The Red-Hot Stakes

Chapter Eight

Liam hurried us to the ticket booth and dazzled the lady with his charming grin. “Two wristbands please. How challenging is the corn maze?”

The poor lady took a moment to answer, and I empathized, still reeling from him grabbing my hand.

She slid us our wristbands along with his change. “There are two mazes. The more difficult one takes most people an hour and a half to get through.”

As we left the booth, I asked, “Has Avery told you about my innate sense of direction?”

Liam rolled his eyes, but I put a hand on his arm, making him stop. At the escape room last year, he’d mansplained his ex-girlfriend Carla practically to death, and I worried he’d try to take over in the maze. Better to talk about it now.

“Hang on. I know it’s a stereotype that most women can’t find their way out of a paper bag, but that’s not me. I’ve always been the one who knows where we are, can put us back on the right path if we get lost. Avery has several stories about me navigating us home, while drunk, and the sober DD was completely turned around. I love that kind of thing,” I said, gesturing to the huge corn maze. “But I won’t do it if you’re just going to get in there and bulldoze me around because you think I have some piss-poor sense of direction.” I’d had that with other guys, including Josh. To the point I’d avoided this type of activity with him.

Liam sighed. “This date isn’t going to go well if you start making assumptions about me right off the bat.”

Wait, what?

He leaned in. “I know perfectly well how capable you are, Red. How about we just go have some fun?” His elbow nudged mine. “Wanna go shoot a pumpkin out of a slingshot?”

Dammit, I am judging him again.I bit my lip. “Sorry, Liam. You’re right.”

He reared back. “What was that?” He cupped his hand over his ear. “I don’t think I heard you correctly.”

I chuckled, bumping my shoulder against his way-too-big upper arm. “You heard me. And yes, I definitely want to go shoot a pumpkin out of a slingshot, and see what an apple canon is.” I took a deep breath, letting go of my need to obsess, letting go of my preconceived notions, and just let the moment unfold.

His dazzling grin made my stomach flip. “Thatta girl.”

He hesitated then offered me his hand once more. I slid mine into his, watching as it practically disappeared in his huge grip. The slingshot was huge. A wide-open space behind it boasted several targets, and netting separated those standing in line from those shooting. Liam didn’t let go of my hand the whole time we waited, but I didn’t mind. We chatted easily without any awkward pauses or uncomfortable lulls, and I was pleasantly surprised by how happy and content I felt.

Finally it was our turn, and the employee checked our wristbands. “You get three shots a piece.”

A crate of pumpkins sat near the slingshot, so we each selected one. Liam went first, putting his bowling-ball sized pumpkin into the cradle of the slingshot, then tried to pull it back. It immediately fell out, and we laughed.

“Can I help?” I asked.

At his nod, I grabbed a handle, and we each kept one hand on the pumpkin. Then we walked backward, stretching the cord until the slingshot was taut.

“Release on three?” he asked.

I nodded, concentrating on not losing my grip. Liam counted down, then we let go and watched the pumpkin sail into the air. It was nowhere near the target, but it hit the ground with a satisfying splat that had us high-fiving.

“Again!” I exclaimed. We went through the rest of our turns, actually managing to hit two targets. It was harder than it looked.

The apple cannon was right next door. The air-powered gun was huge. If I spread my arms out, I might be able to touch from the tip of the barrel to the other end, and it was mounted on a post, so you had to swivel it to aim. The employee handed each of us a bucket of apples.

Liam went first again, putting an apple in the chute, lining up, and pulling the trigger. He almost nailed it. He dialed in quickly, able to hit the targets most of the time. When it was my turn, I stepped onto the platform, a little unsure. My first apple missed completely, so did the second.

“Want some advice?” Liam asked quietly.

I nodded, appreciating that he’d checked first and not just given it to me. He stepped onto the platform behind me and pointed out how to align my sight with the barrel. His firm touch on my hip and shoulder made my heart race, his heady scent wrapping around me.

