“I understand that thinking. When we’ve gone too long between calls at the firehouse, we all dread that next one because it’s usually a big one.”
“Have you decided on the dog decision for Paisley’s birthday?” I ask, changing the subject.
“I haven’t. I really need to decide one way or another, soon. Her birthday is this week.”
“Aww, are you guys doing anything special?” I ask.
“A party next weekend. Would you like to come?” he offers.
“Oh, I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
“You wouldn’t be an intrusion, plus, I invited you.”
“What are you guys doing?”
“She wanted one of those bounce castles, so I rented one to be set up in the backyard. Lilly and I have always just done one joint celebration for her every year, so everyone will be at one party. Just grilling up some hot dogs and hamburgers and letting the kids run around and play. Nothing super fancy, just a family-friendly party, plus some cake and ice cream, at some point. We’re starting at noon, so if you are free and want to stop by, then I’d love to have you.”
“Thanks, I’ll see what's going on and maybe stop by,” I tell him as we reach the front of the line—the worker holding the gate open for us to take a seat. I cautiously take a seat, then latch myself to Tucker's side as soon as he’s next to me. The carnie locks the gate contraption that goes in front of us, then presses a button, causing us to move so they can unload and load the next one.
“I’ve got you.” Tucker's deep sexy voice fills my ear. He places one arm around me, tugging me even closer to his side as his other hand holds mine. His lips are next to my ear as he does his best to keep my nerves at bay with his calming words. “We’re just moving a little at a time, nothing to be scared of right now,” he says, and I open my eyes up slightly. We’ve only moved enough space for them to unload and re-load two others. I keep my eyes open, even as we move up another spot. “See, you’ve got this. Just look at me if you need to.”
“How can you be so calm?” I finally get out.
“Heights don’t scare me, babe. I climb ladders every day, walk along rooflines of buildings that are on fire.”
“And you’re crazy,” I quip.
“Not crazy, just live for the adrenaline rush that being out on calls brings me.”
“Ohhh, shit!” I call out as the Ferris wheel starts moving again, this time not stopping after just twenty or so feet. As we creep toward the very top, I feel my stomach roll, but try and focus on keeping my breathing steady and regular.
“I’ve got you,” Tucker says again into my ear, his lips practically touching my neck. His breath on my skin definitely has me distracted as we descend back to the ground and then lift right back up as we circle around. Tucker's lips suck, lighting at the skin just below my ear. My pulse picks up at the contact as lust fills my veins. I sink my free hand into his hair, pulling his lips from my neck, and crush my lips against his. I melt into the connection. His tongue slides along the seam of my lips, and I open for him instantly. He shifts slightly, not like we can sit much differently in this Ferris wheel cart, but he somehow deepens the kiss, making me forget about my surroundings.
“Time’s up, love birds,” the carnie’s voice calls out, and Tucker and I break apart instantly. My cheeks are hot from my embarrassment. Tucker hops off, tugging my hand behind him as we exit and run down the ramp. A giggle comes barreling out, and I can’t stop the laugh from being caught making out like teenagers by the carnie.
“That wasn’t so bad, now, was it?” Tucker asks once we’ve cleared the exit ropes and are now standing out in the open, the crowds of people milling around. He pulls me back into his arms, my front flush with his. He sinks both hands into my hair, pulling my face back to being in front of his.
“It definitely was better than the last time I rode the thing,” I say against his lips, just as he kisses me once again.
Butterflies fill my stomach as we stand here kissing, our surroundings melting away once again. The bells and music blaring out from all the games and rides are just a faint noise in the background. I can feel the effect our kiss is having on Tucker's body as his erection presses into my belly. What I wouldn’t do to be able to touch him right now, but unless I want to get carted off for indecent exposure, this isn’t the time or place to be copping a feel.
“Get a room!” I hear a voice call out, causing us to break apart. He’s got a shit-eating grin tugging at his lips. His forehead rests against mine as he sucks in a deep breath.
“Ready to get out of here?” he asks, standing to his full height, a moment later. His thumb wipes across my kiss-swollen lips before he takes a step back.
“Yeah, let's go,” I reply. Linking our fingers back together, we walk side-by-side out of the fair and to his truck.
The drive back to my place is quiet, except for the sound coming from the radio. Once on the road, Tucker placed his hand on my thigh and hasn’t moved it since. He pulls into my driveway, and the butterflies are back. Do I invite him in? Do we call it a night here at the truck? At the door? Why am I overthinking this?
“Would you like—" I start to say just as he starts to talk.
“I’m not ready—" he’s saying.
“Sorry, you first,” I tell him.
“No, you go first,” he insists.
“Would you like to come in?” I finish my question.
“Yes,” he chuckles as he replies. “I was about to tell you that I wasn’t ready for our night to end.”
“Well, then, I guess we’re on the same page,” I tell him as I open my door and jump down from his truck. He follows me up to my front stoop, waiting behind me as I pull out my keys and unlock the door. His fingertips graze over the skin on my neck as he pushes my hair out of the way, his lips finding bare skin. My fingers shake as I turn the lock, and then handle, and push the door open. I step out of his embrace, immediately missing the feel of his lips against my skin. He follows me inside, turning to shut the door behind him.
Tucker tugs me into his arms, turning me, so I’m facing him. “I don’t want to rush you into this, but I need to know what you want tonight. I’m not looking for just a one-night romp in the sheets, Lindsay,” he tells me, and the look of desire that floods his blue eyes tells me so much more than his words do, at this moment.
“I, I don’t know, Tucker. Let’s just see where things go,” I suggest. I can’t just word vomit all over him that I want a relationship; I want the white picket fence, two kids, and dog life. We just went on our first official date. It doesn’t matter. I’ve known this man practically my entire life; if I was to lay out everything I’m looking for right now, he’d be out the door faster than he arrived.
“Okay,” he agrees, backing me up against the wall and kissing me once again. This toe-curling kiss is somehow hotter than any of the other ones we’ve had tonight. Maybe it is the fact we’re actually alone, with no chance of being interrupted. Perhaps it’s because the sexual tension has built up not only from tonight but the last few weeks. I don’t know what it is, but I’m sure as hell not complaining.