We’re escorted onto the Ferris wheel, and luckily, our car is one that’s stable enough that it won’t rock like crazy when we both sit on the same side. Normally, the Ferris wheel’s height would terrify me, if not for Clay’s reassuring arm. Although he can’t actually protect me if the ride malfunctions, his protectiveness makes me feel safe, anyway.
We ride to the top in silence. Unlike the usual tense silence with my ex, this isn’t awkward at all. It’s a relaxing and reassuring quiet.
“The view is gorgeous,” I say when we reach the top. The way the moon reflects over the ocean is a beautiful sight.
“Look at the lights behind us, Fe.”
Peering over my shoulder, I gasp. Lights illuminate the entire pier. The sparkling lights of the rides, games, and arcade below are clearly visible from our vantage point. The view is enchanting and romantic, much like this whole night.
Chapter 8
So damn safe.
Felix
Once we get off the Ferris wheel, all the sounds slam into me at once. It’s almost as if my little bubble of peace is popped, and I’m suddenly overwhelmed with all the people and noise. My senses are on overload.
No, no, no. This can’t be happening right now.My thoughts go fuzzy and chaotic all at once, and I can tell that if I don’t calm myself down quickly, I might end up having a panic attack.
I give Clayton a panicked look, but when the smile drops off his face, I feel ashamed. Every once in a while, or probably more often than I like to admit, I get flustered and my body goes into over sensory mode.
“Is everything okay, Felix?”
“I—I need to pee,” I say as soon as I spot the restroom nearby. “I’ll be right back.” Rushing off, I leave a shocked-looking Clay behind, making a beeline for the men’s room and over to the sink. I turn on the faucet and splash cool water on my face. The reflection that greets me in the mirror is pale. Ugh. I look panicked, and I feel small. So damn small.
I tug my backpack off my shoulders and fish around for my phone. Only when I finally pull it out, I notice the battery is dead, and the screen won’t turn on.
Damn it. My address is on there. I haven’t bothered to memorize it yet. How the hell was I going to find my way back home?
I try my hardest to hold back my tears, but when I catch sight of my reflection again, it’s red and splotchy, and I look like a mess. My breathing is harsh, and my heart is racing. I’ve never been a pretty crier. The tears spill over, and suddenly a sob tears from my throat.
“Fe?” Clay walks in. He’s holding a gift bag, and it’s probably not even for me, but for some reason, the sight of the bag makes me cry harder. “Hey, hey, little one. What’s wrong? Talk to me.”
He kneels in front of me and cups my face, thumbs swiping at my tears. Seeing this gorgeous, muscular man on his knees for me makes me weak.
I shake my head, embarrassed and unable to talk.
Even though Clayton has no idea what’s going on, he stands and wraps me in his arms. “I got you, Fe. Come on. Let’s go over to the bench outside, and I’ll take care of you.” His words are sweet, but it’s the dominant tone of his voice that has me following his lead. It’s nice to just let him take control.
Clay leads me to a bench behind the restroom, and away from prying eyes. The noise here is a little muffled somehow, and I’m grateful. Clay sits on the bench and tugs me onto his lap. I curl up against him, forgetting that we’re in public and we’ve never done anything like this together before.
How does this man make me feel so damn safe?
Clay rubs small circles on my back, and my breathing evens out. “Is that better, little Fe?”
I nod.
“Tell me what happened. Did I do something to upset you?”
My mouth falls open. “No, of course not,” I rush to say. “I just got a bit overwhelmed. It happens sometimes when I’m around too many people and loud noises. I mean, it doesn’t happen all the time, but just…sometimes.” I groan. Damn, what the hell must he think of me?
“I can understand that.” He continues rubbing my back calmly. “We’ve been out all day, around people, in the sun, and on the rides. It makes sense you felt that way. Even my introverted side is begging me to get away from all the people.”
“Do you want to get away from me?” I ask, voice soft.
“Of course not. Never. Don’t ever think that way. Do you hear me, little one? If I had it my way, I’d spend most of my free time with you.”
I nod, my mind still bouncing around from one thought to the next. “Gah! But I forgot. I’m so stupid, Clay. My phone died. I never memorized my new address, and I don’t remember the street. I’m pretty sure I could recognize it if I heard the name, but I just can’t remember.” The tears spill onto my cheeks again. “I have no way of making it home!”
