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“Whoa, Benedict, I’m good,” he chuckles. “I don’t need a prize. Save it for the kids.”
“Are you sure?” Benedict asks, feigning surprise. “You seemed to enjoy your turn on that roller coaster earlier. I thought maybe you’d want a memento.”
“Very funny,” Hudson replies, rolling his eyes but accepting the bear nonetheless. “You’re never going to let me live that down, are you?”
“Absolutely not,” Benedict confirms, winking at me as if we share some secret joke.
“Fine,” Hudson concedes, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “But at least I’ll have Harper here to remind me that screaming and losing games isn’t all bad.”
“Hey!” I exclaim, swatting playfully at his chest. But deep down, I know he’s right. As long as Hudson and Benedict are by my side, I’m ready to embrace every twist and turn life throws our way.
The sun dips lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the amusement park. I glance at my watch and sigh. “Alright, guys, I think it’s time to call it a day.”
“Aw, no!” the kids groan in unison, their faces falling with disappointment.
“Come on,” I coax, trying to sound firm but gentle. “We’ve had a long day, and we could all use some rest.”
Their protests continue as we make our way to the car, but within minutes of settling into their seats, they’re fast asleep, exhausted from the excitement.
As Hudson starts the engine, I find myself lost in thought. The warmth of his earlier kiss lingers on my lips, the memory of it mingling with the adrenaline rush from the roller coaster ride. My heart races just thinking about it.
“Are you okay?” Hudson asks softly, his eyes flicking between the road and me.
“Yeah,” I breathe out, trying to sound nonchalant. “Just thinking about…today.”
“Ah.” He grins knowingly. “The roller coaster?”
I blush, avoiding eye contact. “Yeah, that too.”
“Harper…” Hudson’s voice is low and seductive, making my pulse quicken. “You have nothing to be embarrassed about. That scream was pure exhilaration, and that kiss…” He glances over, smirking. “That was something else.”
“Something else?” I swallow hard, searching for the right words. “It was…intense.”
“Exactly,” he agrees, reaching over to squeeze my hand briefly before returning to the wheel. “Life’s too short not to embrace the intensity every chance we get.”
“Is that why you pushed me onto the roller coaster?” I ask, my curiosity piqued.
“Maybe,” he teases, a playful glint in his eyes. “Or maybe I just wanted to see you let loose for once.”
“Let loose, huh?” I ponder the idea, recalling how it felt to be so completely out of control with fear and desire all at once. It was terrifying, but also undeniably thrilling.
“Definitely,” Hudson confirms. “You’re always so in control, Harper. Sometimes it’s good to give in to the chaos.”
“Chaos,” I repeat, mulling over his words as we drive along the quiet streets. “I suppose there’s something to be said for that.”
“Trust me, there is,” he assures me, his voice filled with confidence and experience. “And I’m more than willing to help you explore it, if you’ll let me.”
“Is that a promise or a threat?” I tease, feeling my cheeks heat up as I glance over at him.
“Both,” he replies smugly, a wicked smile playing on his lips. “But I have a feeling you’ll enjoy every minute of it.”
The car’s engine hums softly beneath us as Hudson navigates the dark streets, lit only by the occasional streetlight. The kids are fast asleep in the back seat, their faces relaxed and peaceful after an exhausting day of excitement. The warmth of the heater seeps through my clothes, soothing my tense muscles.
It’s been a good day.
24
ANTONIO
