We all stand around watching the festivities while we eat the pastries. As I predicted, I don’t even come close to finishing mine. It’s good, but way too sweet for my taste. Before I toss it, though, I give it one more glance and kind of wish I’d been like May and taken a picture before I destroyed the little icing Brenden

Maybe I like sweet when it comes to him.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

BRENDEN

Walking around the festival with Travis yesterday was fantastic. Even Elise and Grant’s presence couldn’t dampen the fun of watching Travis relax and enjoy himself in an environment he usually avoids.

Sure, I caught him glancing around nervously sometimes. Probably scanning for potential gossipers who might be paying too much attention to us being here together. But that’s understandable. I was nervous about it too. If he gets outed because of my crazy scheme, I’ll never forgive myself.

We got some questioning looks, but everyone knows the two of us are friends. And that I occasionally make it my mission to get him to do things he doesn’t want to—for both his own good and my own amusement. So I don’t think anyone thought it was too weird.

I did manage to steer Elise and Grant clear of most conversations with the locals, so that helped. All it would take is one innocent mention about me and Travis being a couple, and both he and I would be screwed.

Let’s just hope things go as smoothly today with the games. There will be many more eyes on us, since Travis and I are competing. I still can’t believe he agreed to do it with me.

It’s funny, because I was upset when May first said she wanted to compete with her grandmother instead of me. But now, slightly more than twenty-four hours later, here I am practically bouncing out of my seat at the idea of seeing Travis participate in all the craziness.

“Why are you smiling at nothing like a total weirdo?”

Ah, shit. I’ve been caught.

As I turn my head toward Addison, I school my face into a more neutral expression. Lately, I can’t even think about Travis without grinning. Any time I see him, my brain immediately goes to, I’ve sucked that man’s dick.

“I’m taking in all the excitement around us,” I lie. I told her I’d help her out manning the booth early this afternoon before the games start. Not that she needs it. A few of the other employees have volunteered to do short shifts too. But being the owner, I should put in at least some time chatting with the tourists and locals.