Читать книгу Daring Devotion - Elaine Overton - Страница 10

“Step right up, folks and try your luck!” The heckler moved back and forth across the grassy area before his exhibit, trying desperately to coerce patrons. It was already past 8:00 p.m. and he’d only had about thirty percent of his typical turnout. The light drizzle of rain that had been falling all day kept a large number of carnival attendees away and in a few very short hours he would have to pack up for the night.

Just then, his eyes fell on the large man and petite woman moving in his direction. He saw his opportunity. So desperate for this score, he stepped outside of his safety zone to cross into the man’s path. “How about you, sir? You look like a veritable Hercules. Surely, a mammoth of a man such as yourself can quickly win a prize for your lady.”

Cal looked down into the greedy little face of the man who’d practically jumped into his path, and then looked at Andrea, who was presently cradling the four stuffed animals he’d won for her already. “No, thanks.” He went to step around the man.

The man gasped in false alarm. “Afraid of a challenge, my good man?” The heckler turned to the crowd of people beginning to gather. “What do you say, folks? Do you think our little exhibit can present a challenge to this friendly giant?”

Cal looked around at the curious faces, and felt his jaw flex. The little man was becoming a nuisance, not to mention drawing unwanted attention. He could’ve easily swatted him out of his way and kept walking. But now, Andrea was looking up at him with that pleading expression that always got to him.

“What?”

Her eyes twinkled as she gingerly pointed to something on the wall of the booth.

Cal’s eyes followed her finger. “Aww, hell,” Cal sighed in defeat when his eyes fell on the big, pink elephant tacked against the back booth wall.