So Over My Head by Jenny B Jones Page B

checking the window for anybody walking by.
    “No suspicious e-mails that I can find. Though Red seems to have an online girlfriend.”
    “I’m sure the top hat is a huge turn-on.” I move on to the few folders and files on the desk. Bills. Check stubs. “Wait. What is this?” I flip through a giant-sized check book.
    “It’s Red’s pay system. Looks like he still writes his checks by hand.”
    Curious to see how much Betty was paid, I flip back a month. “That’s strange. Betty had been with the circus longer, but Alfredo made quite a bit more.”
    Luke stands near and peers over my shoulder. “Looks like Alfredo made more than everyone.” His hand snakes around me as he runs a finger down the book.
    Between Luke’s light cologne and the fear of getting caught, my heart beats loudly enough to scare the circus animals. I flip through the pay book backwards. “Look—in November Alfredo got paid less than Betty and most of the others. But by December, his check got a major bump.”
    Luke’s voice rumbles near my ear. “Maybe he took on more work.”
    “What, made more rabbits disappear?” I turn my head and draw in a breath at the closeness of Luke’s face. If I just leaned the slightest bit our lips would be touching. Omigosh, focus! “Um . . . but December would be about the time Alfredo started seeing Betty.”
    Luke lifts a brow, seemingly unaffected by being a breath away from me. Of course, he wouldn’t be. He’s got Ashley Timmons now.
    “Could be just a coincidence.” Luke’s voice at my ear sends chill bumps down my neck.
    “But it might not be.”
    “You think he was paid off for seeing her?”
    I slowly nod. “That was my thought.”
    He pulls an errant piece of hair away from my cheek. “Any other thoughts in there?”
    Just that I’m an idiot to let myself feel this for you. That you draw me in like a sale at Bergdorf ’s, and I can’t stand the thought of you and Ashley . “Nope. That’s it.”
    “You know what I think about?” His voice is soft as cotton candy.
    “That it’s a shame girls don’t want to talk about the SATs and chess on a date?”
    “I think about that night on the Ferris wheel.”
    “Really?” Ohhh, he’s playing dirty. “I don’t.”
    He sighs and smiles, pulling my twirling finger from my hair. “I believe you do. And I think you want a relationship, Bella. But just like that big ol’ Ferris wheel—it scares you. And first chance you get, you jump off. It’s too easy to believe I cheated on you.”
    “We really should get out of here.”
    “Not every guy is out to break your heart.”
    “They all have.” I suck in my bottom lip, knowing I just fell for his bait. “I don’t want to talk about this.”
    “I’m sorry about your dad. I’m sure it hurts to be left out of his life.”
    “My dad has nothing to do with this.”
    “Then there’s Hunter.” Luke takes the payroll book out of my hands. “Total idiot.”
    “And where do you fit in, Luke Sullivan?” I turn all the way around and look up into his face.
    “Right here.” He angles his head, as his arms go around me. His head lowers, and my eyes flutter closed.
    The door flings open, slamming the outside of the trailer. “Hey!”
    Luke and I jump apart as a pair of hostile eyes take in the scene.
    “The time for secrets is over. Tell me why you’re here. Now.”

chapter thirteen

    M y tongue freezes at the roof of my mouth. But Luke moves fast. He steps away from me and shoves the payroll book behind his back.
    “Hey, Cherry.”
    Her eyes take in the interior of the trailer. This girl who flies through the air and relies on perfect timing for a living doesn’t miss a thing. “I knew you two were up to something.”
    I finally find my voice. “I came in here to dry off from the dunk tank. Luke followed to check on me. That’s all.”
    “I meant from the very beginning.” She closes the door with a slam. “You with all your questions.” She gestures at me with her