Page 10 of Make it a Double

His brows pulled in just a pinch. “Grateful for what?”

What I felt seemed crazy. Hell, maybe it was. Or maybe it was the thrill of being able to shed the responsibilities that weighed heavy on my back and just be me for once. Sawyer Sutton. A twenty-four year old woman who was going on her first real date. And even though there was no future here, it felt good.

I’d never felt more like myself.

“I’m grateful that two strangers can exist in a perfect moment in an imperfect world. That no matter what, we can look back on tonight and remember what it felt like to be free for once.”

His lips parted, a retort on his tongue, but the clang of a loud bell followed by the high-pitched trill of a buzzer broke us out of the trance. I stepped back, holding the bear tightly in front of my chest.

It was for the best. Beckett probably thought I was crazy for being so honest. My only focus now was enjoying what was left of the night while I still could.

Even if I knew I’d end up regretting it tomorrow.

BECKETT

“Are you sure this thing is safe?” I asked, handing the attendant two tickets. I looked up at the giant contraption in front of us. Blue and red lights flickered against the night sky, dousing Sawyer and the giant ass bear in her arms in a soft glow.

She nodded eagerly, damn near vibrating next to me. “Of course it is. I’ve been coming to this thing for years. Plus, it’s the best seat in the house.”

How the hell this thing could be considered the best seat in any capacity was beyond me. The rickety metal platform groaned as Sawyer and I stepped onto it, which seemed anything but safe. “That’s not reassuring, you know.”

“It’s a ferris wheel, not a death trap,” Sawyer deadpanned.

“I don’t know if there’s a difference,” I muttered, shifting my weight. “Has this thing gone through any kind of inspection?”

Sawyer wrapped her slender fingers around my bicep and pulled me to the side. The attendant barked something about losing our place in line, but she just waved him away. “Look, if you really don’t want to do this, I won’t make you.” I waited a beat, watching her play with the tiny buttons down the front of her dress. “But…”

“This is where the bribe comes in, doesn’t it?” I asked, arching a brow.

Her smile may have been shy, but I saw a hint of trouble behind her schemes. “Well, we’ve done so much with your bucket list… I thought you might be kind enough to tick something off of mine.” Our eyes met, playful and glowing beneath the lights. The different colors danced across her skin, highlighting each soft angle of her face. It wouldn’t have mattered what she asked me at that moment, I would’ve said yes.

“Tell me.”

“Every Friday night, there’s a fireworks show to celebrate. Everyone says the best view is from the top of the ferris wheel.” She bit her lip and looked toward the sky. “Especially if you have someone to share it with.”

Ah, so the sweet, small town girl next door wanted a kiss. It was clear she wasn’t used to asking for what she wanted, and that was something I wasn’t used to. The women I spent time with didn’t falter in going after whatever or whoever they saw fit. Careful consideration or apologies never crossed their minds, which I usually found myself drawn to. It was easy and uncomplicated.

But this? Watching a bright pink hue creep up the creamy expanse of her chest and neck before settling in her high cheekbones was even better than I could’ve imagined. It was my new favorite sight. One that had my heart racing and cock thickening without her even trying.

I stepped forward, loving the way she had to crane her neck to stare up at me. My hand brushed hers, and I intertwined our pinky fingers. “If you wanted a kiss, all you had to do was say so.”

Sawyer pushed at my chest, but didn’t correct me. “Well, is that a yes?”

I grabbed her wrist and tugged her back toward me. Her hand landed on my chest, settling as I ran my fingertips down her arm. “Sugar, it’s a hell yes.”

Her eyebrows shot up at the endearment. “Sugar?”

“Call it a hunch,” I said, placing my hand on her lower back and guiding her toward the ferris wheel. When I leaned in, she shivered as my breath caressed her neck. “I have a feeling you taste sweet as hell.”

“Oh my god,” she muttered, quickly stepping onto the ride.

All the confidence vacated my body the moment I followed suit. The basket swung as we slid in close to one another, leaving me feeling more than a bit uneasy. I rested my arm along the back of her seat and focused on the heat of her skin rather than the grinding of the gears as the wheel began to move.

“Whatever you do⁠—”

“Holy shit,” I whispered, leaning over the edge. The people and lights below us grew smaller and smaller before we suddenly stopped, causing the compartment to shudder.

Sawyer grimaced and finished her warning. “Don’t look over the edge.”