Ain't No Sunshine

Chapter Six

Nate

Forthenexttwo weeks, Cory and I have many sleepovers but never get further than third base. I wish she would talk to me about her reasons so I can help. But in the meantime, I can’t say I’m not satisfied, because I am. Gotta say, life with Cory is pretty damn good. Well, except for right now.

Right now, I want to throw up. It’s our first date. Ever. The only one we’ve had, in my book, and instead of it being a positive experience, I’m staring up at a tall structure in front of me with my heart in my throat. I can’t for the life of me figure out why I agreed to this insanity, but here we are. Maybe because you love her. Fuck! My eyes shoot to Cory’s as I let that sink in. Do I love her? I do. Of course, I love her. If I’m being completely honest with myself, I’d say I’ve loved her for weeks.

I love her. I love her. I love her. I run the words over and over in my head, testing them out. I’m momentarily distracted until soft fingers brush mine and the warmth of Cory’s hand grips me. “I’ve changed my mind. We don’t have to do this,” she says as she wraps her small body around my much larger one.

I smile down at her and find myself surprised that it’s not forced. For some reason, I feel stronger with her by my side. Because you love her. “Let’s get it over with,” I say. I can do this.

Cory lets out a small squeal as I pull her forward. When she found out about my very specific phobia last week, thanks to Dylan, she insisted we attend the local summer fair and each have a go at facing our fears, hers being the Haunted House. I agreed immediately because, well, everyone was staring at me, and I didn’t want to let her down. But now, I’m definitely regretting it.

We reach the bottom of the Ferris Wheel, and my pulse spikes. Yep, I said what I said… Ferris Wheel. That’s what has me tied up in knots, and it has nothing to do with having a fear of heights. There’s just something about leaving my life in the hands of a clunky old machine that sways in the air while being controlled by some dude that really doesn’t want to be here. It freaks me out.

Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately, the line moves quickly, and before I know it, I’m being directed into a carriage. As soon as we’re seated, Cory grips my hand tightly, giving it a quick squeeze before leaning into me. Is that allowed? Is she going to throw our weight distribution off? I try to smile at her, but she laughs at how fake it is.

Despite my heart beating out of my chest and the sweat threatening to drip down my forehead, the beginning of the ride is okay. Nice even. Cory sings, ‘Wherever You Will Go’ by The Calling, quietly beside me, as we take in the stunning views. Her hand never once leaves mine. When we stop at the top, I know it’s all part of the procedure and hold back my panic. At least, I try to, until we jolt slightly and then stop again. I grip the bar in front of me and take a deep breath. It’s okay. I’m fine. We’re all fine.

“We’re going to die! We’re all going to die!” A young girl screams in the carriage behind us.

Fuck! I am not fine.

“Oh shit!” Cory says, covering her mouth to hide her laugh. “You’re okay, Nate. It’s okay.” She rubs the hand I have locked around the safety bar, trying to calm me, but there’s no chance in hell that’s happening.

Taking deep breaths, I bark out an “easy for you to say,” while closing my eyes and counting to ten.

One Mississippi… Two Mississippi… Three—

Cory’s hand lands on my leg, higher than one would deem appropriate for a kid’s ride, and then moves its way up. I inhale a sharp breath and focus on her touch as she runs her palm close to my growing hardness before moving back down.

Calming slightly, I open my eyes, following the path of her movement with my gaze. My heart rate spikes again as the anticipation of her touch sends my pulse into overdrive. “Fuck, Cory.” Isn’t this something that only happens in the movies?

On her third route, she doesn’t stop. Instead, she works her hand back and forth, almost gripping my length over my shorts. If I don’t concentrate, I’m going to make a mess in approximately five seconds. “Cory,” I rasp. “You have to stop.”

She doesn’t.

“Cory, please. Fuck.” My voice is strained and breathy, but loud enough that she hears it and stops just as the crowd below comes into view.

“You did it!” she yells excitedly as we come to a stop on the ground, and I can’t help the laugh that escapes me. This girl is really something.

I did it. I survived.

I even consider begging the Carnie to give us another ride, so I can fix my current situation, but decide it’s not worth it. It’s dark. If someone can tell I’m hard, then it’s lucky for them.

I adjust myself as I walk toward the exit and smile at Cory’s sweet giggles beside me. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

“It was awful. On so many levels.” Not a lie. It was terrifying up there, and now I’m frustrated down here. “Your turn, Little Bit.” I say to Cory and watch the blood drain from her face. Shit. That’s the first time she hasn’t smiled at her nickname. She must be terrified. I could never put her through the fear I just felt. “Actually, I’ve changed my mind. I need you home. Now.”

Her eyes spring to mine and widen as she recognizes my ploy for what it is. “Oh, Nate, thank you, but I can do this.”

I wrap my arms around her waist and lift her into the air, pressing our lips together in a passionate kiss. Our tongues swirl as Cory’s arms lock around my neck, pulling me closer. “Let’s go home,” I say against her mouth, and this time I mean it for the implied reason.

Cory wriggles out of my grip and drops her feet to the ground. “Nope, I’m doing it.” My tough Little Bit. How did I get this girl again?

Shoulders high, full of confidence, she moves her sweet ass towards the Haunted House without looking back. I jog to catch up to her and take her hand in mine. She’s a determined little thing when she wants to be.

We’re almost there when she stops suddenly, frozen in place. I turn to offer her a reassuring smile, but she’s not looking toward the screams. No, her pale face and wide eyes are directed at a guy walking toward us.