Page 46 of Pause

Slade’s kiss is even better than those favorite things.

chapter sixteen

WHEN WE FINISHcleaning the rooms, Slade does his bubble show. It’s later in the afternoon than usual, but there’s not a posted time. He does it when he has the time and he doesn’t advertise. The bubbles advertise for him and draw a crowd all on their own. He doesn’t put out a bucket to collect tips. He really does it just because he loves it. What did Joss call it? His stress reliever.

I’m his captive audience, along with a large crowd. Pretty sure I’m the most captivated, though. All I can think about is the kiss we recently shared. I wanted a repeat performance, but he didn’t try for one while we finished cleaning the rooms. I appreciate his restraint. I’m sure he thought it would be too much for me.

In reality, I long for it to happen again, but I don’t want to be the one to initiate it. I need him to need me, to pursue me. I might be slightly obsessed with the feeling.

I didn’t realize I was the one who loved more when it came to Blu. I’ve heard it said there’s always one person in a relationship who loves more. I don’t want anything of the sort and I refuse to accept it ever again.

After the bubble show, new guests arrive. Slade hurries inside to carry their luggage up the stairs and show them to their room.

I wait for him, sitting on the warm sand. The negative ions are working. I feel giddy. So happy I’m going to explode like Slade’s childhood root beer.

When he returns, he takes my hands and pulls me to my feet. He doesn’t release them. “Wanna take a walk along the boardwalk? We can eat cotton candy, fudge, caramel apples, corndogs, ice cream cones, and popcorn until we’re sick.”

My stomach flip-flops. Not sure if it’s due to excitement or fear of being ill. “Such an alluring offer. You’re inviting me to throw up with you. How can a girl refuse?” I need to be gagged when I’m feeling flirtatious.

Slade surprises me when he does that thing I love. He throws his head back and laughs.

Huh. I know I wasn’tthatfunny.

Slade smiled through the entire bubble show. Is it because of me? Or just his bubble show? I don’t know. I hope it’s me.

“The offer will be rescinded in 3-2-1…”

“Yes! The answer is yes,” I holler quickly, laughing as I bury my head on his chest. I want to stay there forever. I love romantic firsts. First look, first touch, first time holding hands, first hug, first kiss. Each has its own thrill. If the thrill continues, I’ll know we have something special. “I’d love to. Anywhere but the merry-go-round.”

Slade kisses my forehead. “Ah, you’ve heard some gossip.”

“Can I ask what happened?” I have a compulsive need to know why two people who thought they were right for each other changed their minds. Blu’s betrayal altered the way I look at the world.

Slade releases a heavy sigh. “Nothing happened. Everything was right between us, yet we were wrong for each other. Make sense?”

“Yeah, it does.” Perhaps that describes my relationship with Blu as well. Sans Blu’s fear of marriage.

Slade tips my chin up with one finger until our eyes meet. “Are we good?”

“Yep. Let’s do this.”

We pass by Joss sitting on the patio as usual as we head toward the boardwalk.

I can’t help myself. “We’re going to the boardwalk. Do you want to come with us, Joss? It’ll be fun.” I’d love to be alone with Slade, but I don’t mind pushing Joss around the boardwalk either. She needs to get out and about.

Her sweet smile never fades or falters. I think it’s pasted on her face. How real is it? I’m not sure. I suspect it’s not as real as she’d like us all to think.

“No, thanks. You two take the boardwalk by storm. Bring me home a caramel apple.”

“Will do,” Slade says. “We’ll bring you home some dinner too.” He glances at his watch. “Sorry. I’m running late today.”

“Hey, don’t worry about me. There’s leftover pizza in the fridge. I’ll have that for dinner. I’ll be fine. Go enjoy yourselves. You deserve a night off, Slade.”

“You’re not a chore, Joss. You’re my family. You know I love beating you atYahtzeeevery night of your life.”

“You wish. Get out of here.” Her smile is saccharine sweet.

Slade chuckles. “Call if you need anything.” He pulls his phone out of his pocket, proving he can be reached easily.

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