Page 95 of House of Desire

My brain feels bruised, but with her eyes shining so bright as we are released from our seats, I know I can’t say no to anything she wants.

“Let’s do it,” I say, grabbing her hand and we run down the stairs and back through the queue, getting in line once more.

“I haven’t been to an amusement park in maybe ten years. Thank you for bringing me.”

She wraps her arms around my middle, hugging me tight. I hold her to me, planting a kiss on the top of her head.

“Maybe we should get season passes,” I say, looking down at her. The offer was nonchalant, but I pray she can hear the promise in the words.

That I want her around long enough to even need a season pass somewhere.

“Sounds perfect.” She stands on her tippy toes, pressing a soft kiss to my lips.

“Hey, the line’s moving. Stop making out,” the guy says behind us. Anya snorts and steps away from me, pulling me forward, but I glare at the guy who holds up both hands and doesn’t say a word to us again.

We make our way through four more roller coasters before my stomach grumbles and I can’t ignore my hunger any longer.

“Do you want to get something to eat?” I ask, knowing we are close to the food court.

“As long as I can get a funnel cake.”

“I don’t think it’d be a trip to the park without a funnel cake,” I say, linking our hands together as we stroll to the food vendors. “You mentioned a big job when I stopped by the other day, but I didn’t get a chance to ask about the details. What’s the job?”

She pulls me to a stop, her eyes going big.

“Ryan Jade wants me to do her parents’ anniversary party. For five hundred people! Lorelei sent some goodies to Alec. I’m assuming she was on a set with him or something? I didn’t really ask, I was trying not to fawn all over her, but I guess she tried some of the desserts and the rest is history. I have to deliver it the morning of our wrap party.”

The wrap party is going to be the bane of my existence. All the ladies from the season will arrive and we will have a group interview. Everyone wanting to know the status of my love life. Hopefully, I can tell them my heart belongs to the woman next to me.

“Who’s Ryan Jade?”

Her mouth drops open and I rub my hand over my mouth hiding my smile.

“You know Ryan Jade. You have to. She is only the most famous pop singer in the world.”

“Oh, yeah, I do know her,” I admit. “My brother always thought she was super hot.”

“She is even more stunning in person. If you broke up with me for her, I’d understand.” She grabs my hand and tries to pull me toward the food again, but I don’t let her budge me. Turning around, she looks at me, a question on her face.

“I wouldn’t break up with you for her,” I assure her

“It was just a joke, Parker. Come on, I can smell the funnel cakes and I’m starting to salivate.”

Her dismissal is not enough for me.

“No. You need to hear me. I want you. No one else.” I squeeze her hand, emphasizing my point. She drops my hand and then grabs my face. She pulls me down and gives me a loud, smacking kiss.

“Good,” she says with a giggle.

“Let’s go get you a funnel cake,” I say, happier than I have been in years.

“Woohoo!” she says, pumping her arms in the air.

After the food, we go play some of the arcade games, letting our stomachs settle before getting on even more roller coasters. We run around the park like a pair of kids until the final announcement is made, kicking us out.

“Do you want me to carry your elephant?” I ask Anya. The stuffed animal is almost as tall as her. I was surprised when she won, not because I didn’t believe she was capable, but because I know those games are rigged. But to get the big prize, she had to win three out of four times.

She won all four, just to prove she could.

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