Page 29 of Always My Love

He chuckled. “Butter and a ton of salt.” He grabbed a handful and ate some while she did the same.

For the next few hours, she sat in complete awe at the experience. Every moment of it.

Nick held her hand through most of it when they weren’t enjoying their snacks.

By the time the credits were rolling, she was determined to bring her sister to a movie soon.

“That was really amazing,” she said as they walked out of the theater.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” He brushed his lips across hers. “How about we grab some lunch at the food court?”

“Okay.” She took his hand as they strolled out of the theater.

“Normally this place is crowded on days like this, but thankfully, winter break is over and school started up again today,” he said as they walked through the mall. “I came here just before Christmas with my sister and this place was packed.”

“Hailey and I came down here on Black Friday.” She rolled her eyes. “It was crazy too.”

“I don’t normally shop on Black Friday. Now Cyber Monday, that’s my jam.”

She chuckled. “I don’t even have a computer at home.”

“You don’t?” He frowned when she shook her head. “My phone is all I need for now,” she said as they stepped into the food court.

“What’ll it be?” he asked, glancing around the court at all their options.

“I like the noodle place.” She motioned. “And the chicken place. Then again there’s always pizza.”

In the end, they settled on the noodle place she liked and sat in the almost empty food court and enjoyed their meal.

After eating, they walked around the mall, dipping into shops either of them wanted to. She purchased a cute sweater for Lucy, and Nick got Blue a bright blue collar and leash combo.

Almost an hour after the movie had ended, they headed home. The snow had gotten a lot deeper, but the streets looked clear enough.

“I guess it’s a good thing we didn’t stay in there much longer,” Nick pointed out.

“I’m not a big shopper.”

“Growing up, this was the place to be. I’m sure you spent loads of wasted time strolling through a mall.”

“Nope, up until we moved here, I’d never been in a mall before,” she admitted. Nick remained quiet as he opened the Jeep door for her. “I never had a man open a car door for me either, until you.”

He held her still and pulled her into his arms. Her knees almost went weak at his gentle touch.

“I like to hear all about your firsts.” He brushed his lips across hers. “I’d like to hear the things you’ve never experienced and give them to you.” He kissed her again, and this time her knees did go weak.

Just then a horn blasted as someone shouted at them to get a room.

Chuckling, Nick released his hold on her and she climbed into the Jeep.

They had just turned off the main road in town and were heading towards the small highway that would take them to Pride when a school bus directly in front of them slid off the road. She screamed as she watched the massive thing hit the ditch and roll several times.

Harper had a moment to brace as the Jeep slid to a halt, stopping only a few yards from the bus that had finally landed on its side.

“Call 911,” Nick said, then he jumped out of the car and raced towards the bus.

With shaky hands, she pulled out her phone and called while watching Nick pull open the twisted doors to the bus.

After giving the dispatcher their location and the emergency information, she jumped out of the Jeep.