“Whoa, what’s the rush?” Jasmin’s voice is breathless as she tries to keep up with me.
“Nothing.” Once I’m sure we’re far enough away from the booth, I slow our pace. “I’m just excited to show you our town’s festivities.”
“Or you’re trying to keep me from hearing anything scandalous about you from Piper.” She smirks as she glances over at me. “That’s it, isn’t it? You don’t want to look bad in front of me.”
“No, I don’t. But also, there’s no telling what will come out of my sister’s mouth.” Which is why we high-tailed it out of there.
“I can’t wait to hang out with your sister alone.” I swear there’s way too much joy in her words.
I hope that never happens, but I know it will if we really want to sell this relationship. Or, if we want to make this thing real. I’m really hoping for the latter.
“Have you eaten, yet? I’m starving and know the perfect food truck.”
“I could eat.”
At least she didn’t comment on my evasiveness. Now to wow her before she has to go home.
Sixteen
Jasmin
In hindsight, a ride that spins individually while also spinning in a circle probably wasn’t the best idea even if it was fun.
We went on a couple more tame rides, but as the sky darkens, he pulls me toward the ferris wheel.
“Um, I have an irrational fear of heights.” I point at the ride in question. “Are these things even safe considering how quickly they put them up and take them down for fairs?”
“I’ve never really thought about it. I won’t let anything happen to you, though.” All I can do is nod. “If you don’t want to ride it, we don’t have to.”
“No, it’s fine. I have you here to help me conquer this fear.” If I’m being honest, I’ve ridden more rides here than I have in my entire life. I’ve always been the responsible one who holds everyone’s stuff as they ride. Tonight is all about being reckless, and not having to take care of anyone.
We’re next up to ride and the attendant waits until we’re on the chair to press the bar down. He does it again to test it and my entire body tenses.
Parker wraps his arm around my shoulder and reaches for my hand with his free one. It’s sweet he’s shielding me from my own fears. The wild part is I think it’s working. Until the seat moves forward and I glance at the ground moving away from us.
He lets go of my hand and gently grabs my chin, turning my face toward his. “Focus on me.”
Those three words are all I need to relax. For once someone is taking care of me, and it soothes something in me. Mends a tiny part of what I know is broken within me.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Grounding me.”
He lends toward me, his lips soft against mine. This is nothing like the one beside his truck the other night. It’s unrushed and full of an emotion I can’t quite name. Lust isn’t it. Something sweeter. It reminds of the kisses in movies when the couple realizes how much they mean to each other.
It’s too early for that, though. Besides, nothing about us is real. The way is mouth molds to mine tells a different story. Like I’m important, or something fragile he won’t let anyone break.
The chair stops with a sudden jerk and I pull away. My eyes are squeezed shut because I’m certain we’re about to fall to our death.
“I’m right here, Jasmin.”
“I know.”
Slowly, I open my eyes. I can see the Dallas skyline from here. I’ve never seen it like this before and it’s pretty magical.
“Now, look up.”
