Lola
“Why were you surprised that Olly went on the Ferris Wheel?” Ryan moved closer to me as the worker for the ride locked the bar down over our legs.
“He hates the ride.” There was something about Ryan. Every time he touched me, my body ignited. I’ve never experienced instant attraction with anyone. A part of me wanted to deny my feelings because it was all happening so fast, but a larger part wanted more. “I could be the reason for it.” I laced my fingers with his and rested our hands on my lap. “Don’t tell him I said that, though.” I winked and bumped my shoulder against him.
Ryan laughed. “I sense there’s a story there.”
“Nothing exciting.” I winked. “It was my favorite ride, and I made him go with me even if he complained or seemed scared.” I shrugged my shoulders. “And yes, I know I’m a horrible sister.”
“We all have those moments with our siblings.” He squeezed my hand.
“Did you?”
“Well, no, but I’m an only child, so…”
“Now I feel horrible for asking the question.” I dropped my forehead onto his shoulder.
“You’re not horrible.” He combed his hands through my hair and brushed his finger down my cheek. A few seconds later, the ride stopped, and we hopped off. “Should we distract ourselves with food or animals?”
“Or, I have a better idea.” I stopped and turned to face him.
“Tell me.” He took a step closer.
“We get out of here and grab dinner somewhere quiet.” I reached for both of his hands. “I don’t think I can eat another bite of greasy food.”
“So, should we find someplace that is kind of healthy?” He turned his head to the side like he was thinking of a place.
“The word healthy made me suddenly crave fruit.” I rocked us side to side.
“Fruit, huh?”
“Warning, I tend to have weird cravings.” I held my hand up. “No, I’m not secretly pregnant.” I burst out laughing and covered my eyes with my hand. “Can I go hide now?”
“Why?” He tugged my hand. “It was a joke. Or was it?” He winked.
“Yes, it was a joke.” I shook my head. Why did I say that? My mouth would most definitely get me in trouble one day. “Okay…” I let go of his hands and took a few steps back.
“What’s wrong?” He started to step forward, but I held my hand out to stop him. “Lola.”
“This isn’t weird, right? Us. How fast we’re moving? Or does it feel fast, but it’s not? I sound crazy, don’t I?” I laced my hands together and sighed.
“Take a deep breath.” He reached for my hand. “I have no idea what’s happening. Does it feel fast? Sure, but I don’t want it to stop.” He smiled. “Whatever this is, I’ve never experienced it before, but I’ve never felt this happy.”
“Really?” I took a step closer to him.
“Really.” He wrapped his hands around my waist. “If it’s weird or fast, I don’t care.”
“Then I don’t care either.” I brushed my nose over his. “Thanks.”
“For what?”
“For not thinking I’m crazy.”
“We’re all a little crazy, right?” We were a breath apart. He smiled and leaned in to kiss me.
I’m a 34-year-old woman who has dated a handful of men. Some of the men I dated for a while. Never had I felt what occurred when Ryan’s lips touched mine. How was it possible for someone to rock my whole world in just a matter of days?
He brushed his tongue across my bottom lip, sending a shock wave through my whole body. When our tongues touched, I felt weak at the knees. He tightened his hold around my waist.
I forgot we were at the fair surrounded by hundreds of people.
Then, someone whistled, and I quickly stepped out of his embrace.
“Let’s get out of here.” Ryan grabbed my hand.
“That sounds like a good idea.” We walked toward the exit. “I still have a craving for fruit.”
“We could see if Josephine’s is still open.” He raised his eyebrows. “I forgot, she has this delicious fruit platter with yogurt.”
“Unless you need to get home.” He was still holding my hand when we reached the car.
“I’m not in a rush.” He turned to face me.
“Same.” The kiss was messing with my head. I started to lift my hand to trace my finger over his lips, but stopped. I needed to calm down and enjoy the moment. He wasn’t going anywhere. Hopefully.
AUTHOR NOTE:
Wow! That’s some serious instant attraction. When it happens, there’s no way of stopping it. I wonder if Ryan is really okay with everything happening so fast? What do you think?