by Megan Ryder
Ethan shoved the tickets at the kid, grabbed Delaney’s hand and tugged her along. She followed blindly, her eyes still dazed from their kiss. Ethan smirked. By the time she got on the ride, she’d be completely relaxed. He shifted his shorts. Too bad he wasn’t as comfortable.
The attendant clicked them into a seat and moved on to the next couple. He looked over and reality was setting in, judging by the paleness of her cheeks.
He gripped her hand. “We’re perfectly safe. You’re going to love this. Deep inside you, there is an inner wild woman. Unleash her, baby.”
“I don’t think I can.”
The ride jerked to a start and he squeezed her hand. “You definitely can. Just let loose and feel.”
Her hand gripped his tighter and tighter as the cars chugged up the incline. Slowly, steadily, inevitably. She inhaled, a deep ragged breath, and looked to him, panic in her eyes. For a split second, they poised on the top of the ride, the park laid out below them, lights blazing and reflected in the ocean nearby. Then it blurred as gravity took over and the cars plunged down the incline, their bodies pulled up, stomachs turning, the thrill ripping screams from both of them. He pulled her hand up and let the ride take over.
Delaney’s screams echoed with his, and he glanced over to make sure she was okay. She was completely absorbed in the ride, mouth opened wide, eyes bright with excitement, sheer pleasure on her face. Damn, he wanted to be the man to put that look on her face, not an amusement park ride. Their bodies slid together as the ride turned corners and weaved its way through the remaining tracks, and Ethan let the enjoyment of the moment take over his thoughts. But he burned where her leg brushed his, her breast against his arm, the strands of her hair whipping against his face. Arousal competed with adrenaline, pounding in his body, pooling in a heavy erection that he wouldn’t be able to hide when they got off the ride.
The ride slowed, finally, to a stop at the exit platform and the bars released. He stepped off the side and held out his hand for her. She stumbled out of the car, falling against him. Reflexively, his hands grasped her waist to steady her, and the sudden brush against his erection had him sucking in a breath, hoping she wouldn’t notice. Her hands braced themselves against his chest and she looked up, eyes wide.
Busted. It was too much to hope for that she would ignore it.
He snagged her sweater from the car and grabbed her elbow, pulling her along with the crowd as they exited the ride. When she would have kept walking out, he stopped her at a monitor.
“We need our photo. Remember? Our purpose for being here?”
She blushed. He pulled money out of his pocket and handed the kid ten dollars. He handed her the picture and they walked out of the ride area.
“We only have thirty dollars left. Damn, that ride was expensive. You ready for food or can your stomach not handle it?”
“Po’boy.” The words rushed out of her, face still reflecting excitement even as she looked a bit unsteady from the ride, or something else.
He grinned at her. “I’ve created a monster. Let’s grab some food then head for prize row. We don’t have much time.”
Delaney’s legs were wobbly and rubbery from the ride, but the sensation had begun long before that when she and Ethan kissed. Her face heated, thinking about the moment. She had always avoided public displays of affection beyond a light peck on the cheek or holding hands. Her mother had drilled into her head to watch her reputation. There were always reporters looking to find a Winters in a less than flattering picture. Roller coasters, kissing in public, heck, having fun was out of the picture. She had to always appear to be the very image of cool, calm, collected. She had spent years cultivating that image, reveling in her success as the Ice Princess, as she was anointed by page six reporters in her debut at sixteen. Ethan was the only one who had ever tempted her to shake off those chains, be free, be wild, be daring. But fear and family duty had woven themselves deep into her psyche, into her very soul, until she couldn’t break free.
Ironically, it took the collapse of her family for those chains to loosen. Not right away, of course. She had needed the coolness under pressure, the restraint that collected veneer to cover the roiling emotions beneath the surface. She wrapped herself in her pride, in the Winters’ name, to survive the hatred and vitriol launched at her and her family on a daily basis.
