Page 62 of Stay for Me
“Nope.”
“Welcome to the club of mortal men.”
“I’m not sure I wanted to join this club.”
I smile. “I bet not.”
“Mom! Jacob! That was the best ride ever!” Sebastian grips the metal fence, breaking the playful conversation we were having.
“I’m glad.”
“Can we go again?”
“Do you have enough tickets?” I ask.
Austin holds up a book. “Sean got us each a book so we could ride until we puked.”
Jacob laughs. “That’s the Arrowood way. We ride until we drop. Glad to see my brother is teaching the future how you do these small-town festivals.”
The boys beam. “Can we keep going?”
“Sure. Just . . . try not to puke, Sebastian.”
He elbows Austin. “I bet you I last longer than you.”
Austin snorts. “You’re on.”
And a lifelong friendship has been born. Boys.
The two of them dash off to get back on the ride, and Jacob’s hand grazes my arm. “The kids are going to ride again, how about we have some fun?”
My stomach dips as I wonder what his idea of fun is. “I don’t know if we should go too far . . .”
“Come on, Brenna. Your in-laws went home already, you’re out with a very handsome movie star. Don’t think, just let yourself go for a minute.” His hand is extended, waiting for me to decide. There’s a part of me that knows this is a tipping point.
He’s told me clear as day he wants to kiss me, but he hasn’t, and each time he pulls away to protect me, I want it a bit more.
I thought I was going to melt to the floor today when he talked about his name on my lips.
If I go with him, I’m showing him that my heart is saying to let him lead.
Maybe Cybil is right. I could let myself feel again, knowing it’ll never be anything serious. I could let the attraction be what it is and get my feet wet without letting my heart get tangled. Jacob wants me, and I want him. We’re both adults, and . . .
And before I can talk myself into or out of it, my hand is in his.
He leads me to the Ferris wheel and hands the man a book of tickets. “We want to go until we don’t have any more tickets and keep two cars in front and behind me empty, okay?”
The guy stares at Jacob. “Of course, Mr. Arrowood. I’m a huge fan. I loved your last movie. I can’t wait for the new one.”
Jacob is gracious and offers to sign the book of tickets. “Will that do?”
The operator nods. “Yeah, you can ride all night.”
Jacob’s warm hand engulfs mine as he helps me onto the ride. We get seated and start the climb. “What would you have done if I were afraid of heights?” I ask as we inch higher.
“I figured you might have mentioned that before we got in line.”
“Fair point.”
