Page 11 of Amaze

“They’re so pretty,” I commented as we got closer.

I tilted my head back as one of the balloons rose above ground. It was amazing to see up close as it floated into the sky. Maybe one day I would get up the courage to go for a ride.

“Hey! How can I help you guys?” one of the men working out there asked.

“I’m Amaze Johnson,” Maze informed him, reaching out to shake his hand.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Johnson. It looks like you’re right on time.”

“On time for what?” I frowned as I looked between Maze and the hot air balloon guy.

“For our ride, love,” Amaze said before he winked at me and turned back to the man.

“Right this way,” the man instructed.

Tugging my hand to get me to move, Amaze followed the man toward a pink, purple, and white balloon.

“Amaze, do not tell me that you think I’m about to get on one of these death contraptions,” I fussed.

“It’s not a death trap, baby. You were just saying how amazing they were.”

“I was saying how amazing you were too before you drug me out here to die.”

“I’m still amazing, love. It’s in my name.”

“Sir, I’m sorry. My husband and I are not going to be able to ride in your balloon today,” I said, shaking my head and trying my best to wriggle my hand out of Maze’s firm grasp.

He stopped in his tracks and turned to face me. Holding both sides of my face, he leaned in and kissed my forehead. When his eyes dropped down to mine, I rolled them. The laugh that camefrom Amaze was expected, but that didn’t mean it didn’t piss me off.

“I’m not doing this, Maze.” I shook my head.

“Wes, I understand that you’re nervous, but this is completely safe.”

“You can’t say that.”

“I can. It’s pretty much a parachute in the sky.”

“Well excuse me, but I’ve never jumped out of an airplane either.”

“I have, and this is child’s play compared to that.”

“When the hell did you jump out of an airplane?”

“I’ll tell you about it one day. Today, we have plans in the sky.”

“Maze,” I whined.

“I would never put you in danger, love. You know that. I just want to show you a good time. I promise it’s going to be fine.”

“You can’t promise me that, Maze.”

“You think I would risk losing you again, Wesley?” he asked, lifting his brows into his hairline.

“No,” I mumbled, dropping my eyes to the ground.

“Look at me.” He lowered his head, dipping down until our eyes met, then stood as I looked up at him. “It’s going to be fun, Wes. I wouldn’t have set this up if I knew you wouldn’t enjoy it.”

“OK, but if we die, I’m killing you,” I warned him.

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