AllFreeNovel
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She blushes. “Right.”
“I was thinking more like taking photos together. Want to post a TikTok of our date? My followers will eat it up. I saw this guy post a whole series about telling his crush he liked her and the video of their dating update had like a million views.” My brows pinch. “Well, the hardcore simps will probably get emo about it, but whatever. It helps solidify the cred that I’m a taken man.”
“Viral marketing.” Tatum nods in consideration, tapping the pen against her lip once more. It stirs the urge to kiss her again. “That could work. Good thinking. It’ll spread more quickly.”
We make it to the front of the line and I take out my wallet. Tatum shuffles off to the side. Brows furrowing, I snag her waist and bring her back to my side.
“Where are you going?”
“Oh, I was going to let you go first.”
I put my hand over hers to stop her from rummaging in her purse. “Nah, babe. I’ve got this.”
“You don’t have to. It’s just pretend. I’ll feel bad if you pay.”
“Two tickets,” I tell the attendant, sliding my credit card through the window before turning back to Tatum. “Too late. It was my idea to go out. That means I pay.”
Tatum frowns. “But…”
“You can buy lunch. Will that make you feel better, Miss Independent?”
She lifts her chin. “Yes. It’ll be more fair that way.”
“Okay.” With a wry smile, I collect our tickets and put my arm around her waist to guide her to the pier. As we walk, I hold up my phone and record. “What’s up, everyone? This is T, my girl.” I pan to include her in the frame, raking my teeth over my lip. “And today we’re at the pier in South Bay. How many prizes should I win for her?”
“Hah! I’m totally kicking your butt at the water gun races,” Tatum sasses.
I flash a grin at the camera, waggling my brows. “We’ll see about that, baby.”
She yelps when I yank her close and plant a kiss on her cheek for the camera. I stop the recording and our eyes meet. Warmth unfurls in my chest, winding around my heart at the amused look on her face.
Clearing my throat, I busy myself posting the video. “What do you want to do first?”
“Let’s get cotton candy. It’ll make a cute prop for photos.” Tatum takes my hand and pulls me toward a stall. Darting a look over her shoulder, she squints. “I’m buying this.”
I hold my free hand up in surrender. “I know not to get between you and your determination once you make your mind up.”
“Damn right.”
Chuckling, I release her hand to swat her ass, leaning close against her back to murmur in her ear. “It’ll make you feel better because I’m serious about kicking ass at the game stands. I’m on a mission to win you the biggest prizes they have.”
“Those are fighting words, Coop.” Tatum mimes rolling up her sleeves. “You’re on. I’m going to winyouthe biggest one.”
Once we have a big cloud of pink cotton candy, she picks out a spot with the pier rides in the background. My arms slide around her waist from behind and she leans into my chest. I dip my head over her shoulder, brushing my lips against her cheek while she snaps photos. My stomach tightens with each frame when I catch sight of how we look on the screen.
We look real.
My heart thumps. She looks so much like that photo I have of us from the pool party in my room. Her eyes are bright, crinkled at the side, her grin wide enough for her crooked tooth to show when she turns her face to offer me the piece of pink fluff sticking from her mouth.
“Mm. Let me taste.”
I switch the phone to record a video, making a show of taking a big bite. The sugar melts on my tongue, but it’s not as sweet as licking the taste from her lips and kissing her. A shuddering breath escapes her and her eyes are darker when we part. Our gazes remain locked for a few seconds before she quickly ends the recording.
“That should be plenty to get us started. We can take some more later.” Tatum’s voice is higher, like it goes when she’s embarrassed.
Squeezing her, I brush one more kiss against her temple before letting her go to give her the space she needs to process. I post the cotton candy kiss video.
“Our first post already has a ton of views.” I grip my phone harder at comments thirsting after her. Putting it away, I bump my shoulder against hers. “Ready to have the biggest, most ridiculous prize won in your honor?”
