Chapter 8 Isaac
Isaac
Pushing the awkward meeting to the back of his mind, Isaac remained determined to enjoy the rest of the bright, sunny day with his mate.
Hand in hand, Rafael tugged him through the throng of people toward the food carts.
They weren't all carts; some were booths and trailers, all were fixed in place at the park.
Meaning Isaac overlooked that bit of information when he visually scanned the park yesterday.
Yvonne’s suspicion about Isaac's arrival weighed heavily on him, even as he tried to push those thoughts away. Isaac could easily pick her question apart, though. Evidently, Rafael was the reason the park’s carousel was not advertised.
Which meant outside forces were responsible for Isaac’s arrival.
Yet, did that mean Isaac needed to find out how he actually became aware of the carousel here at Misfit Park in order to protect his mate?
Yes, yes, it did. But maybe he would play with that later, though, as mouthwatering aromas assailed his senses.
His stomach growled, and Isaac felt ashamed to admit he was that hungry.
Rafael just chuckled at him, kissed his knuckles, and stood them in a line. It wasn’t long before they had coffees and specialty sandwiches in hand and headed for the same picnic bench from the day before. Had it only been one day?
His world tipped completely over in less than twenty-four hours.
If he had been any other person, he probably wouldn’t have accepted Rafael or even Yvonne, as quickly; he probably would have run away screaming. However, thanks to his grandma, he came prepared.
Yvonne, a powerful witch in her own right, knew the secret Isaac carried; Isaac knew he would tell Rafael before the end of the night. It wasn’t something he admitted freely.
“I can hear those wheels spinning,” Rafael offered as he set their sandwiches on napkins before rolling the bag.
Warm roast beef and melted provolone cheese sat between two slices of rich, sweet, freshly baked bread.
Isaac couldn’t wait to take a bite out of his sandwich.
He hoped the handmade mustard sauce complemented the meat and cheese; he knew it would, though.
Why would the place continue making sandwiches if they weren't tasty?
The coffee was steamy, made from freshly ground beans, and strong as can be. Isaac hummed and closed his eyes while taking a sip.
“Yeah, I know,” he admitted after the hot liquid settled in his stomach.
He gave Rafael a small smile before taking a bite of his sandwich and moaned in delight.
The dill pickle complemented the delicacy in his hands perfectly.
Rafael gave him a gentle, reassuring shoulder bump before digging into his food as well.
It felt satisfying, sitting in relative silence as they enjoyed their meal.
The crowd mingled behind them; the wind rustled the leaves, causing the sunlight to dance across their table.
It was serene and perfect. As perfect as possible.
With their trash gathered in the paper bag, Isaac rested his head on Rafael’s shoulder.
“I may have withheld the truth a little.”Rafael leaned his head against Isaac’s.
“I figured with how Yvonne was talking.” He circled his arm around Isaac’s waist. “But I don’t hold any ill feelings toward you.
It can’t be easy to admit you have powers. ”
Isaac felt his heart lurch. He had hurt his mate, the one his grandmother told him about. That was unacceptable. “I’m sorry. I hurt you by not telling you the truth.”
“Hey,” Rafael gave him a little shake. “It hasn’t even been a day yet. We have time to get to know each other. I haven’t shown you everything either.”
Pulling in a deep breath, Isaac tilted his head back, forcing Rafael’s to turn with him.
“Thank you. I was feeling terrible that I had hurt you and misled you. I just never expected…” He trailed off and wished they were alone so he could see Rafael’s eyes without the mirrored sunglasses in the way.
“Your grandma to be right?” Rafael finished for him, his voice holding a trace of humor in it.
Of course the man would find it funny, he knew Madam Love.
“I grew up hanging on her every word. Yet at every turn, my father would tell me what a kook she was and to never listen to her. I never understood his hatred. Never have. Maybe if I hang around here, I’ll be able to ask these questions and many more I have. ”
“Maybe. Maybe not. Yvonne and her coven are some powerful witches and warlocks. There’s a reason this park has been hidden for years.”
“Yet I found it,” Isaac whispered.
Rafael’s head inched closer to Isaac’s, their lips within touching distance.
“You were supposed to,” he breathed before sealing their lips together.
It was sweet and invigorating in every way that Isaac didn’t know he needed.
Isaac chased his man as Rafael leaned back.
“What all did you get to explore yesterday?”
“Mainly just the carousel.”
Rafael grinned. “Good,” he stated and stood, offering a hand to Isaac. “Now I get to show you around myself.”
With trash in the bin, Isaac followed Rafael through the park, hand in hand. They stood in line for rides, like the best date ever. Obviously the carousel was Isaac’s favorite, but the Ferris wheel held a close second.
The upgraded antique ride was in tip-top shape, with no squeaking or unnecessary rocking as they rode snuggled closely.
Stopping at the top, Isaac gasped at the sight. It was gorgeous. Although as far as he could see past the park, there were thick trees surrounding the park. Hidden. The park was truly hidden. By magic and nature.
Twice they went round before they laughed and hurried to ride after ride. Luckily Isaac didn’t get motion sick; his mate had a love of rides that spun. Which stood to reason given his other nature.
“Did you know there are two kinds of carousels?” Isaac asked as they stood in line for the swing carousel.
“The one with animal seats is also called a roundabout or a merry-go-round. Although there are two different types of merry-go-rounds, one is a carousel and the other is a platform manual ride. The first one used people or oxen to power it. I went there after it was refurbished. It was a trip of a lifetime.”
“You really do love carousels.”
“All the lights, the music. Anything related to the carnival.” Isaac felt himself blush and turn away from Rafael. He already shared some quirks; did he let them all out on day one?
He must have revealed too much through their bond when Rafael chuckled. “Is it a movable storage unit? Or do we need to go pick up your stuff?”
Isaac gasped and turned towards his mate. Such a strange endearment and so perfect. “Movable. I can have it transported here.”
“You are welcome to clutter the apartment, but I'm not sure if it'll be big enough still.”
Swoon. Of all the gestures, that one made Isaac fall even harder. “I love you.” Isaac slapped his hands over his mouth, eyes widening in horror. What if it was too soon? “I didn't mean to say that,” he mumbled out, barely intelligible.
Rafael's lips curved up, and he leaned into Isaac’s space. “Did you mean it?”
Isaac nodded, hands still clasped over his mouth. He meant those three little words with his whole heart.
“I love you, too,” Rafael repeated, reaffirming Isaac’s affection as he pulled Isaac’s hands from his mouth before giving him the sweetest, and briefest, kiss ever.
Isaac bounced in place, his excitement overflowing.
Too soon the line moved, and Isaac chose an outer seat for the ride.
After spinning in circles in their swing seats, they took several breaks between festivities: blue cotton candy, funnel cakes with chocolate drizzle, elephant ears bigger than the plate, and candy apples that were sliced, not whole, making them so much easier to eat.
So much sugar. So much laughter and fun. Isaac wondered if it would be like this daily; while fun, they would need to find balance. But not then, not yet.