We’re almost at the top now. The cart swings gently as the motor lets off a sigh and the whole ride shudders to a stop.
Everest looks around. “Wait… are we?—”
“Stuck?” I grin, wicked. “Whoops.”
His eyebrows shoot up.
“Is this… part of it?”
“Depends.” I angle toward him, resting one elbow on the back of the seat. “Are you scared of heights?”
“No.”
“Good.” I lean in close. Close enough that he can feel my breath, the space between us electric.
“But I’m kind of terrified of you,” he whispers.
I smile, slow and soft. “Smart boy.”
And then I sit back again. Let the moment hang. Let the tension stretch so taut I can practically hear it hum.
He’s watching me. Like he doesn’t know if I’m about to kiss him or shove him off the ride.
“Cove,” he says, and it’s not a question. Just my name, said like a prayer.
I run a hand up his arm, just enough contact to watch him shiver.
“This doesn’t have to be anything you don’t want,” I murmur.
“I want,” he says. Too fast. Too honest.
I nod. “Okay.”
Still, I don’t move. I want him to meet me halfway.
And slowly, slowly, he does.
His hand lifts, brushing my thigh where the hem of my skirt’s ridden up. His fingers flex like he’s still not sure he’s allowed. I cover his hand with mine. Guide it a little higher.
His breath stutters.
And I smile.
“Good,” I whisper. “Now, let’s see what else you’ve got.”
Chapter Thirteen
EVEREST
I lied to her.
Not about wanting this with her. God, I fucking want that so bad.
I’m freaking terrified of heights. Don’t even get me started on bridges. I’m one big case of neurosis when it comes to both topics. If the gondola were more enclosed like a plane then I wouldn't be as terrified.
But when she leans in and kisses me with the sweet sugary taste on her lips, everything else is forgotten. Not that us having sex is going to be on view for all her subscribers to see. That if Tanner is subscribed to her, he’s going to know what I’ve been doing this whole time. That I lied about the subscription.
But when her lips touch mine all those fears fall away and it’s just me and her, lost in this moment of unbelievability.