Never let them see how they’ve hurt her. Never show emotion. Never let them see her cry.
Ethan nudged her with his shoulder, a questioning look on his face. “Everything okay?”
She pasted a bright smile on her face. “Of course. I haven’t had a po’boy this good in years.”
“Wow, living on the edge, Ms. Winters. Are you sure you can handle it?”
She shot him a glare, then grinned at his teasing look. “Better than you. As long as I never have to get on that monstrosity again.” She was going to embrace the week and be damned health, image, or other people.
He smiled indulgently at her. He never could resist her. “You got it, Ms. Winters.”
They strolled out of the food court and toward the games, their next scavenger hunt item on their mind.
“We only have a limited budget. We have to pick smart this time, Ethan. We have to win easily and quickly.”
They scanned the row of games and sighed. “Thoughts?”
She pointed to the balloon and dart game. “That one.”
Ethan laughed. “Okay, but it’s been a while since I played darts, like college, I think.”
She shot him a dirty look. “I always was better at darts than you.”
He arched his eyebrow in disbelief. “Care to wager on that?”
She grinned, a more personal competition adding fuel to the fire. “What did you have in mind?”
“If I win, you kiss me.”
She sucked her lower lip between her teeth. “Hmmm, what do I get if I win?”
He leaned close, voice lowering to a husky tone. “I kiss you.”
She grinned and grabbed his shirt with her hands, pulling him closer. “I’ll whip your butt, Van Owen.”
He quirked his lips. “Let’s see you try.”
They walked over to the game and paid their money. She hefted one of her three darts in her hand, gauging the weight.
Ethan glanced at her. “Ladies first.”
“Oh, no, I couldn’t do that. You proposed the wager. It’s only fair that you go first.”
“If I win, it’s over.”
She just smiled. “We’ll see about that.”
Ethan squared his shoulders, rolling them to loosen them.
Delaney rolled her eyes. “Now you’re just showing off. Get on with it, will you?”
“I have a lot riding on this throw. Be patient. I intend to be.” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively and stepped up to the line. He threw his three darts quickly in rapid succession, missing all three times.
She shook her head and clucked her tongue. “You always were a bit fast on the draw, Ethan.”
The game attendant choked back a laugh and Ethan shot him a dirty look. “Fine. You were always slower than molasses. But be my guest.” He gave an exaggerated bow to her and stepped aside.
“I just needed the right warm-up.” She stepped to the line and tested her dart in the air with a mock throw. “Watch and learn.”
The first dart went low. Ethan chuckled. “Not as easy as you thought.”
She shot him a cool look. “You’re in my space.”
He bowed out again and exchanged amused glances with the teenager watching them, fascinated by the interchange. She rolled the dart in her hand and focused her gaze. A flick of the wrist and she released it. Wide. Damn.
She pointed at Ethan. “Zip it. I have one more.”
“What did I tell you, dude? Slower than molasses.” Ethan spoke in a loud whisper.
The kid, getting into the situation, leaned back and crossed his arms. “Seems like you just can’t handle her.”
Delaney barked a laugh.
Thank God she hadn’t started her throw. Ethan’s face reddened, but he grinned good-naturedly. Damn, he always was a good guy.
Nice and easy. Slow and steady. Breathe in. Let it out. Smooth. She tossed the dart and the balloon popped.
She let out a yell. “I win!” She turned, hands on her hips. “Sweetie, which little prize would you like? The purple elephant? The unicorn? Or maybe the pink bear?”
The attendant wasn’t even trying to hide his laughter anymore. “Dude, you got smoked by a chick.”
Ethan ruefully nodded and plucked the stuffed unicorn from the wall. He put his arm around Delaney. “We both won. Here, honey.”
“I won it for you. I like to take care of my man.” She shoved it back into his arms and sashayed away, hips swaying, laughing the whole time.
