by Kaylee Ryan
“What about an amusement park?”
“Nope,” he says popping the p making me smile.
“Are you afraid of heights?” I ask.
He turns his head to look at me. “I’m a marine,” he smirks.
My face heats with embarrassment. I knew that. “Well, then you and I have a date with some rides. Which one do you want to ride first?”
“You choose.”
“Hmmm,” I ponder the idea. “The Scrambler!” I say excitedly. “I love it. Wait, you’re good with spinning, right?” It’s a legit question. Every year I see at least ten different people stumbling off and vomiting.
He chuckles. “Yeah, I’m good with spinning.”
Tugging on his arm, I pull us to the line for the Scrambler. “You want inside or outside?”
“Is one better than the other?”
“Oh, my dear, dear Slade. The enjoyment you’ve missed out on.” When the gate opens and they let us in, I rush to an open cart. I’m excited to share this with him. From the little I’ve learned, his childhood was lacking in the fun department. My heart breaks for him, but I don’t show it. I’m sure he doesn’t want my pity. The next best thing is showing him some of the things he missed out on. Getting to experience that with him is a bonus for me.
“Wait, which side is worse?” he asks.
“They’re both pretty even. Some say one side is worse than the other, but I’ve ridden both more times than I can count, and they’re both the same.”
He nods and climbs in beside me, locking the bar. He’s a tall guy, all muscle, and I’m just me, at least a foot shorter than him; I only come up to his shoulders. “I can take it,” I tell him when I see the worried look on his face.
“I don’t want to hurt you. I’m a big guy. I could squash you.” His voice is deep, and his dark eyes are filled with concern.
“It’s fine, trust me. This is all in good fun. Promise.” I place my hand over his on the bar. It’s meant to be comforting, and it is, but it’s more than that, especially when he turns his hand over and entwines our fingers. I try not to freak out that he’s holding my hand. I mean I’ve held hands before, but I barely know him. He’s all dark and sexy, and is so unlike anyone I’ve ever met before. Brandon is the only guy who even comes close, but he’s never made my insides shake from nervous energy. That’s all Slade.
When the ride starts, we begin to spin and pick up speed. When the ride throws Slade into me, he releases his hold on my hand and puts his arm around my shoulders. He holds me next to him as we twirl around and around, back and forth. The chilly September night air washes over us, but I’m not the least bit cold in his embrace. When the ride stops, he releases his hold on me, and I immediately miss his warmth.
“Well?” I ask once we are off the ride.
Looking down at me, he raises his hand and helps smooth out my hair. “Time of my life.”
“Right, okay.” I look away, breaking our connection. He’s giving me all of his attention and that makes me nervous. “Time for the next one. Have you ever been on the Tilt-o-whirl?”
“That one I have ridden.”
That’s how our night goes, more rides, more laughs, and it’s the best time I can ever remember having at the fair. When I take him to the line for the merry-go-round, I thought for sure he would protest. He’s a big guy. Nope, he walks straight on and lifts me up onto my horse, and stands behind me. Wrapping one arm around my waist, the other grips the pole, his hand on top of mine. That’s how we ride the entire time, with me wrapped up in him and trying to convince myself that the flutter in my chest is from the nostalgia of this ride from when I was a kid. I try to convince myself it has nothing to do with his hold on me or how good it feels.
“One more,” I say, pulling him to the Ferris wheel. My intention was to meet Savvy and Brandon back at the demolition derby, but we’ve been having too much fun. I don’t really want our time alone to end.
“What about all this fair food we were supposed to try?” He lightly bumps his shoulder into mine. As the night goes on, he seems to relax more and his smile, it’s potent, and threatens to knock me to my knees. Luckily for me, the first time I witnessed it we were standing in line and I was able to lean against the fence for support.
“The fair’s here all next week.”
He’s quiet and standing close to me in line. “Maybe we can come back,” he offers.
