21. Chapter 21
Chapter 21
Chloe
My winning streak is officially over. Why didn’t I say face painting for us both? Dawson could have sported a beautiful butterfly or princess makeup. I could be in line waiting to get some monster or, knowing Finn, Pickachu on my cheeks. Instead, like always, I do the stupid thing and now I’m standing in line for the pumpkin basher. My stomach tightens and swirls at the same time. Watching this cage of people sitting in a circle around a pole while it spins is making me question every silly wager I’ve ever made.
One thing’s for certain: I won’t be betting anyone again anytime soon. I’ve learned my lesson.
“Do I really have to do this?” I whine to Finn and Dawson, who graciously offered to wait in line with me.
“I’m not the one who got us into this mess.” Dawson grins, extra pleased with his last shot that hit the target dead center and secured his and Finn’s win.
“Can we do the jump pads after this?” Finn asks .
Uhhh. Dawson will have to do that with Finn on his own. If I don’t lose my cookies on the ride, there’s a big chance I will when I get off. “I’ll watch you two play while I recover.”
The ride ends and before I know it, it’s my turn to load up. Wiping my sweaty palms on my jeans, I slowly walk to the ride like I’m about to be burned at the stake. The second my butt settles into the chair, my heart races. Saliva pools in my mouth and bile shoots to the back of my throat.
I can do this. Breathe.
One minute of misery. Anyone can handle one minute.
The carnival worker goes around, checking everyone’s seatbelt. He leans down to look at mine.
I panic. “I can’t do this. I need to get off. Right now!”
The moment I’m free, I jump up, scrambling off the ride. There’s no way I can face Dawson right now. Instead of stopping or explaining myself, I run in the direction I think the bathrooms are located.
What is wrong with me? Why can’t I just enjoy the evening instead of turning everything into a competition? Why must I always try to prove I’m perfect?
Because if you’re perfect, people won’t leave you. They’ll want you and stick around.
In the bathroom, I lock myself in a stall. I take deep breaths, letting my mind go blank until my heart doesn’t feel like it’s about to stop working from pounding a million miles a second.
How am I supposed to face Dawson after this? He’ll gloat, rubbing at my raw emotions, which I absolutely deserve. This mess is my own creation, and I loathe the position I put myself in, but I also can’t hide in the restroom all night. We’re here to scope out the festival.
The reminder that I have a job to do clears my mind enough for me to face the Reed boys. After using the facilities, I head out. But I don’t see them anywhere.
Pulling out my phone, I text Dawson.
Me: Hey, sorry about taking off like that. Where are you?
He replies instantly.
Dawson: Bouncing on the jumbo jumpers. I’m too old for this.
Whatever. Dawson is in sublime physical condition.
I head in their direction, taking in the activities I pass. This place is magical and if we weren’t trying to create an intimate atmosphere, it would be perfect for the company to enjoy.
A little girl dressed as a princess runs in and out of a playhouse. I smile, attempting to rid my heart of the ache growing within at the sight of her. Maybe I could be a mom someday. I like being around Finn and haven’t messed anything up between us. The mere thought of abandoning him makes my stomach clench. Have Dawson and Finn helped me realize this dream of mine isn’t as impossible as I feared?
It’s definitely a subject worth pondering later.
In the back corner, Dawson and Finn bounce on the giant rubber balloon. They’re playing tag, but Dawson exaggerates his movement, purposely missing Finn each time. Finn giggles with every failed attempt Dawson makes to catch him. Warmth seeps into my chest, enhancing the longing I felt when I saw the little girl.
These two guys might not be my family, but being around them brightens my mood considerably.
Clapping, I holler, “Good job, Finn! Way to keep your dad hustling.”
Finn waves at me, darting away from Dawson’s extended hand. “He’s slllooooowwww,” Finn says, bending his knees, and jumping straight into the air.
I hope Finn wants to bounce one more time because this giant pad looks super fun. Can I still do a backflip?
An employee standing by the gate blows his whistle. “Time’s up! Get your shoes and exit to the back.”
Dawson and Finn grab their shoes from a cubby, meeting me at the exit.
“Chloe,” Finn says. “Come with us this time!”
Dawson’s brows rise. A question and an accusation in his expression. No doubt we’ll discuss my wimping out on the pumpkin basher. “Absolutely! Is your dad still it?”
Finn stares at his dad like he can’t believe Dawson never caught him. “Should we let him? He’s not very good.”
I chuckle.
