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“Snakes.”
“Like, little garter snakes? Or pythons?” She giggled.
He pushed out a puff of air, the corner of his mouth curving up momentarily. “All snakes. Big or small. No fucking thank you.” He reached and jumped to the next one. His body swayed on the hoop as he readied himself for the last jump. But her distraction was working.
“What fear keeps you awake at night?” she asked.
He closed his eyes. “Failing.”
“That’s gonna make getting to the other side that much sweeter.”
The last jump was almost harder than the first. They seemed to be farther apart. But once he reached the wooden platform, he wanted to kiss the ground with relief.
“Wooo!” he yelled instead, turning around.
Jasmine’s hand dropped from her face revealing a huge grin. “You fucking did it!”
It was impossible not to smile seeing her amazed expression. He laughed. “Now it’s your turn.”
Her eyes darted down, all her visible joy going with them.
“Or you could take the plank and meet me on the other side over there,” he offered.
Her chest rose and fell as she lifted her chin with determination. “No, I got this.” Her voice wavered like she didn’t believe herself.
She reached out towards the hoop.
“Grab the edges, slip your feet on, and then use your gear cord to get your balance,” he directed.
She hesitated another moment before she leapt, doing as he said. The color drained from her face as she squeezed her eyes together. “Oh my God!”
“That’s it. You got this. Focus on the next one.”
She reached out, her gaze dropping towards the earth far below. Jasmine whipped her hand back to her gear, stark fear etched across her expression.
“Don’t look down. Look at me,” he ordered.
Her eyes darted to his as he looked on helplessly. He’d do the course again just to rid her of the terrified look on her face.
“That’s it, honey.” The endearment slipped from his lips. “Look at me. It’s just us up here and there is no rush. You got this.”
She nodded and reached forward, moving stiffly to the next hoop.
“Yes. You got it!”
The hint of a smile turned the corners of her mouth up before she reached for the next one. Each ring she conquered, her confidence seemed to grow.
“This is it. Last one and then you’re safe.” He cheered her on. It was also the hardest one because the lead cord went up at an angle to the platform and she was at least a foot and a half shorter than him.
She lifted her arm and jumped, her foot barely making purchase before it slipped. She fell, arms flailing. But he caught her in an iron grip before she slid down the cord. He hauled her onto the platform, tucking her safely against his chest. Her rib cage heaved as she clung to him the same way Zoey had when the dog at the park had scared her. But this time his body reacted to the closeness. A mixture of arousal and adrenaline coursed through his veins. His ears rang, blood pumping like a jackhammer. He rubbed his hand in a circle on her back while holding onto her waist with his other arm.
“Thank you for catching me.”
“I told you I would. I’m a man of my word.”
“I’m beginning to see that.”
* * *
