Page 45 of Exposé

"I mean, who can turn down beers, brats, and rides."

"There are rides?" He woke up his screen and scrolled on. "I didn't see that before."

"Yeah." I laughed. "It's being held at Crafton Park, which is somewhat of our amusement park." I picked up my bacon and ate the remaining slice. "It's more like a carnival setting than an actual amusement park."

"So…what you’re saying is, we'll have our first kiss on the Ferris wheel." His dimples deepened as he flashed me his white teeth.

"Uh,no. You'll have to find someone else to check mark that bucket list item. I don't do heights."

"At all?"

"Like, don't lift me too high off the ground. I might cry."

He chuckled. "I've never heard of such an extreme case."

I leaned back against the soft cushioned backing and glanced at my watch. "Obviously, there's some exaggeration in there, but I'm legit terrified of falling to my death."

"Maybe you haven't done it with the right person."

I moved my plate to the edge of the table, laid my forearms on the surface, and leaned forward with a growing smile. "Are you going to magically cure a decades-old fear?"

Nate cocked his head to the side, the space between us morphing with each topic rushing by. He lifted his hand and brushed his knuckles against my cheek in the softest of touches. "I'd be happy to try if you let me."

I leaned into his touch, my tongue darting out to wet my lips. "I—"

"Let me get this out of the way for you two." The dishes beside us clanged, and we pulled away, my back hitting the cushion with a slight bounce. "Here's the check. Pay when you're ready at the cashier."

Nate dug into his pocket and pulled out his wallet, his driver's license tucked into a clear case on the end.

Nate Reynolds…

Note to self.

He grabbed the check and his jacket, then stood, holding his hand out for mine. "I'll pick you up on Sunday at noon. How's that?"

I slipped my hand into his and stood, my body sliding against him, igniting every cell in my body. "Um…"

The back of his knuckles rubbed down my arm. Goosebumps flared a trailing path across my skin as he leaned in, his breath against my lips. "Don't refuse."

His intoxicating cologne washed over me, and I nodded. "Okay, you win this round."

"That's what I like to hear." He pulled me towards the register and paid for our breakfast, the butterflies in my stomach and my nerves running amuck.

What am I doing?

"Do you want a ride back to pick up your car?" He placed his hand on the small of my back and ushered me out the door towards a black sports bike with a mounted helmet to match.

"On that?" I shook my head. "No. I have important things to accomplish in life. I'd like to make sure I'm alive to finish them."

Laughter erupted beside me, his smooth, deep voice sending ripples of warmth through me.

I'm doomed.

"I'll treat your life with the utmost care."

"I'm good, really."

Those heartwarming butterflies turned to a churning hurricane in my belly, threatening to disrupt the tasty breakfast I'd consumed.

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