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But this ropes course just might go down as my worst decision to date.
It’s bad enough that it starts a little over five feet off the ground. If I had fallen then, I’d probably be able to figure out how to tuck and roll and not injure myself permanently. But Jax had to ask if I was ready for more.
Of course, my traitorous ego kicked in, and I wasn’t about to show him just how scared I was. So, when he reached for my hand, I took it and followed him up the freaking stairs to the next level, where we clipped into yet another set of obstacles. This time, we’re required to walk across a swinging bridge of sorts, each step being a little swing independent of the next step.
Oh. My. Fucking. God. What the hell was I thinking?
“You’ve got this, Sloane. Just put one foot on the swing and use the guide ropes to propel you to the next step. I know you can do this,” Jax encourages from the next landing area.
The sexy athletic God that he is, traversed this with ease just moments ago. He made it look as simple as sipping sweet tea on a hot afternoon. One, two, three, four, he swung across each step with such grace, I was in awe.
Of course, now that I’m trying to cross, the swings are still in motion and it’s way freaking harder than it looked just moments ago. Clutching the rope above me with all my might, I step off the landing onto the first swing.
Forward. Back. Forward Back.
Watching the board in front of me, I find my rhythm. Throwing my weight forward, I transition onto it as it swings with me. If I can just ignore everything and only focus on the moving steps ahead of me, I think I can do this. Tuning the entire world out, I repeat this process one, two, three more times. The next thing I know, I’m being pulled into strong arms as I step onto the platform.
Jax’s strong arms envelop me into a hug. “I knew you could do this. You’re one of the bravest people I know. We’ve only got one part left at this level, then we can climb to the top and zipline down. I promise, you’ll get through this.”
The next part doesn’t have moving pieces, though it’s higher in the air. Taking my hand, Jax walks with me to the next challenge. This time, I can use two hands to hold on the entire time as I walk along a zig-zag of a balance beam. Logically, I know that if I keep three points of contact stable, I should make it across to the other side.
But it’s still so freaking high.
Of course, Jax crosses it with ease. I’m sure it helps that he’s so much taller than me, and he has less steps to make as he crosses the distance to the other side. When he gets to the platform, he turns and patiently waits for me to muster up the courage to cross myself.
As far as this obstacle course is concerned, this is actually one of the easier tasks. Gripping my hands on the ropes above me, I’m thankful for wearing the gloves the course provided. I can easily slide my hands along the lines running parallel above me and never have to truly loosen my grip. Below me is a board about four inches thick, just like the balance beam I used to walk on when I was younger in gymnastics. The only difference is this board isn’t in a straight line.
Step by step, I make my way across the beam, zigging and zagging, never letting go of the tight rope in my hands. Keeping my breathing steady and my eyes only on the next step in front of me. This time, when I reach the platform, I’m slightly more relaxed. The only thing that’s left is to climb the stairs to the last platform and zip-line down.
I can do this.
Again, Jax wordlessly takes my hand and guides me up the steps. The moment we step onto the platform, an employee takes each of our safety ropes and secures them onto the line that will bring us back to the ground. Knowing I’ll need a moment to psyche myself up for this, I let him take the lead once again. Before he steps off the ledge, he leans in and whispers in my ear, “You’ve got this. I believe in you. I’ll see you when you get down there.”
And with that, he kisses me on the cheek and turns to the attendant. “I’m ready.”
The attendant says, “Grab the handle and lift your legs straight out in front of you. When you get to the bottom, someone will be there to help you.”
Thankfully, as I watch, Jax doesn’t go as fast as I thought he would, so my nerves are put to ease a bit. When it’s my turn, I think the hardest part is stepping off the platform. Thankfully, the attendant has me sit, so I know the line will hold my weight securely.
Once I step off, I shut my eyes, and it feels like I’m simply on a swing as I make my way to the ground. When my ride slows down, I allow my eyes to open, and I’m relieved to see Jax waiting for me.
The moment I’m unhooked from this contraption, I rush into his arms, squealing, “I did it!”
Lifting me, he squeezes me tight, then spins me around. I’m so high from the adrenaline rush and all things Jax in this moment, it doesn’t even register when he sets me down. Then I reach up on my toes and kiss him.
Or at least I think it’s me who initiates the kiss.
I really don’t know.
And frankly, I don’t care.
All that matters is that the weeks of pent-up tension that’s been brewing between us is released as I kiss the living hell out of this man. Our lips crash onto each other, tongues entangle, gripping him by his neck, I pull him closer.
I need more.
He tastes like heaven—mint and ecstasy all rolled into one. I want nothing more than to live in this moment until the end of eternity—and even then, I don’t think it would be enough. How on earth could I have denied my feelings for this man?
A loud scream from behind us has us breaking apart, breathless.
