Page 19 of The Only Reason

“The ride lasts thirty minutes, and we’ve been on for about four.”

“Oh my god.” I throw my hands in my face.Why the hell did I agree to this?

“Why don’t we talk about something to distract you?”

“Like what?” I doubt anything can distract me from our impending doom right now.

“How did you and Kate meet?”

“We were assigned to be partners on a project in college. We were the only two who actually completed our parts in the group and the only two in the class to pass.” I smile, thinking about how intimidating the blonde tattooed girl had been when in reality she is the nicest person I’ve ever met. It is part of why I never judge another person based on their looks.

“Okay, I thought you might have a longer story.” She chuckles.

“How’d you know you wanted to be a photographer?”

“I grew up taking photos, I was always interested in art and growing up this was the only thing I wanted to do. I thought I’d do it as a hobby and get a quote ‘real job’ but then I learned it could be my only job so I made it my mission to be able to,” Dakota explains with love in her voice. If you can’t tell from watching her, you can tell by the way she talks about it, photographing is her passion.

“Did you go to school for it?”

“No, I mean I took some classes on craft but for me at least it’s more about not overthinking it,” she explains.

“I get that.” I nod. My eyes are still closed but as she talks to me, I don’t notice the rocking anymore. All I can think about is her arm around me and our naked moment we shared this morning that neither of us brought up. Not that we’ve had a moment alone since brunch was with everyone.

“Are you feeling any better? Should I keep talking?”

“Please.” I nod.

“Okay. How about we talk about something you’ve always wanted to do but never have?”

“Bold.” I pause. This is my chance, I can tell her how I’ve never kissed another woman and she’d press her lips to mine. I was sure of it. “I-I . . .”

Instead of saying it, I open my eyes, push forward and press my lips to hers.

To no surprise, she kisses me back.

Her hand rests on my cheek as our lips move in unison.

My hand reaches instinctively for her chest and she moans into my mouth. So I know I did something right. She’s kissing my neck, and I throw my head back, keeping my eyes closed. This is bliss. Her hands brush lightly against my chest and down to my waist. We’re both barely on the bench but turned as much as we can to touch each other. Our lips crashing against each other’s as we tune out everything else going on.

It’s only when the door opens and the man yells at us for kissing that we realize the ride’s over. Gathering ourselves, our unbuttoned shirts, and our dignity that is long gone, we get out of the ride. Our group is still on so luckily they aren’t witness to what just happened.

“So that was…” I start.

“A great ride.” Dakota winks and I smile.

We stand in silence for a few minutes before Dakota holds out her hand and we link fingers. It feels natural, like we are meant to hold hands. She starts walking so I follow, I glance back at our friends who are somewhere on the ride. We at least have our phones on so it isn’t like we’ll be lost like Austin was last night. Dakota and I walk along the cobblestone road. I don’t know where we’re headed and I don’t ask. She seems to have a place in mind and who am I to question it?

“I thought we could get some ice cream,” she says after a few minutes as we approach a Ghirardelli ice cream shop.

“I love ice cream.” My eyes widen as I see all the flavors and toppings they have. It is like a chocolate lovers dream.

“Who doesn’t?” She smiles. We grab two cones and make our way back to the ride.

“You guys got ice cream?” Kate moans.

“We can get some, babe,” Austin reassures her.

“Okay!” She kisses him again.

---