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“You can’t be serious,” I said, skepticism in my voice. “You really want to go in there?”
“Why not?” he asked. “It could be fun. It’s private. We can sit in the last row of the boat, and you know, explore our feelings a little more, if you’d like.” He glanced at my lips.
My heart raced at the implication.
He was talking about a kiss.
I nodded. “Oh . . . okay.”
Oliver texted Aunt Honey and told her our location, so they knew where to find us, then we wove our way through the entrance of the Tunnel of Love and skipped to the front of the line with our VIP cards. The boat had ten rows of seats, two seats in each row. We were next to ride and sat in the very last row, for more privacy. Mr. Stoic sat in the row directly in front of us, glancing to his left, then his right.
My heart was beating so fast.
I was sure I was going to pass out.
Was this really going to happen?
It was almost too surreal for me to fathom.
The fear running through my bones was real, but then I realized it didn’t have to do so much with the kiss, but more about me not thinking I could stop once we started.
Chapter Sixteen
GRACE
The gentle lapping of water against the sides of the boat did nothing to calm my racing heart as Oliver and I glided into the Tunnel of Love. With my hands clenched nervously at my sides, the noise of the amusement park faded away, and we were enveloped in the mysterious darkness. I could barely see Oliver beside me, but I felt his presence, his warmth, and the volts of energy dancing between our bodies.
“I can’t see a thing with these sunglasses on,” Oliver said. “Remind me to put them back on before the end of the ride.”
“Remind me to remind you,” I joked.
Oliver chuckled just as a scene illuminated before us.
It was the timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet. Their iconic balcony scene played out before our eyes, with the star-crossed lovers professing their undying love under the moonlit sky. The scene was adorned with cascading flowers and enhanced by soft, romantic lighting, creating an atmosphere of passion and longing. The sweet crooning of “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers echoed around us, perfectly complementing the tragic beauty of Shakespeare’s most famous love story.
Oliver’s hand inched closer to mine, and I felt a magnetic pull as our fingers brushed against each other. A wonderful shiver trickled down my spine, and I smiled.
More, I thought.
As if reading my mind, Oliver’s fingers interlaced with mine. My breath hitched in my throat, our connection sending a delightful tingle through my entire body. I let out a deep breath and tried to relax.
As our journey through the tunnel continued, the boat carried us to the next scene, straight out of the classic film Casablanca. Bogie and Bergman’s characters, Rick and Ilsa, stood on the tarmac of an airport, their farewell etched with bittersweet emotion. The iconic line “Here’s looking at you, kid” was visually portrayed as the boat sailed past the lovers parting ways. The beautiful strains of “As Time Goes By” filled the air, casting a nostalgic spell over the timeless romance that unfolded before us.
Feeling more romantic than ever, I stole a glance at Oliver, and our eyes met in the dim light. The moment was electric, the unspoken feelings between us growing by the minute.
But I wanted more.
Needed more . . .
As the boat continued its leisurely journey through the tunnel, I couldn’t help but wonder how much longer until we reached the end of the ride. I licked my lips in anticipation of what might come. My mind ran away with the possibilities. No one would know what transpired between us. It would be our little secret. But how much longer would I have to wait? If he didn’t kiss me soon, I would have to take matters into my own hands.
Come on, Oliver!
The third display in the Tunnel of Love whisked us into the enchanting world of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, where Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard shared a rain-soaked kiss in the alley as she held her cat.
Everybody seemed to be kissing, except us.
Why hadn’t Oliver made a move? I understood he was a prince with rules and duties, but he’s also a man, and there is no doubt in my mind that he felt the attraction as much as I did.
