Very pretty, my Tiger chuffs in agreement as my gaze focuses on Hadley.
Maverick Point sits below us—and it looks magical.
There are twinkle lights glowing beneath us, the smells of fair foods and sweet treats, the sounds of music and laughter, the whole nine yards.
The stars are shining, and there’s a big, fat moon hanging low in the sky.
And I don’t think.
I just lean in.
She turns towards me, already halfway there.
And this time?
When I kiss her—she melts.
Soft.
Open.
Her hands come up, clutching at my shirt like she needs something to hold on to.
The world drops away.
No festival.
No noise.
Just her.
Just us.
When we finally pull apart, we’re both a little breathless.
A little shaken.
She laughs softly, like she can’t quite believe it.
“Okay,” she murmurs. “That was wow.”
“Yeah,” I agree. “It sure was.”
We ride the rest of the way down a little quieter.
Closer.
My arm around her shoulders now, her leaning into me like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
After that?
We wander.
Play a few games.
I win her a stuffed tiger that she pretends she doesn’t want but absolutely clutches to her chest five seconds later.
We run into a few Pride members—quick greetings, knowing looks, a couple of smirks I choose to ignore.
