“You have plenty of pictures on your phone.”
“Not like these.”
Hutch was right about my phone. I had been forcing him to take selfies with me lately as well as taking just single shots of him as often as possible. But he didn’t really complain and as we climbed into the booth, he pulled me onto his lap, whispering into my ear about how much he enjoyed seeing me smile and making me happy.
“Laugh with me,” I urged before I tickled Hutch’s side as the flash went off. I planted a wet one on his lips for the second one, we made a silly face for the third, and I bit his chin for the fourth.
Hutch reached out to shove more money into the slot. “Another,” he told me before he licked my cheek in time for the camera to go off. Another kiss, another silly photo, and then all smiles for the last and final picture.
Fuck if I didn’t love Hutch more now than I did this morning. I planned to tell him before I left, just so he knew what he meant to me.
Hutch helped me from the booth so we could grab our photos. “Jills.” He grinned at me as he held out one of the film of pictures. “These are amazing.” He searched my face, and when his gaze met mine, the smile vanished from his handsome face. “Baby, what’s wrong?”
I shook my head. “Nothing, I just...I’m going to miss this. You know.” I waved my hand around in the air. “These are great.” I didn’t want to upset him after he had gone through all this trouble on my last weekend. Hutch’s hand came up to turn my face up to his. “Don’t,” I pleaded.
“Want to ride the Ferris wheel now? I was going to wait until later, but I think we should do it now.”
I took the pictures and made sure they were safe in my purse as we got in line for the ride.
Hutch’s hand was tight around mine, our fingers locked together, and I remembered how it felt only a few weeks ago when we did. The nerves, the way Hutch seemed so scared and anxious. He hadn’t had a panic attack in such a long time. Once the bar was locked in place, Hutch leaned his arm around my shoulders without saying anything until the ride began to move.
“You’re pretty special, Jills.” I glanced over at him, only Hutch had his eyes glued straight ahead. “I think I knew that the morning we had breakfast. How easily you calmed me down, assuring me no one was staring at me, but I wanted to tell you now.” He swallowed, and his Adam’s apple moved up and down his throat. He slid his arm down from around my shoulders, grabbing my hand on the way. “I love you.”
My whole body went warm as the ride stopped right at the top. “Hutch...” I hadn’t expected that. I had hoped, but he was just the most amazing man, and for him to tell me how he felt was such a big step for him.
Hutch nodded. “I know, I know, but I just wanted to tell you before I chickened out, and before you left for New York.”
I kissed him before he could say anything else; my heart beating so loud in my ears. “I love you, too.” I felt the smile that spread across his lips upon my admission against mine before he pulled away.
“I had to tell you here, Jillybean, this place is ours.”
“I’m glad you did.”
As the ride began to move again, I saw the pink in Hutch’s ears, the happiness in his eyes, and felt the heaviness in my heart. The more this weekend went on, the harder it was going to be for me to let him go.
“Do you want to get something to eat? How about a caramel apple? Oh, I could really go for one of those right now.” Hutch clapped his hands together.
My brows dipped. “It’s not even ten in the morning.” I pointed out. “Is your stomach made of cement?” I teased, trying to push my feelings aside.
“Possibly.” He slipped an arm around my waist. “You’re not hungry?” We moved around the crowds that had started to get larger. The tourists would be going home soon, and the carnival would close after Labor Day weekend.
I shook my head. “I’ll have a bite of yours.”
“Heathen, get your own, because I am not sharing,” Hutch teased as we got in line. “I’m not the only one who wants something sweet this early.” He grinned. “Jilly, are sure you’re alright?” His fingers traced little circles on my hip.
I pressed my lips together. “Perfect,” I lied as we stepped up to the counter so Hutch could place his order. I couldn’t ruin his day. Not after he told me he loved me.
Once Hutch ordered his food, we found a place to sit. He munched happily on his apple, allowing me a couple of bites, and smiled at me as he ate. I took a couple of pictures because I wanted to remember this day, making sure to add it to my Instagram. Not surprisingly, Hutch didn’t have one, and didn’t have a Facebook or Instagram at first either, but created accounts when I told him I could tag him in our pictures.
“Did you just tag me in another picture?” he groaned with a hint of a smile when he dragged his phone from his pocket. He rolled his eyes as he unlocked his phone, but broke out into a big grin when he saw the photo I posted. I had posted a picture with both of us biting into the sides of his caramel apple. “You’re adorable, you know that?” Hutch twisted his lips into a kiss. “Right here, Jilly,” he instructed pointing to his mouth.
I stood up to kiss him as he asked and then eased myself onto his right knee. “You’re going to keep that Facebook after I leave, right?” I asked, leaning into him.
“Of course.” He placed the half-eaten apple on his napkin. “Why?” He tilted his head. “I’m planning on liking every single picture you post of yourself in your leotard.” He chuckled when I swatted at him. “Are you sure you’re okay, Jillybean? You’re not acting like yourself this morning. Something on your mind?”
I dropped a kiss to his neck. “Nothing is on my mind,” I assured him. I knew how Hutch’s mind worked. The last thing I needed was for him to think I was going to break up with him today or any day. As he reached for the caramel apple, I felt the lick of desire race through me as he ran his tongue against the fruit. “Can we get out of here?” I felt my core clench. “Take me home,” I murmured.
“Home? Are you sure because...Oh. Home.” Hutch must have realized what I meant when he pulled back to see the look in my eyes. “Let’s go, Jills.” He helped me to my feet.