“Looks good to me. You?” He breathed in, his chest brushing my back.

Another nod, and I hit the trigger, the apple clanging off the edge of the target. “I did it!”

His hand patted my hip. “Nice. This time you’ll want to go a little to the left.” He helped me line up again, his hand never leaving me.

When I pushed the trigger this time, I nearly hit the target on center.

“Way to go, Red!”

I tilted my head up and back. Electricity shot between us, a thousand sparks jumping between the miniscule space separating our bodies. I stopped breathing.

His words came out as little more than a whisper, “You feel that, too?”

I bobbed my head, frozen until the employee yelled, “Keep it moving.”

Air hit my lungs, and time sped up once more. I grabbed my empty bucket in a daze. Liam stepped off the platform, offering me his hand to help me down, and I gratefully accepted. But he didn’t let go once we were both on solid ground.

“What next?” His voice was husky and quiet as we walked away from the apple cannon.

I still felt shell-shocked from whatever had happened on the platform. “Maybe a snack? I could go for cider and donuts right about now.” He stared at me long enough that I furrowed my brow. “What?”

His broad shoulders moved up in a teasing shrug. “I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who eats as many donuts as you.”

A sheepish smile played on my lips, though I fought it. I tugged on his hand, leading him to the large metal barn with the big sign that read ‘Cider and Donuts’. “There’s nothing like donuts with a cup of freshly pressed apple cider, outside on a picnic table in the crisp fall air.” I stared up at the brilliant blue sky, grinning happily.

“Where the yellow jackets abound, and it’s frosty in the morning, but seventy by mid-afternoon. And the goldenrod hasn’t quite died yet.”

“Really? Isn’t fall football time? And that’s your thing.” I scanned his body, taking in his big broad shoulders, tapered waist, powerful legs. “You played right?”

A whisper of sadness crossed his face, then he shook his head. “I don’t want to talk about it. All I can think about is how amazing those donuts smell. Come on!” And he pulled me along so fast, I had to run to keep up.

The smell of fresh donuts mixed with cinnamon and sugar hit me full force when we stepped inside the wide-open barn doors. Liam ordered first, getting a cinnamon sugar donut along with a cup of cider.

“Same for me.” I had to let go of his hand as he paid, and I instantly missed the connection. I needed to get a grip.

And not on him.

Our order was ready in no time. Once we had our food, I led us to a picnic table in the sun, and he settled next to me, leaving the far bench open. I eyed him warily. “Brave choice.”

He frowned, his confusion evident.

“Our combined weight could topple this table right over.”

“Nah.” He shook his head, smirking. “This baby is solid. Besides, I want to be all up in your space, so you can yell at me again.”

I elbowed him, recalling that day at the restaurant we’d shared a booth. “You were so in my space.”

His mouth twitched, then we both started laughing. “You were so mad!”

“I couldn’t even open my menu without your beefy arms in my way.” I gave him another gentle shove, and he shoved me back. Then we both settled down, his thigh pressing against mine. I ignored the tingling sensation the contact sent through me and took a messy bite of my still warm donut. I laughed again when I saw Liam doing the same, his chin covered in cinnamon and sugar.

“You’re not much better.” He chuckled.

We both wiped our faces, and I licked my fingers, enjoying every bit. The tang of the cider collided with the sweetness of the donut, and I moaned as the cool, refreshing liquid slid down my throat. “There is nothing like fresh cider.”

His green eyes darkened as he stared at me. “No, there’s not.” He raised his own cup to his lips and took a swallow.

I envied the cup, wondering again how those lips would feel pressed against mine. Discomfited, I shifted, focusing again on my donut. Kissing Liam, not something I ever dreamt I’d be fantasizing about.

“Whatcha thinking?”

Quickly I chomped down on the donut, giving myself time to form an appropriate response. “Wagon ride or corn maze?”

“Don’t forget about the zip line.”

Oh, right.“Have you ever done one of those?”

“A couple times. I wonder how big it is.” He seemed pretty excited, judging by the grin on his face.