He caught up to her and draped his arm around her, unicorn tucked under his other arm, pulling her close. “We’ll wait for the second part of your prize until we’re alone.” He straightened. “What’s next?”
She shivered at his words and the warmth of his breath against her ear. Focusing on the task, she pulled out the list and frowned. “Piece of local art and a piece of sea glass.” She looked up at him. “We only have twenty-five dollars left.”
He took a deep breath. “Okay, sea glass. We should be able to find one on the beach easily enough.”
“Since when do you become a lawyer, modifying contracts to suit you?”
“Do you want to win or debate the finer points?”
She shook her head. “That’s easy. Win. That leaves local art. We only need to buy one of them.” She turned and looked around the amusement park, looking for sale booths. “Over there. Arts and crafts. We should be able to find something.”
A short while later, they were comparing the various art items for sale in the local booth, not really excited by anything. The only item in their price range was a sea scape that looked like it was drawn by a toddler. He frowned. “Kind of ugly, isn’t it?”
She grabbed the picture and stalked away. “It’s in our budget. It’s impressionist art.” She fingered a pendant of pale blue sea glass wrapped in silver filament. She glanced at the price tag. Damn, too much. She compared it with the art. Together, they were forty dollars. If they skipped the art, the pendant was within their budget.
“You’re the art dealer.” He shrugged and peered over her shoulder. “What’s that?”
“Sea glass pendant. Too much for our budget. Too bad because it’s beautiful.”
He reached for it. “Then let’s get it.”
“We can’t get that and the art. We’re over by fifteen dollars.” She shook her head. “No, we need the art and can try to find a piece of glass on the beach.”
He peered out of the booth at the rapidly darkening sky. “Are you sure? It’s going to be dark soon.”
“Are you afraid?” She walked to the register to pay.
“What about the pendant?”
“Too expensive.”
“No, for you.”
His words stopped her in her tracks. She paused, considering his words. It wasn’t much money, and she could afford it. But, in the ensuing years, she’d learned that money didn’t grow on trees and it wasn’t limitless. It was precious and something she no longer wanted to waste on trivial items. The time had passed when she bought indiscriminately, items she barely ever even used. When she had been forced out of her home, the vultures had been there ready to pounce on any hint of bad press. Several items of clothing had been removed from her house, price tags still attached. Never worn. Never used. Sold at auction for a fraction of what she had paid to satisfy debts. The media had had a field day, publishing photos of the clothing and price tags, adding up the costs as proof of her extravagance. Never again would she waste money. She had responsibilities and disposable income was scarce.
She shook her head. “No, I don’t need it.”
He brought it to the register. “My treat.”
She rested her hand on his arm, a sudden flash of anger at his words. “I said no.”
“What’s the big deal? It’s twenty-five dollars. I used to spend a lot more than that on you for a snack, much less jewelry.”
“I can buy my own things. I don’t need you or anyone else to support me. If I want it, I’ll buy it. And I’m saying no.” She turned back to the curious older woman behind the counter, who was watching the conversation with fascination.
After Ethan walked back to the return the pendant, muttering under his breath, the older woman leaned forward. “Let him buy it for you, dear. That’s what men are for.”
Delaney flashed a smile. “They have other uses. I can support myself.”
“Good for you, dear. Keep him guessing.” The woman nodded approvingly and rang up the artwork.
He directed her to the exit and the noise faded behind them, letting the dusk envelop them, leaving them alone and isolated. Even though it was September, the sea breeze was cool and the sun was setting. Delaney shivered and Ethan laid her sweater across her shoulders then pulled her close to him, his hand tucked under the sweater to caress her bare arm. He ran his hand up and down her forearm, lightly stroking. She shivered, but not from the cold this time. His touch was sending heat through her body, burning her, making her want things she had no place wanting.
