“I wore comfortable shoes in case you made me walk,” Stella said, lifting her heel when we got to my truck.
“You will have to walk,” I said, opening the car door. “So that was a good decision.”
“You still aren’t telling me?” Her eyes thinned to slits. “Seriously?”
“You’ll figure it out along the way. And you’ll like it, I promise.” I pressed a kiss to her lips and swatted her ass. “So please, get your sweet ass inside my truck so we can go.”
“Fine, but only because you said please.” Her lips, painted cherry red, slanted as she stepped inside.
I made my way to the driver’s seat, still not used to this. I’d been with women since Katie had passed away, but I had never taken a woman out anywhere. I’d gone straight to their hotel rooms and was gone the next morning.
I hadn’t wanted to show them off or send them flowers so they’d remember us while I was away. I hadn’t skipped ahead to all we could be together or even wanted to think of a future that didn’t include only my daughter and me.
Stella was a miracle, and it would always be enough of a shock that I’d never take it for granted.
“Coney Island?” Stella said, her jaw dropped in my periphery. “That’s where you’re taking me?”
“Why not? It’s a beautiful June night. Bennie has Taylor, so she doesn’t care where either of us is or for how long. And remember when we came here as kids?”
“I remember the funnel cake stains on Gary’s shirt.” She laughed when I found her gaze.
“I thought we’d walk around, go for a romantic stroll on the beach. See where the rest of the night takes us.” I pulled into a spot after I paid for parking. “You don’t like it?”
“I love that you planned this. Rides make me nervous. But my brother and best friend wanted to celebrate graduation at Coney Island, so I mustered up the courage for a few rides that night. But walking around and seeing where the night takes us is perfect. As long as I’m with you.” She leaned over the console and pressed her mouth to mine. “Thank you for this.”
“You’re welcome,” I said, cupping her cheek. “You’re gorgeous, in case I haven’t told you today.”
“Thank you. You haven’t, actually. Since you came home last night, you haven’t said much at all.”
“I thought I’d said plenty,” I said, my voice low while I leaned in to whisper in her ear. “Like be a good girl and come for me.”
“Oh my God, not here,” she said, jumping back and pushing against my chest. “Don’t get me all tingly in public.”
“Well, then maybe don’t say you’re tingly in public, baby,” I said as I stepped out of the car.
“So, where do you want to hit first? We couldget something to eat, walk around, or…” I trailed off and pointed up to the sky.
“The Wonder Wheel? Did you not just hear me about rides?”
“You liked that one. Once Gary stopped moving. We could do a stationary car. Come on.” I dipped my head. “I won’t let anything happen to you. You know that. And it’s sunset, so it should be an awesome view.”
“I’m sure,” she said, letting go of a long breath. “You know what? Let’s do it. And not the stationary car. If you tell my brother that, I’ll never hear the end of it.”
“I’d never tell Sergeant Funnel Cake anything.” I wrapped my arm around her shoulders. “Maybe we can make out at the top.”
“I forgot about the top,” she said, stilling next to me with her eyes wide. “No, fuck it. Let’s go.”
“I won’t force you, Stell.” I stepped in front of her. “I thought it would be fun, but this is up to you.”
“No, let’s do it. Like I said, as long as I’m with you.” She lifted her head and brushed her lips against my cheek.
I caught Stella cringe when they locked the rail on the orange car. She wrapped her fingers around it, her knuckles turning white as the car swayed back and forth.
“You okay?” I asked, rubbing her back.
“Sure,” she chirped a little too fast, sucking in a tense breath with her nostrils as the wheel turned, taking us up toward the sky.
I slid closer, wrapping my arm around her waist and pulling her tight.
