Page 60 of Wrangled Love

He smirks. “Give it a chance, sugar, and I’ll show you exactly what I mean.”

My heart flutters at the term of endearment. The thought of belonging to Jensen, even if it’s temporary, sends a rush of anticipation through me.

“Okay. Let’s go on the Ferris wheel, but I’ll be sorely disappointed if you don’t live up to your promise.”

He brings my hand to his mouth for a kiss. “You couldn’t stop me if you tried.”

On our way to the Ferris wheel, I spotted a giant stuffed dinosaur at the ring toss booth. I knew Caleb would love it and had to get it for him. After several failed rounds trying to win it, the attendant offered to sell it to me for a steep price. He must have overheard me telling Briar I wanted to get it for my son and assumed I’d pay whatever it took.

He was right, and now I’m left carrying a stuffed animal through the fair.

When we reach the Ferris wheel, there’s only one couple ahead of us in line.

Briar drums her fingers against her leg, eyes flickering to the towering ride turning lazily overhead. When she told me she wasn’t a fan, I assumed she was exaggerating, but her death grip on my arm says otherwise.

We could skip it and find another ride, but I want to show her she can trust me, and that she’s safe with me. I’d never let anything hurt her. Besides, sometimes the best memories are made when you step outside your comfort zone. Here’s hoping Briar agrees.

When the Ferris wheel slows to a standstill, she moves her hand further down my arm.

“It stopped,” she blurts out. “That can’t be good, right?”

I chuckle softly, kissing her temple. “That means it’s almost our turn to get on.”

“Oh.”

I run my thumb along her palm. “You’re safe with me; I promise.”

She leans into me, briefly resting her head on my shoulder.

The people in front of us shuffle into the waiting car, and the attendant rotates the wheel, bringing another empty car to the loading platform. When he glances in our direction, he shakes his head.

“You can’t bring that thing on board.” He nods toward the giant dinosaur. “Two per car max.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Seriously?”

“I don’t make the rules. I just enforce them,” he replies flatly.

With a sigh, I pull another ticket from my pocket, handing him three. “Okay. Put it in its own car, then.” He stares at me, stunned, awkwardly accepting the dinosaur when I push it into his chest.

I rest my free hand on Briar’s back, guiding her past the attendant. She releases a quiet shudder when the gate swings shut behind us. Frosted panels line the lower half of the car, providing a sense of privacy.

“Enjoy the ride,” the attendant says flatly.

He pushes a button on the control panel to move our car forward. I look back to see him tossing the dinosaur onto the seat of the car behind us, closing the door just as we start our slow ascent.

A gentle breeze drifts through, carrying the buttery scent of popcorn. I settle in beside Briar, the cushioned seat creaking under our weight, but remain silent. I don’t want to give her another reason to worry.

The past week dragged on forever, and every night, I was tempted to go to her bedroom to give us both what we’ve been craving. But time has been scarce between work and taking care of Caleb. I’d started thinking I’d have to take matters into my own hands and find a way to steal a few hours alone, but Julie and Samuel came to the rescue before I had to.

Letting Caleb go without me wasn’t easy, but the fact that he wanted to go was significant, and I couldn’t say no. Besides, it gave Briar and me a chance to explore this thing between us without interruptions, and I wasn’t about to let that opportunity slip by.

I glance over to find her huddled in the middle of the bench, hands clasped in her lap, her eyes darting between the ground and the sky.

I drape my arm around her shoulders, pulling her to my side. “You alright?”

She lets out a dry laugh and shakes her head. “I’m trapped in a metal cage, spinning on a giant wheel of terror. How do you think I’m doing?”

“I’ve got you, sweetheart.”

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