“Let’s do that next.”

The signs pointed us toward a path in the woods, which we followed after washing our sticky hands. The dirt trail wound up a decent incline through the forest. We exchanged eager glances as we trekked on, coming to a small shed lined with harnesses and helmets.

A peppy teenage girl greeted us. “Hi! Going zip lining?”

No, I thought this was the wagon ride.I held my tongue and tried to be nice.

Liam smirked knowingly, then answered for both of us. “Yep.”

She checked our wristbands then handed us each a clipboard with a waiver. “Let me know when you’re done, and we’ll get you in your gear!” She walked away, her ponytail swinging.

Liam touched my arm. “Chill.”

“People like that just get under my skin.”

“She’s happy.” He shrugged. “What’s it to you?” And he started filling out his form.

I stared at him for a long moment. He’s right, again. Just because she was cheerful didn’t mean that I needed to hate on her. So what if her overly bright attitude annoys me? I sighed.

The form was a standard ‘we’re not liable if you’re being stupid and hurt yourself’ agreement. I filled it out and waited for Little Miss Sunshine to come back, determined not to care about her perky demeanor. We didn’t wait long.

“Done already?” She beamed, her teeth so white they were near-blinding.

There I go again. Our forms were filled out correctly, so she helped us into our harnesses, me first.

I realized my choice of outfit might not have been the best for this activity. “Is this going to work with me in a dress?”

“Oh, I’m a pro, don’t worry. When I’m done, you’ll be completely covered, and no one will be able to tell. And there’s no one below the lines either, for safety reasons.”

She had to change my first harness out for a smaller size. It went on like pants, sliding over both legs with straps that sat just below my ass and around my waist, then came over my shoulders like a backpack to buckle under my chest. It was an awkward and odd feeling, but I was ready to go.

And completely covered.

When it was Liam’s turn, man, did she turn on the charm. Miss Perky was all smiles and giggles as she slid each strap into place, taking more time than she needed to straighten the ones that wrapped around his muscular thighs. He took it all in stride, never seeming uncomfortable, but not encouraging her either.

It wasn’t his fault she was salivating over him, but jealousy still had me tight in its grip. With each intentional touch, my muscles went more rigid. I gritted my teeth so hard, I thought I might crack one. Then he glanced over at me, smiling.

My cheeks heated, but I couldn’t look away. Miss Perky had her hands at his chest, fastening the last buckle with a loud snap before draping the heavy carabiner over his shoulder.

She sighed, gazing adoringly up at him. “All set.”

My fingers balled into fists. I had no right to be feeling this way, and the strength of my reaction terrified me. I was practically seeing red—or maybe green would be a more accurate color. Either way, I was uncomfortable and upset.

He didn’t look away from me as he asked, “You good, Red?”

I glared at him as Miss Perky giggled. “Just go on over to that tower there, and Tyler will get you ready for your run.”

I took off toward the hill as Liam called my name in confusion. But I didn’t slow down or stop, needing some distance between us. I desperately wished for that numbness right now. Maybe then I wouldn’t feel so vulnerable and raw.

“Gina, wait up.” Liam caught my wrist just before I reached the bottom step.

I jerked my arm away, spinning to face him. My chest heaved as I sucked in a ragged breath, overwhelmed with my raging emotion. It wasn’t fair.

“What’s wrong?”

Crossing my arms, I pressed my lips together and looked away. Only for my gaze to catch on Miss Perky Pants staring longingly after Liam. A growl tore from me before I could stop it.

“Ah,” Liam said, a smile crossing his face. “The green-eyed monster eating at you?”

“Yes,” I bit out.

“She was pretty handsy.”

His cavalier acknowledgment of her actions deflated me. “But I have no right to feel like this. I have no claim on you.” As soon as the words left my lips, I wished I could take them back. They were too much.

Liam sucked in a startled breath. “Oh, Gina.”

