On his third attempt, he threw his hands in the air in celebration. The bottom of his T-shirt had ridden up, and she spied a sliver of his flat stomach and the V-shaped Adonis belt that disappeared into his shorts. Thinking of his shorts made her think of his cock, and she glanced away briefly. Her face was heated at how quickly her thoughts had escalated.
Eden watched as Barron produced the pink and purple unicorn with a flourish and laughed as Bailey jumped up at him for a hug. Barron was such a good cousin to her. He had adored her as a little kid and always made time for her. She was pleased that he continued to be a big part of her life.
He would make such a good dad.
Startled at that random thought, Eden wondered what the future would look like...who would be the mother of his children? Some local girl who was a teacher at the school? Some brazen drifter who decided to make New Haven their home?
Her?
Eden had seen herself in that role so many times - as Barron's wife, partner, and mother of his children. That picture had gotten fuzzier and fuzzier as the years drifted by.
But now, as they both climbed into their Ferris wheel seats laughing like a pair of giddy teens, it was as if someone was turning the contrast up, little by little. The picture she had in her head and dismissed many years ago was coming back into focus.
As their seat swung back and forth, slowly making its ascent to the top, a comfortable yet heavy silence fell between them.
Even though they had been alone many times during the day, they had been too busy and distracted, laughing over throwing balls in turning clown heads and being flung in the air by a giant swing.
Sitting here next to Barron, Eden became very aware of how his hard thigh was pressed against hers and how close his hand was to hers on the rail. The sound of chatter and children's laughter was muted against the rush in her ears over being so close to him.
She concentrated on the growing view of her beloved hometown. "Wonder if you can see my house from here."
Eden knew they couldn't. The Ferris wheel location hadn’t changed since they were kids, so she knew full well that her house was in the other direction. She just needed to say something to fill the silence.
She glanced down in surprise as she felt Barron's pinky brush hers.
"Eden?" He turned to her, his hand released the bar, and slowly curled around her shoulder. She tensed for a second, holding her breath, before slowly releasing it, relaxing into his touch.
"Is this okay?" He asked softly.
