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I’m snapped back to the present when Leo says my name. I blink and look at him, taking my gaze off the car my family’s rental car as they get farther and farther away.
“Yes?”
His lips form a sneaky smile. “You want to get out of here?”
“And do what?”
“Have a day of fun.”
I smile back at him. “That sounds amazing.”
* * *
Which ishow we end up at Knott’s Berry Farm, a theme park about an hour away from where Leo lives. “A theme park?” I ask. “After the story I told you last night?”
“That’s exactly why I think we should go. You should have some new memories when it comes to rollercoasters. Happier ones. Come on.” He grabs my hand, and we walk toward the gate to buy tickets.
Once inside, Leo takes me toward the first rollercoaster he sees. It’s a huge wooden one, and I hear people’s screams as they zip by on the tracks. The smell of popcorn is in the air, and laughter and shouts of fear and excitement can be heard no matter where I turn. People are smiling as they walk past, holding popcorn or eating hotdogs. There’s something magical about the pure excitement on everyone’s faces as they go from ride to ride.
“I’m not sure,” I tell Leo as we get in line for the coaster. “What if something bad happens again?”
“Nothing bad will happen this time. I promise.” He holds out his hand to me. “Trust me?”
At this moment? “Yes,” I say, taking his hand, and together, we get onto the rollercoaster. I’m shaking as I get strapped in, but Leo grabs my hand and squeezes it.
“You got this,” he tells me. I want to believe him.
The rollercoaster starts and heads up, up, up, until we’re at the drop point. “Oh my god,” I mutter. Then the coaster takes a nosedive, and we’re off. Wind whips my hair around. The falling sensation sends me straight to screaming. Leo laughs beside me and throws his hands into the air.
As the coaster continues its journey, I start to get more comfortable, and I join Leo in throwing my arms up and screaming for joy. This feeling … it’s pure freedom. It’s happiness. It’s the sense that everything will be all right for a few short minutes.
Leo and I share a glance as we scream and laugh. For the first time since meeting him, I can see myself falling in love with him.
And that’s a terrifying thought.
The rollercoaster ends with a sudden jerk as we’re brought back to the station. Leo holds my hand as we get off and stumble our way back into the main part of the park.
“Well?” he asks me, grinning like a madman.
“Nothing embarrassing happened.”
“Good.” He looks so beautiful with his messy hair and wide grin, which, for once, isn’t sexual in nature or hiding a secret. It’s a pure, happy grin, plain and simple.
Before I can stop myself, I stand on my tiptoes and kiss him. It’s the first time I’ve ever initiated a kiss with him—or anyone—and it feels … right. Leo doesn’t hesitate to kiss me back as he wraps his arms around my waist. It’s glorious, this kiss. It’s the taste of happiness.
Until some kid runs past us, bumping into me, and we break apart.
Leo’s eyes soften as he looks down at me. “What was that for?”
“For making an effort with me.”
“I’ll just have to do that more often.”
Together, we hold hands as we walk deeper into the park.
CHAPTER13
Leo
