Then he turns and disappears into the sea of people and neon lights.
His absence lingers, the air around us feeling different without him.
“I guess it’s just us,” I whisper, my heartbeat pounding in my ears.
“This feels like a test,” Gareth echoes my earlier thoughts. Our eyes meet, and I nod.
“It does,” I admit.
Now we just need to decide if we’re going to pass it.
“Well, let’s hang out for a while and have some fun. It’s barely eight.”
“Yeah, okay.” I look down at the ground, suddenly feeling shy now that Dylan isn’t here acting as a buffer.
For a while, we walk without a destination in mind, just soaking in the fair atmosphere, looking at the different rides and games.
Nearing the edge of the fairgrounds, the Ferris wheel looms ahead of us—the last ride before we’d have to turn around.
Gareth looks at it, then looks over at me. “Afraid of heights?”
I shake my head, then he grabs my wrist and tugs me toward the empty line queue.
Our timing is perfect, and the ride attendant holds the door open for us. I climb in first, and Gareth follows, pulling down our lap bar. Our knees knock together, and my cheeks heat at the brief contact.
As the Ferris wheel starts to rise, we get the full view of the fair. Twinkling lights, lively music, and laughter. The higher we go, the quieter it gets, until they stop us at the very top. It’s beautiful up here, but it takes mere seconds for the world to fade away.
I hold my breath as everything pauses.
Gareth turns to me, eyes slowly searching my face. “I feel like I’ve been waiting for this moment for years,” he says quietly.
“What moment?” My voice comes out throaty and unsteady.
“Us. Alone. Time together.”
I nod, and his hand comes up to my cheek. He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, the space between us slowly disappearing.
My eyes squeeze shut. Our foreheads press together, the car gently swaying us.
I want to live in this moment forever.
Gareth shifts closer, silently asking for permission. I don’t stop him. A current of electricity flares to life inside of me.
Our lips brush slightly, and he brings his hand to cup the back of my neck.
“We shouldn’t,” I breathe, wishing the words would have died on my tongue.
“I know,” he groans.
His lips brush mine again, catching them in the briefest of kisses.
“We’re failing his test,” I sigh against his lips.
“Iknow.”
Slanting his mouth over mine, he kisses me.
Gently at first, but as the Ferris wheel begins its descent, he deepens it. I lean into him, moving my mouth against his.
