Page 95 of The Bro Pact
“Yeah?” I whisper, turning my head to peer up at him. My stomach flips upside down, and it has nothing to do with the hot air balloon ride.
His blue eyes sparkle, and he leans down, pressing his lips to mine in the most romantic and tender kiss of my life.
This moment feels epic, transcending our friendship and linking us together forever.
I think I’m falling in love with him.
Ohmyfuckinggod.
The thought terrifies me, so I pull away, needing to stop before we get carried away and start making out in front of Amir.
Weooh and aah, pointing things out for the rest of the hour-long journey, laughing and kissing a few more times. But I can’t stop the overwhelming feelings from crowding my brain and taking over.
“Alright! Hold on to the red handle in front of you, boys! We’re going to land in ten,” Amir suddenly announces.
The balloon deflates slowly until we’re hovering above the ground, and the landing is so seamless that I let go of the handle in front of me like a roller coaster as we’re towed by the employees on the ground. We aren’t allowed off the balloon until it’s partially deflated, and then we climb over the basket, adrenaline pumping through our systems.
“That was unbelievable!” Kyle shouts, stumbling around on wobbly legs after standing in a floating basket for over an hour. “You are an astounding pilot, Amir. That ride was so smooth!”
“Thank you, thank you,” Amir replies with a bow. “The shuttle over there will transport you back to headquarters for mimosas, wine, and brunch. Thanks for flying with Adrift.”
We say our goodbyes and hop into a white van with the Adrift logo plastered on the side.
Apparently, you almost never land where you take off, so they advised us to wear comfortable walking shoes as well as provided transportation to home base.
We make it back to the barn, and my eyes light up when I see the brunch buffet. Even though it hasn’t been long since breakfast, I’m starving and load my plate with scrambled eggs, bacon, and pancakes.
Kyle takes the same, plus hashbrowns, and we each grab a mimosa.
Carefully walking to the nearest open picnic table, we sit, digging into our food.
Kyle’s bright blue eyes sparkle, lighting up as he recounts the morning’s events with pure happiness. He faced a fear and had an amazing experience, one he’ll remember for the rest of his life. My heart swells when I see the pride and accomplishment on his face.
I did that.
For the second time in a matter of hours, I think I’m falling in love with my best friend.
And that freaks me the fuck out because I don’t know what’s going to happen when we’re back in Haven Creek.
“There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” Kyle’s soft words startle me out of my introspection, but I don’t move, continuing to lie with my arms crossed behind my head, staring up at the beautiful night sky.
“What are you doing up here?” he asks, and I decide to be completely honest.
“Just thinking about stuff. Been wondering what’s gonna happen between us when we get home.”
There’s a long pause before Kyle speaks so quietly I almost don’t hear him. “You’re not the only one.” He takes a seat next to me, crossing his legs and staring off into the distance.
I sigh, unable to let it go. “So, what does that mean? We just wait and see? Play it by ear?”
God, I hate that.
“I wish I had the answers, Ren, but I don’t. I don’t know what’s going to happen, and I don’t know what to tell you.”
“Are you having a good time?” I ask, feeling somewhat vulnerable.
I’ve literally put my all into this trip.
He peers down at me, his brows scrunching together. “Of course.Why would you even ask that?”