I link my arm through his and rest my head on his shoulder. “I’d like that.” I would. I really like him. In just a few hours, I can tell he’s a good guy. I know he’s leaving in a matter of days and that he lives in another state, so there’s nothing that will come of this. My stomach dips at the thought, but I refuse to allow our short time together to be dragged down by my sadness. Instead, I’m just going to enjoy hanging out with a hot guy who treats me like a human being not a piece of meat. Something most men around here, at least those our age, tend to do. Slade is an anomaly.
When it’s our turn to climb into the car, Slade places his hand on the small of my back and lets me go first. Once we’re in, he double checks that the bar is locked and then stretches his arm out on the back of the seat. I want him to wrap it around me, but I’ll take what I can get.
“This your first time?” I ask.
“Yeah, my gran, she wasn’t much for heights.”
“So I get to be your first.” The words are out of my mouth before I even realize it. My hands go to my mouth to cover it to keep more word vomit from spewing.
“Austyn,” he says. I can feel his stare. “Hey,” he says softly. Gently, he places his index finger under my chin and guides me to look at him. “I’m glad it’s you.” He leans in as if he’s going to kiss me.
I close my eyes, wanting, waiting for it to happen. Then the car jerks, causing us both to sway along with the car. Opening my eyes, I see that the moment is broken. It’s not completely lost though. Slade moves his arm to rest across my shoulders and pulls me next to him. I snuggle in close and enjoy the ride.
As soon as we are off the Ferris wheel, my phone rings. Pulling it out of my pocket, I see Savvy’s name light up my screen. “Hey.”
“Where are you guys?”
“We just got off the Ferris wheel.”
“Are you coming back to the derby?”
“Savvy wants us to come back to the derby,” I tell Slade.
“I’m with you,” he replies looking at me intently.
“We’ll head that way.” After ending the call, I slide my phone back in my pocket. Slade surprises me when he offers me his elbow and a smile that I fight hard not to swoon over. I don’t hesitate to slide my arm through his. “I’m thinking we stop and get a refill on our lemonade and get an elephant ear. You want to share?”
“We can share.”
Making our way to the other side of the fairgrounds, we stop and get refills on our lemonade, and luckily the elephant ear booth is right beside it. Slade refuses to let me pay. I don’t argue with him. This isn’t a date, not really, but it feels like one. He’s sweet and attentive, and… everything I’ve never had on a date.
Walking in front of the grandstands, I look for Savvy and Brandon. I spot them at the very top and head their way.
“Finally,” she says. “We thought y’all were lost.”
“Not lost, just enjoying the fair.” I take a seat beside her where she sits in front of Brandon, leaning back against him. Slade takes the seat beside Brandon, directly behind me. Turning, I hand him his lemonade, and in turn, he hands me our gigantic elephant ear. “Try it,” I say, pushing it back toward him.
“You first,” he insists.
Reaching out, I tear off a bite and hold it up to his lips. His dark brown eyes seem to grow darker as he opens and takes the bite I’m offering. His tongue flicks against my fingers, and it takes everything I’ve got in me to not squirm in my seat.
“Good?” I’m barely able to get the word out.
“Very,” he says, and offers me the plate. I tear of
f another bite and shove it in my mouth and moan at the taste. Too bad we only get these once a year.
“That looks good,” Savvy says smirking, and I know she just witnessed me feeding him. I’m never going to hear the end of this.
“You want some?” I offer, not making eye contact.
“Nah, I’m stuffed. We had pork tenderloin and deep-fried pickles.”
“Damn,” I say, turning to look at Slade. “I forgot about deep fried pickles.”
He laughs from deep in his gut. “We’ll make a list for our next trip and hit them all,” he assures me.
Satisfied, I turn back around.
“Next time?” Savvy whispers, leaning in close.
“Later,” I whisper back.
She looks at me hard, making it clear she wants to know all of the juicy details. I grin in response, just before she says, “Take a picture,” and pulls away. She hands me her phone and leans back into Brandon. He wraps his arms around her, and they both give me a big cheesy smile. “Thanks,” she says when I hand her phone back to her. “Now you two.”