Dawson grabs onto Finn, playfully rubbing knuckles on his head. “I was purposely going easy on you. Want to see what I’m really capable of?”
“Those are fighting words, Finn. I think we better let your dad prove himself.” Unlike me, who can’t follow through on the bets I make.
“Fine.” Finn shrugs. “But if he loses, he has to buy dinner. ”
I cock my head to the side, smiling. “Who did you think was getting you dinner tonight?”
Finn stares blankly at me, like I’m dumb. “My dad. But he was going to suggest we only get a corn dog or something like that. Now he has to buy us drinks, fries, and a treat with our corn dogs.”
Dawson doesn’t have to buy me food. He shouldn’t be paying for anything out of pocket either. Carter gave us money to use while we work on the festival.
Dawson shakes his head. “Not true. Donuts and a corn dog were the plan. But if I lose, I’ll throw in the extras.”
Finn grabs my shirtsleeve, yanking me down to his face. Cupping his hand around his mouth, he whispers in my ear, “Don’t follow me or come by me. If we stay apart, Dad can’t catch us. I really want fries. Don’t mess this up for me. Okay?”
I bite my lips to keep from laughing. Finn’s shown me a lot of sides to his personality, but I haven’t witnessed this bossy, determined part before. “You have my word.” I use my finger to make a cross over my heart, showing Finn I’m as dedicated to his cause as he is.
We store our shoes in the cubbies and head to the giant rubber balloon. Finn looks at me one last time, then he takes off to the opposite side. Dawson is closest to me. The surface is too slippery to run on. It’s easier to bounce away from Dawson.
Dawson, the big tease, follows me.
But I’m not going to be the reason Finn doesn’t get his coveted fries .
We’ve had too many food mishaps already in our short relationship. Jumping, I aim to land in the middle of the pad, but another kid gets in my way. I lean to the left, avoiding the little boy and falling on my side. Rolling to my back to stand, I’m stopped by the last person I want to see.
Dawson hovers over me, a grin making the wrinkles around his eyes more pronounced. The brown of his eyes glows with glee. He bends down until his face is inches from mine. I suck in breath as he holds my gaze.
Holy smokes.
This man is handsome.
My heart gallops like Dawson is my knight here to steal me away on a white horse.
Dawson glides his finger across my cheek, tucking a piece of my hair behind my ear.
A river of lava sparks to life everywhere he touches me.
I lick my lips. The world around us falls away. There are no kids bouncing, laughing, or squealing. There’s no one but Dawson and me, caught in this bubble. Heat like lightning striking an electric wire zips between us.
Dawson leans even closer.
I close my eyes, desperate for him to kiss me regardless of the consequences, because right here? Right now? I don’t care about anything except Dawson’s mouth on mine.
His cheek brushes against mine.
My lungs stop.
I can’t stand the waiting. It’s torture and exhilarating at the same time.
Dawson’s lips tickle my ear. He whispers, “Tag, you’re it. ”
Goosebumps rise on my neck and arms. My chest rises and falls like the surf before a hurricane.
He pulls back slightly and smiles.
Finally, what he said registers.
The disappointment of him not kissing me deflates my lungs like a popped balloon. I’ve been doing so well thinking of him as a festival partner and friend. I can’t take any more of my body’s reactions to Dawson because they definitely are not in the friend territory. Doing the very mature thing to get myself back in the appropriate headspace, I grin back at Dawson, sweeping my legs under his feet.
His legs fly in the air. He lands on his butt.
Bingo!
His eyes go wide and his jaw drops. He stares at me like he can’t believe I just knocked him over.
Dawson’s shock gives me a chance to scramble away from him like a crab. Finn will get his fries tonight. “You’re it!”
Once my legs are free from Dawson’s I jump up and bounce my way as far from Dawson as I can get.
Finn hollers, “Nice move, Chloe!”
I smile at him. “Thanks, dude. The look on your dad’s face was totally worth it.”
Dawson’s gaze darts between Finn and me, deciding who he should go after. Finn’s a tad bit closer, which makes me think he’ll head his son’s way. But I’m mistaken.
Dawson’s eyes laser focus on me. A predatory smirk on his face.
My stomach swoops in anticipation.
My hold on my protective walls is crumbling faster than stale bread .
I like Dawson. More than I’ve liked anyone before.
What if I let my fear go and allowed myself to try? Am I missing out on the best thing that ever happened to me because of Mom? Every time I see a family, my heart hurts. Why am I denying myself my dream?
But what if I hurt Dawson and Finn?
Ah! I don’t know what to do and I don’t like it.