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Warmth spread throughout her, and she laid her head on the pole in front of her as she watched the joy on her daughter’s face. Adler had surprised her. She let out a sigh.
When the ride was over, Leila took Skylar, and they walked back to their friends. She could feel the pressure of Adler’s hand on her back, and her heart fluttered.
“Looks like y’all had fun,” Stacey said as they got back to the crowd.
Adler smiled. “Yeah, we did, and I think Skylar enjoyed her first ride on a horse. Maybe soon she can get on a real one.”
On a real horse? That would be at his house. Leila wasn’t sure if she wanted to do that. “I don’t know. She’s a bit young.”
“Maybe.” Adler leaned closer to Leila. She could smell his aftershave. It was very masculine and, yes, sexy. “What do yousay you see if someone else can hold her and you go with me on the Ferris wheel?”
Leila’s eyes looked up at the tall Ferris wheel. Being alone, that far from reality, with Adler? The fluttering of her heart went into overdrive. “I don’t know . . .”
Elizabeth took Skylar from her arms. “It’s okay. You go. I’ll hold her. Maybe we’ll even take her on a ride with Grant.”
“Grant’s first date with a girl. I’ll chaperone.” Brady pulled them to the kiddie section.
“See? Everyone’s gone. Just you and me. Come on.” Again, his hand was on her back, and he led her toward the line.
As soon as they got there, a seat pulled up and they were ushered on. Leila had always loved Ferris wheels. She loved heights, and seeing everything from that advantage point always amazed her. “You know, I love being up here. It makes me feel like a bird. Just seeing things from their vantage point is awesome.” They stopped at the very top. Her face lit up. This was great. She looked down. “I always thought all the people looked like ants from way up here. She turned toward Adler with excitement in her eyes.
She froze at what she saw. His face was as pale as a ghost, and his eyes were just as wide.
“You, okay?” she asked with concern.
He slowly nodded. His fingers were wrapped tightly around the bar in front of them, his knuckles white.
A smile grew on her face. “Oh, my gosh. The almighty Adler, fearless with women, actually has a fear.”
He glanced at her quickly, with no expression on his face.
“You’re scared of heights, aren’t you?” She couldn’t hide the amusement in her voice.
“No. I’m not.” He shook his head, but his breath was uneven.
“Bull. Look at you. Your knuckles are white, and your breathing is fast. You do realize we’re totally safe, don’t you? We’re not going to fall.”
He stared off into the distance. “Shhh.”
“Look down. Everyone is the size of ants. It’s so cool, and everything looks so amazing from here.”
He shook his head. “I’ll take your word for it.”
“If you don’t like Ferris wheels, why did you insist we ride?”
“I like them. When they’re moving. It’s when they stop—at the top—that I don’t care for them any longer.”
A mischievous grin filled Leila’s face. “So, how would you feel if I do this?” She started to rock their car.
Adler went ram-rod straight and gripped the bar tighter, his eyes huge. “Stop, Leila.” His voice was calm, deathly calm, but she didn’t stop. “Leila. Stop!” His voice became a command, and his hand slapped down on hers and squeezed.
Their eyes met and both were wide, Adler’s with fear, hers with . . . She wasn’t sure, but she couldn’t ignore how the heat from his hand over hers sent warmth through her body. She moved her fingers to intertwine with his as best she could.
“Okay, I’ll stop.” Her voice came out in a whisper as her breath came faster. She squeezed his fingers, trying to calm him. The ride jerked to life, and they started to move again.
A shaky laugh escaped from her. “There. We’re moving.”
She could feel him relax, and he turned his hand over and completely intertwined their fingers.