He stepped closer, and I instinctively backed away only to find a beam behind me. His intense gaze pinned me to the spot as I stared up at him. He slowly reached toward me, bracing his arm behind my head so I was framed by his massive arm. His nose was inches from mine. His lips were right there…closer than ever before.

“If the roles had been reversed,” he said, his husky voice making my knees wobble. “If a big, muscular guy had put his hands on you. Had buckled you in. Had tucked your dress up.” His gaze followed his words, caressing each part of my body where the harness rested. And heat lingered in the wake of his stare.

“I’d be looking pretty green too.”

When those eyes traced my lips, I felt it, like a physical touch. The anger and rawness eased within me, burned away by the flames of desires. And the fact that Liam felt it too.

A bark of laughter startled us, and a group of newcomers ascended on the employee to get their harnesses. When I looked back at Liam, he had stepped away once more. Disappointment pricked me, but I managed a smile.

He returned it then gestured for me to go first up the stairs, and I couldn’t help but tease. “You just want to look at my ass.”

“I don’t know what that lady did with your dress, but damn, Red. The view is fine from here.”

I hadn’t expected him to admit it. I glanced back to find him smirking, and it gave me an idea. At the landing, I stepped off to one side. He frowned, but I gestured for him to keep walking. “My turn.”

It was only fair after all.

At the top, we did three quick rounds of rock paper scissors, then I watched the employee launch Liam off the platform. His whoop echoed off the trees below as he sailed away, arms outstretched like he were flying. I couldn’t stop my grin.

Then it was my turn. The sound of the wheels in the rail above my head zooming along the thick steel cable was loud, but otherwise I could pretend I was a bird, soaring over the trees. It was exhilarating, being so high, going so fast. The next tower came into view, but Liam was still hooked up.

“Watch out!” I cried, panic flaring in me.

The employee jumped back. Liam turned, opening his arms. What is he doing? I spun sideways on the approach and the sound of the rail changed as the cables switched, slowing me slightly. I still hit Liam way too fast. His arms wrapped around me as both of us swung into the padded wall.

“You all right?” he asked.

I nodded, a bit jarred but fine. “You?”

“Yeah. Good thing you weigh less than I bench press.”

Ignoring Liam’s quip and the employee’s squawking radio, I asked, “What happened?”

“My carabiner snagged on something and wouldn’t come loose. Then you came flying in.”

I peered up at his carabiner, having a decent vantage point since I was still in his arms. A little tuft of red peeked out. “Hey, I see something.” I scrambled up him, reaching above his head.

He seemed too startled to do anything but hold me. I balanced one foot on his thigh, and rested one knee on his arm as both his hands wrapped firmly around my upper legs. I’d have to thank Miss Sunshine and her excellent harnessing skills for keeping my dress in place.

The heat from his grip threatened to unseat me, so I focused on the clip. Though my position put my chest on level with his face.

I really hadn’t thought this through.

My nipples tightened, and I hoped he wouldn’t notice. I held my breath, trying not to inhale his intoxicating scent. I ignored his groan as my fingers fumbled to remove the fabric out of the hinge of the carabiner. Finally it pulled free, and the clip opened easily.

“All set. You can put me down now.” I placed both my hands on his broad shoulders, his larger ones sliding over my ass to grip my waist and set me firmly on the ground.

“A little warning next time, before you climb me like a tree.” His voice was huskier than usual, and as he shifted away, I swore he had to adjust the front of his pants.

The employee apologized as he unhooked us both, and we clambered down the tower. I still felt Liam’s solid grip on my thighs, the way his hands had slid up to my waist. Tension coiled in my stomach, begging for release.

We reached the harness shed, and Miss Perky was waiting. “How was it?”

“Intense,” I muttered.

“You said it.” Liam agreed.

Then we went through the awkward process of taking off the harnesses which totally felt like stripping, even though I was still fully clothed. Not usually prone to blushing, my cheeks definitely felt hot by the time I was done. I fluffed out my dress, grateful the material wasn’t given to wrinkling.

Once Liam was done, we started toward the main area, neither of us looking at the other.