Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 82888 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82888 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Coen’s hand presses into my lower back as we exit the building but then falls away when we’re outside once again.
We head to the Ferris wheel and get in line, keeping an eye on the time. It’s tradition to try to be at the top when the fireworks start. If the carny is fun, he’ll stop the ride for a few minutes so we can watch from a spot that’s a little closer to the pyrotechnic brilliance.
The first boom goes off just as we reach the front of the line. They usually last around twenty minutes, so we’ll at least get to see some of them from the big wheel.
When it’s finally our turn to step into one of the passenger cars, Coen slides money into the operator’s hand. He doesn’t recognize Coen, but he does recognize green paper.
“Hundred bucks and you give us a few extra minutes at the top,” Coen says.
I hear Hank behind us whisper to Erica, “Damn… that’s slick.”
Looking over my shoulder at my girlfriends, they both give me a look that says, You’d better make good use of that extra time.
Settling into the seat next to Coen, I don’t ask for an invitation. Before the bar comes down over our laps, I scoot in close to him. To my surprise, his arm lifts and wraps around my shoulders.
It shouldn’t feel this good, snuggling affectionately next to him. And when his thumb rubs against my shoulder, I should absolutely banish any silly thoughts that maybe we could be more.
The Ferris wheel starts to turn, and our cart rises and then stops to let the next couple on. Looking over my shoulder and downward, I see Hank and Erica boarding. We rise again and stop, rise and stop, until the wheel is full. When we’re back near the bottom, the operator gives Coen a nod, and we’re off. The wheel makes two full rotations, the entire time Coen and I watching the fireworks in short bursts of three to four explosions. It’s not a very good show, and the display isn’t in sync with the classic rock blaring from the speakers, but it’s beautiful all the same.
Halfway through the third rotation, the wheel slows and then comes to a grinding halt at the top, our bucket rocking slightly.
Silently, we watch the fireworks. I half expect Coen to make a move, at least a kiss. And I need him to make the move because in this romantic setting, I’m afraid to. I’m the one who set the boundaries and the expiration date, thus I really can’t make this more than that.
And let’s face it. I only set those boundaries because I knew that’s what Coen wanted. He’s not looking for a relationship. Quite the contrary, he wants to be left alone for the most part. Since that’s the case, I’m not about to show interest in making this more than what we’ve agreed, so I watch the bursts of red, green, blue, and white light up the night sky.
“I wish I could stay up here forever,” Coen says, and it startles me. I lean away from him so I can see his face. The reflection of fireworks sparkles in his eyes. Slowly, his head turns toward me. “Away from the world. Untouchable.”
“But I’m touching you.” My hand reaches out, caresses his cheek before sliding behind his neck. And even though I said I wouldn’t make a move, I can’t help but pull him toward me for a kiss.
Coen comes easily, and the moment our lips touch, he takes control. His arms wrap around me and he pulls me close, rumbling low in his chest as the kiss deepens.
He doesn’t let me go until the wheel moves again, lowering us back down to earth. Our eyes lock, and for a moment, I think he might say something, but instead he merely presses his lips to my forehead.
When we’re off the ride, Erica asks, “Rides or games?”
“Games,” Xander says, then looks right at Ann Marie. “I’m going to win the biggest stuffed teddy bear on the midway.”
Judging by the smile she gives him, Ann Marie looks like she’s just fallen head over heels.
“Bet I can win the biggest,” Hank exclaims. “I’m an expert on knocking milk cans over with a baseball.”
“My hero,” Erica exclaims.
“I’m a professional athlete,” Coen says, and all heads turn his way. It’s the first time he’s openly mentioned his hockey career. It doesn’t go unnoticed—at least by me—that he uses the present tense. “There’s no doubt I’ll win the biggest stuffed bear.”
“Oh, it’s on,” Xander says.
Hank points his finger, swinging it between Xander and Coen. “You two are going down.”
We spend the next half hour bouncing from game to game, but I’m the one Coen hands a ginormous purple stuffed bear to when all is said and done. The thing is as big as I am, and Coen immediately has to take it back. “I’ll carry it for you.”