Except for this one night. They had a deal. Soon, she’d see if the heat that simmered between them was anything more than leftover sexual tension or something more. She’d teased him earlier, but all it ever took was a look to get her ready for him. When he looked at her from heavy eyes, or a sideways glance with a quirked grin, she had to squeeze her legs to stop from jumping him right in public. Only her training as a Winters prevented her from acting on it. She had won the bet, but there was no reason for her to wait for him to make the move.
They strolled by the darkened bakery and the little alley between it and the next row of buildings. She pulled him after her into the shadows and pressed him against the building, her hands holding him against the brick wall, feeling his chest muscles jump beneath her fingertips.
She raised up on tiptoes, lips inches from his. “I can’t wait any longer. I want my prize.”
He groaned and wrapped a hand around her waist, hauling her up against him. She pressed her lips against his, and she ran her tongue along the seam of his until he opened and let her inside. Drugged with power, feeling more in control than ever before, she pressed her advantage, plastering herself against his long frame, feeling the evidence of his arousal against her throbbing core. Her panties dampened and she moaned against his mouth, her control slipping away rapidly, along with all her inhibitions and reservations about the evening, Ethan, and herself.
He slid his hands down to lightly skim her ass then cup both globes and pull her closer. In a sudden move, he shifted positions, never breaking their lips, and pinned her against the wall. She gasped and broke the kiss, the world tilting dangerously around her. She rested her head against the cool brick, and he trailed kisses down her exposed throat. He pushed aside the shoulder of the tank top and placed a kiss at the top of her shoulder. His hand stroked down her arm and under her shirt to tease her breasts through the lace of her bra.
She moaned at the sensations coursing through her, burning up from the inside, feelings and emotions buffeting her from all angles, like the waves in the ocean. She throbbed deep inside and she pressed her legs together to find some relief. He chuckled against her shoulder and wedged a thigh between hers, forcing them apart. She wrapped her leg around his, hiking it as high as she could. He dropped a hand to her thigh and pulled her up and closer to him, until only a few layers of fabric were between his cock and her slit, begging for him. She arched closer to him, pleading for his touch, for relief, for anything. His hand slipped under her thigh and higher, close to her aching core. His other hand kneaded her breast, his thumb rubbing against her nipple through the lace, the rough lace creating deeper friction and heat than she had ever expected. It was all she cou
ld to hold on. He was her anchor in a roiling sea of emotions and she needed relief.
He pressed against her, his cock rubbing her through the lightweight material of their shorts. Then he hit a spot and she exploded with a soft cry. He captured her lips with his, drinking in her soft moans until she slowly sagged against the wall, her leg sliding down and hands flat against her side. He chuckled against her mouth, even the vibrations from his laugh sending small shocks through her system.
She shifted and he groaned, turning his hips away from her, then stepped away fully. She opened her eyes to the shadowed alley, barely able to make out his face, the clenched jaw, the darkened gaze and satisfied if strained look on his face. Her hands flew up to her cheeks. What had she done? Almost had sex in an alley with Ethan. A Winters didn’t do that.
As if he saw the moment when the doubts began to course through her, he tilted her chin and kissed her slow and deep until she relaxed again. He pulled away gently, hand still cupping her chin. She slowly opened her eyes to meet his serious gaze.
“It’s not over, Delaney. No matter what either one of us wants to think.” His voice was husky and deep with arousal.
He didn’t sound angry by the admission. Instead, he was almost resigned, as if he had known all along the attraction was still there, despite the anger, pain, and years apart. She sighed. Her chest heaved as she struggled to control her breathing.
“Where do we go from here?” She wasn’t sure what else to say, what else she wanted.
He dropped his hand and stepped back. “I don’t know.” His voice was rough and strained, but he took one step further back before she could touch him. “Not right now. Let’s get that last item and win this thing.”
He snagged the unicorn that had fallen to the ground. “Camouflage.”
He grinned and stepped out of the alley, unicorn firmly planted in front of him. She slowly followed him out of the alley.
She was so screwed.
Chapter Ten