Twisting the Pole Read Online Free

they were laughing, stepping and hopping with the rest of the crowd.
    Cora smiled and clapped to the beat with the rest of the watchers.
    Salk was in the midst of the dancers. The young woman who was partnering him looked like she was either going to pass out or hump his leg.
    Cora watched for another two dances, and then, she faded back and headed for her tiny house.
    She passed through security and headed for the camping lot. Her tiny house was parked in one of the spots and hooked up to electricity and water. It amused her every time she walked up to it. The snowflake magic had given her a tiny, portable castle.
    She walked up her steps and slipped inside her home on wheels.
    Cora kept the lights on as she worked on designs inspired by the music and dance. She might never have a chance to make the jewellery, but she was happy to have it down where she could see it.
    A knock at the door pulled her out of creativity and into the real world.
    She moved the small shield that covered the face port and blinked in surprise. “Salk. What are you doing here?”
    He lifted a basket. “I have been told that you often skip dinner. I am prepared to keep your strength up so that you don’t miss the party tomorrow.”
    Cora smiled. “Come in.”
    She opened the door, and he entered the small space.
    Salk looked around. “Interesting. There is every comfort of home.”
    “Which is fortunate, because it is my home.” She took the basket from him and folded a table down from the wall. When it locked in place, she set her burden down and gestured for him to unpack his offering.
    He opened the basket, and she grinned as hamburgers and fries emerged. At the faire, the food he had with him was contraband.
    “I won’t ask how you got that, just like you will forget that you saw this.” She turned to her small kitchen and knelt, pulling the small hatch in the floor open to retrieve two imported beers.
    As she set them down on the table, they frosted over.
    He grinned. “Cooler in the floor?”
    “Something like that.” She gestured for him to take a seat, and she scooted her stool over to the table. “Thank you for the food.”
    “You are welcome. Thank you for the medallion. I was only expecting a ribbon.” He grinned and fished the medal out of his shirt.
    The flying reindeer was one of her favourite designs. She hadn’t wanted to sell it, but she wanted someone to have it. The impulse to give it to him had been intense.
    “It looks good on you.” She bit into the burger and stifled a moan. Cora tried to keep herself calm as she ate, but she was fighting the urge to stuff it all in her face at once.
    Halfway through the meal, she cocked her head. “So, why did you provide me with this luxurious feast?”
    He grinned. “I like you. You were not what I was expecting, and I am pleasantly surprised.”
    She chuckled. The rumour mill at the faires was notorious. It was a community that stretched from sea to sea and across the oceans. Now with the internet, the rumours and gossip could streak along as soon as someone got out of the public eye so they could text.
    Some faires were stricter on the rules of modern conveniences than others, but using a cell phone while in garb was universally frowned upon.
    Salk gestured to the tiny house. “So, how long do you live in here?”
    She shrugged. “Anytime I am away from home.”
    “Where is home?”
    “Up north.” She kept it nice and vague. “You?”
    “The same. I just came here because I was requested to, but I am very glad I did.” He wiped his lips with his napkin, balled it up and tossed it into the basket.
    She tried to change the subject, because his gaze was suddenly intense. “How did you know I like burgers?”
    “I asked your assistant. Vivienne was very forthcoming.”
    Cora rolled her eyes. “She would be. She is a sucker for a guy in armour, or a girl for that matter.”
    “Is Cora your real name?”
    “You mean away from the faire? Yes. That is the name on my