I turn to look over my shoulder at Slade. “You up for a picture?”
He nods. “With you.” The way he says it leaves zero room for interpretation. He’ll take a picture with me. That’s it. Butterflies take off in my stomach knowing it’s only me.
I scoot back on the bench seat thinking he’ll just lean in and we’ll take the picture. He surprises me when he opens his legs, and I fall back into him. He rests his chin on my head as Savannah tells us to smile. I smile, but it’s not for her. It’s for him, for this moment. It’s for the way he makes me feel, as if we’re together and taking this picture is the highlight of his day. She snaps the picture, and even though I hate to, I move back to a sitting position. “More?” I hold up the elephant ear for Slade to grab another bite, and he does. I turn back around just as quickly; I can’t watch his full lips lick the powdered sugar from his fingers. I have no idea what is going on with me. I’ve never reacted this way to a guy. It’s exciting to feel this connection, but it’s nerve-racking at the same time.
Savannah distracts me by talking about everyone she’s seen since we’ve been here. Most of our friends from high school went away to college, unlike Savannah and me. We opted to stay close to home. I can hear Slade and Brandon talking behind us, and I try to block it out, but his deep timber calls out to me. I’m so focused on listening to him, but not hearing a word his says that I’m ignoring Savannah.
“It’s starting,” Savannah says, leaning her shoulder into mine, pointing to where the first heat of the large derby cars are pulling into the arena. She’s all chipper and happiness because Brandon is home, as she should be. It’s going to be hard on her when he leaves.
The night goes on, and we each pick a car to win each heat. We cheer as if the driver is our best friend. By the time the feature rolls around, I’m exhausted and unable to stifle my yawns. Strong hands grip my shoulders and pull me back. I don’t fight it. Instead, I rest between his legs and tilt my head back to look at him.
“You look like you’re going to fall asleep any minute.”
“I didn’t nap.”
He glances over at Savannah, who is leaning into Brandon, his arms wrapped around her. “Looks like you’re not the only one.”
I have to admit, she looks tired but comfortable. I’m certain there is no place she’d rather be, well, unless it was just the two of them. “It’s been a long day.”
Slade bends down so only I can hear him. “Rest, Austyn. I’ve got you.”
Not able to resist, I relax fully, letting him hold my body weight. The heat from his body surrounding mine takes the chill out of the night air.
When the feature ends, we all stand and stretch. I lead the way down the grandstands, the others following. I get ahead of them and then stand off to the side. I see Savannah and Brandon walking toward me hand in hand. Slade is behind them, hands tucked in his pockets. He doesn’t stop until he’s next to me.
“Ready to head out?” Brandon asks. Savannah yawns, and he laughs. “Yeah, you’re exhausted, babe. Let’s get you home.” She nods and steps into his hold. He puts his arm around her, and they head off toward the parking lot.
“Ready?” Slade asks, offering me his arm once again.
I’m not so tired that I need to hold onto him, but even if was wide awake, there’s no way I’d pass up the chance. I slip my arm into his, and we follow our friends. It’s no surprise when we reach the truck that he opens my door for me once again. I also don’t miss the fact that Brandon has stepped up his game and opened Savvy’s door. The ride back to Savannah’s is quiet, just the soft lull of the radio filling the cab of the truck.
“You guys want to come in?” Savannah asks when we pull into the driveway.
Brandon turns to look at Slade and me. “You two cool with that?”
I know her parents aren’t going to be home until later, and Savvy desperately misses Brandon. No matter how tired I am, I can’t say no. Besides, I’m off tomorrow; we both are. I have a class at eleven, so I’ll be able to sleep in. I know that they want time alone to… connect if you will, and I don’t want Slade to feel awkward or like a third wheel. Not to mention, I’m not ready for this night to end. I’ve enjoyed spending time with him, getting to know each other.
“I’m staying here, so I’m good with whatever,” I tell him.
“I’m down,” Slade says from beside me.
