“Hold my hand. I’m right here, Stell.”
She turned, her gaze softer as she nodded, and I entwined my fingers with hers aswe inched up.
“Thisisa nice view.” She leaned over, taking a careful look over the edge.
“It sure is,” I said, my gaze fixed on her and not the horizon in the distance. Her hair blew in the warm breeze, enough sunlight to bring out her eyes. She was so beautiful it hurt.
She gave me a bashful smile when she caught my gaze.
“I remember this ride. Gary was relentless. He said I was a baby, remember?”
“I do. But you calmed down. That’s why I thought you enjoyed it.”
“I did. Somewhere toward the middle,” she said, relaxing a little as she leaned back. “You stretched your arm out behind me and would nudge my back if I tensed up. I knew you were there, so I was able to enjoy it.” She scrunched her nose. “At least a little.”
I laughed, dropping a kiss to her bare shoulder.
“It’s good to do things if you’re scared, right?” she asked, searching my face as we neared the top. “I mean, the best things in life are always a little terrifying, right?”
She let go of the railing and smoothed her hand down my face.
“Are you saying that I’m terrifying?” I asked, sputtering out a nervous laugh because I wasn’t sure where she was going with this.
“A little. I have a lot of big feelings for you. Big, wonderful feelings I’ve never had for anyone else, and it’s scary.”
I knew exactly what she’d meant. I’d been running scared for two months because of those same feelings. I’d had them before, and it had shocked me to my core that I could have them again.
“Well, how about when you get scared, tell me.” Idrifted my thumb back and forth over her hip. “And I’ll give you a nudge.”
A smile broke out on her face while her eyes glossed over. My heart swelled in my chest, a heart I hadn’t expected to beat like this for anyone else.
“Is your offer to make out at the top still good?” Stella asked, framing my face.
“That offer is always good,” I whispered against her lips and captured her mouth in a slow, soft kiss. She let out a quiet whimper when I slanted my head, letting my tongue explore and tangle with hers as the kiss caught fire. My hand went to her hair as she clutched the back of my head.
I loved her.
And I needed to tell her.
But not yet.
Our lips broke apart when our car took a dip backward.
“Jesus,” she gasped, her hand flying to the railing.
“I think you’re the one who tipped the car this time. You can’t blame Gary.”
“I guess I did.” She covered her mouth, golden eyes dancing. “Lee, I…” She chewed on her lip and rested her head on my shoulder. “Thank you.” She took my hand back. “I may even like the Wonder Wheel now.” She peered up at me and cuddled closer. “But I think I’ll ride the rest of it like this.”
I laughed and kissed the top of her head.
I didn’t think that was what she’d wanted to say, but I wouldn’t press.
I let my gaze drift to the ocean and the twinkling lights around us and in the distance.
The big feelings scared us both, because I couldn’t picture the rest of my life without the woman in my arms.
THIRTY
