Daddy in Disguise (Crescent Cove 7)

“First night of the season. They do a dry run before things officially kick off in a week or two. I did some work here for the owners so they let me know for Dani. This is actually only the third year Happy Acres has done the hayrides. Every year gets bigger.”

“You usually go with Dani?”

I shook my head. “Not you too. I figured at least you wouldn’t give me guilt.”

“Did she get on you for taking a girl instead of her? Because she so should have.” Macy pointed to a line of booths set up near the hayride loading spot. “You better buy her a caramel apple at least.”

I knew Dani wanted a caramel one, but I was curious about Macy’s choice. “What about a candy one?”

“Ugh, no. And skip the nuts.”

“I’ll take your word for it. But Dani claims she likes both.” Didn’t she? Now Macy was making me wonder.

“She’s lying to you.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” I jerked my chin at the hot dog stand. “Want?”

“Definitely didn’t expect this kind of fare tonight, but I’m up for it.” Before I could take out my wallet, she marched up to the counter—a feat over the scattered hay since her sexy black shoes had a thin stiletto heel—and asked for their footlong dog with extra relish, a side of spicy curly fries, and a soda.

“A woman after my own heart,” the guy behind the register said with a slow grin. I recognized him as one of the family members who worked at the farm.

“Hey, Beckett. Nice to see you.”

“Oh, hey, John. Didn’t see you at first.” He tipped his cap at me. “Where’s Danielle? She getting too old for this stuff?”

I let out a laugh. “Hardly. We’ll be here for the real opening day.” I rested a hand on Macy’s lower back. She sent me a look, but I pretended not to see it as I ordered—and paid.

“I thought we would pay our own way.”

I brushed a kiss over her temple in a possessive move I wasn’t used to from myself. The bonus was inhaling more of cinnamon and honey scent. An odd, alluring combination. “You thought wrong. I’m old-fashioned.”

“Too old-fashioned to screw on the first date?” She lowered her voice to ask the question but not quite enough for Beckett not to grin as he loaded up her dog with relish.

“Have you ever gotten hay in unspeakable places?”

“No. Is this the night I get to check that off my bucket list?”

I laughed and lifted my hand to the back of her neck. I don’t know why I cupped her there, just something about her warmth under my hand with tendrils of her hair teasing my fingers felt like foreplay. She obviously agreed, because she slid me another look, this one under her lashes.

“I have a feeling you’re a big ol’ tease,” she said once we were straddling a picnic bench next to the candy apples and fritters booth. I’d have to make sure I didn’t forget Dani’s treat before I left.

Yeah, I did feel guilty. But it was hard to regret much when Macy was digging into her fries with a gusto I had to appreciate.

“I was afraid you’d ask for a salad.”

She snorted. “The only salad you’ll see touch these lips is Vee’s chicken salad that is loaded with mayo. I barely recognize lettuce, forget eat it.”

“Thank fuck.”

“I never would’ve guessed you were the haunted hayride type. Too serious and stoic to put up with faux Freddies leaping out of the woods.” She offered me a curly fry and I intentionally nipped her fingers as I took it.

“Oh, this isn’t your usual corny hayride.”

“No?”

“I mean, there’s some of that. But it has it’s share of genuine spooks. And once you make it through the main course, they take you along the perimeter of the corn fields where there’s the most stupendous view you could imagine.”

“Oh, I heard about that view. Ivy told me she and Rory rolled in the corn.”