The butterflies in my stomach go crazy at the thought of spending more time with him. Suddenly, I’m not as tired as I thought.
TRYING TO KEEP MY COOL, I climb out of the truck and head for her door. She’s faster than me this time and is hopping down when I get to her. Her foot slips on the running board, and she begins to fall, but I catch her. My hands land on her hips and I hold her close to my body a little longer than I need to. It’s as if this is where she is meant to be, in my arms. Always. When I finally help her get steady on her feet, she looks up at me, and I’m captivated. Her blue eyes, crystal in color, are shining in the moonlight. With her blonde hair a halo, she looks like an angel.
“Thanks.” Taking that as my cue to let her go, I reluctantly remove my hands from around her waist and step back. “Looks like they left without us,” she says, looking over at where Savannah and Combs disappear into the house.
“Lead the way,” I say, stepping back so she can close the door. My voice is gravelly as I fight against my desire for her.
We walk side by side up the front steps and onto the porch. Our hands brush against one another we’re so close, the warmth of her skin sweeping against mine. That’s intentional on my part. I want to reach out and hold her hand, but I’m not exactly sure what the protocol is for this. I’m not exactly an expert on dating, not that this is a date, but I would like to think that if it were, it was a good one. I’m letting her lead me through this, whatever it might be.
“Slowpokes,” Savannah says when we join them in the living room. “We’re thinking a movie downstairs. Why don’t you guys go on down? We’ll make some popcorn. There are drinks in the fridge,” Savannah says.
Combs pulls her into a kiss, whispers something to her that causes her to giggle, then releases her. “You ready to sit through a chick flick?” he asks me as we head down to the basement.
“Honestly, I’m good with whatever.”
“I bet you are. I saw the two of you getting cozy. Remember what I told you,” he warns.
“She’s nice. Not like most girls I’ve met.”
He nods. “Not sure why someone hasn’t snatched her up yet. All the guys in school wanted her. She just never gave them the time of day.”
I don’t comment and keep my features schooled. Internally, I’m smiling and fist bumping. “Nice place,” I say, changing the subject.
“Yeah, we’ve spent a lot of time down here.”
“You two seem solid,” I tell him. “Have you thought any more about what you mentioned?” I’m vague on purpose, in c
ase the girls can hear us.
“Yeah, man. I don’t—” He looks over his shoulder at the stairs. “—have it yet, so maybe after we finish SOI. I want to find the right one, you know?”
I nod. “I could imagine if I were in your shoes, I’d want the same thing.”
“Did you find a movie?” Savannah asks.
“Nope, we were waiting on you,” Combs replies swiftly, not missing a beat.
I watch as Savannah sets a big bowl of popcorn on the table and holds her hand out for him. “Y’all make yourselves at home. We’re going to go to the back room to… catch up,” she says, not taking her eyes off him.
He stands, taking her hand, and follows her down the small hallway. I watch as they disappear behind a door.
“You do know what she means by ‘catch up’ right?” Austyn laughs. “We better pick an action movie. Something loud, where they blow stuff up.”
I throw my head back and laugh. “I’m surprised he’s waited this long.”
“Me too to be honest. They’ve always been that way, unable to keep their hands off each other.”
“They’ve been together a long time.” It’s not really a question, more of a statement. I already know because Combs gave me a play-by-play at boot camp.
“Yeah, they’ve always just clicked. Anyway, movie. Here.” I watch as she pulls up Netflix and then hands me the remote. “Pick something.”
“Go ahead.” It doesn’t matter to me what we watch. Chances are sitting next to her, I’ll be too damn distracted to pay attention anyway.
“Let’s see what Savvy has on the DVR.”
I watch her as she points the remote at the TV and scrolls through the recordings. I’m staring, but I can’t seem to help myself. She must feel my stare because she turns to look at me. I’m busted. Quick to recover, I say, “I’m good with anything.”
She chuckles. “You’re a pretty easygoing guy, Slade.”
“Am I?”
“You seem to be.”
“I’ve always been a more… ‘to myself’ kind of guy.”
