20. Chapter 20
Chapter 20
C HAPTER TWENTY
RORY
New York was hot. I missed the cool air that surrounded the ranch. I missed the smell of the flowers and the quiet that was only interrupted by the sounds of birds and animals.
I glanced around, taking in the people that crowded the park. Raphael had his hand on my back, leading me through the crowd. We were in an amusement park. The air was filled with so many sounds—children's laughter, the distant whoosh of roller coasters, and the merry tunes from the carousel. Bright, multicolored flags fluttered in the breeze, and the scent of popcorn, cotton candy, and sizzling hot dogs mingled to create an intoxicating aroma.
A majestic Ferris wheel dominated the skyline. Its gleaming, colorful gondolas slowly ascended into the blue, cloudless sky. The day was gorgeous still. Raphael and I had been back in New York for only a few days. We had gone to the doctor to check on the baby and also determine what amusement park rides it was safe for me to go on. Millie had set up a date for Raphael and me and there were probably multiple photographers around us, hiding in the crowds.
We couldn't see them but I could tell that Raphael was enjoying every second of it. He had chosen not to hide his face today. His hair was perfectly styled with a few blonde curls falling onto his forehead, and he had a black leather jacket thrown over a dark t-shirt and black pants. His boots were black as well, and he had his aviators perched on his nose.
Multiple people had said hi and asked for autographs, but luckily, most of them only smiled and giggled from a distance. He had way too many female fans. It made me roll my eyes.
A smoky scent filled the air. I paused and turned to face one of the food stalls which lined the main avenue.
"What's wrong?" Raphael
"Turkey legs."
My stomach growled, and I pressed a hand to my belly. I didn't need to look to know that Raphael was smiling at me. I had been having cravings a lot recently, and he enjoyed feeding me.
"Want me to buy you one?" he asked.
"Nah. Let's go," I said.
Raphael chuckled and placed his hand on my back, guiding me toward the delicious smell. We walked over to the stall and the man behind the counter handed us two large turkey legs. As Raphael paid, I bit into the leg, letting the flavor roll over my tongue.
"This is so good," I moaned.
"Enjoy, pretty lady," the vendor said, and Raphael glared at him.
We stepped away from the stall.
"I'll get you turkey legs from somewhere else. The best ones," he said.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Raphael?"
"Which of the rides do you want to go on?"
I rolled my eyes. More than a week ago, Raphael and I had spent an unforgettable night together but I had also told him that I had feelings for him. He hadn't said anything after that and then he had the audacity to act upset because I said all I wanted was sex.
"Raphael, what is going on with you?"
He sighed. "Look, I just...I don't like the way that guy was looking at you."
I blinked at him. "What?"
His brows furrowed and he ran his fingers through his hair.
"Are you jealous?"
"What?" he asked, turning to face me. "Of course not. I never get jealous. I'm Raphael Barlowe. People get jealous of me."
I rolled my eyes. "I can talk to other men if I want to."
"No, you can't."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
He sighed heavily, glancing around. I realized we were supposed to be on a staged date. The pictures were going to have the exact opposite if we were arguing. I paused, stood on my tiptoes, and kissed Raphael on the cheek. He froze, and his hand went to the spot I had kissed.
"Come on," I said, turning and heading toward the go-kart rides.
"Wait."
He followed behind me, catching up. "It was just for the pictures. We’ll argue later. Don't think too much about it."
He said nothing. The smell of rubber and gasoline filled the air. The go-kart track was a serpentine marvel, weaving through a series of sharp turns, hairpin bends, and straightaways. It was framed by bright banners and checkered flags that fluttered in the breeze. Raphael and I joined the line of racers. The go-karts gleamed in vibrant red, blue, yellow, and green colors, and were lined up in perfect formation.
Raphael turned to me. "Let's make a bet."
I took another bite out of the last turkey leg. Then I squeezed the box in my hand. Raphael took it from me, disposing it quickly as he handed me a serviette. "What bet?" I asked as I wiped my fingers.
"If you win, you can have whatever you want."
"Anything?"
"Anything," he confirmed.
I tilted my head, thinking. "And if you win, what do you want?"
He shrugged. "A kiss."
I blinked at him. Raphael and I kissed a lot while we were on the ranch. It didn't matter that I was upset about him not telling me that he liked me too. The minute we were in the same room, my panties would be soaked and his pants would be tight.
I couldn't resist him if I tried.
I glanced around. "For the cameras?"
He tilted his head at me. "Yes, Rory. For the cameras," he said.
I nodded. "Okay. You're on."
He grinned and we moved forward as the line shifted. When it got to our turn, the attendant helped me onto one of the karts. Raphael walked over and leaned forward.
"You're going to lose," he whispered into my ear.
"We'll see."
I watched him walk over to his kart. Then I looked away. The seat was snug, the steering wheel firm in my grip. The attendant gave a thumb-up, signaling that we were ready. Engines revved, a throaty chorus of excitement, and then the starting light flashed green.
We were off.
The initial jolt was thrilling, my go-kart leaping forward with surprising speed. The first turn approached quickly, a sharp right that tested my reflexes. I leaned into the curve, feeling the tires grip the asphalt. I could see Raphael in my periphery, his kart flying alongside mine.
We approached a long, straightaway. My kart was faster than his. I pushed the pedal, feeling the adrenaline course through my veins. The wind rushed past as the world blurred at the edges. A tight bend came up ahead, and I braked. My tires squealed, leaving black streaks on the pavement, and the momentum swung the back end of my kart out wide.
"Fuck," I muttered.
I regained control of the vehicle and hit the gas, but I had lost my lead. Raphael pulled ahead.
He was gaining distance. The finish line was approaching fast, a checkered banner that marked the end of the race.
Raphael's kart shot across the line first, a split second before a different racer. I came in third. The crowd erupted in cheers. My pulse was racing, my breathing heavy.
"That was a good race," Raphael said, heading over to me. I unbuckled myself and got off the go-kart.
"Yeah," I said, stepping forward and placing a hand on his chest. "Good race."
"Well?"
"Well what?"
"Do you have anything you want to give me?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
I rolled my eyes and leaned in, kissing him softly. His lips were soft against mine. I stepped back, breaking the kiss. He was still grinning.
"Happy?" I asked.
"You have no idea, Rory," he said, grabbing my hand and leading me away.
I was silent as we headed back. When Millie mentioned the date, I was so sure that we could do it. But now, I didn’t know how to act. I knew we were supposed to look in love, but how was that supposed to work for Raphael and I?
I stared at our hands, how our fingers laced together. My heart was racing. How was I supposed to pretend when-
"Rory?" he said, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"Hmm?"
"One more ride before we head back."
"Oh," I blinked. "Okay."
He wrapped his arm around me, pulling me closer to him. His scent enveloped me, and I could feel the heat coming off him.
"What do you want to go on?" I asked. "I've been selecting rides all day so I'll let you choose this time."
Raphael smiled, looking around. "The sky ride."
"The sky ride?"
He nodded. Then we moved toward the lift. Bright gondolas hung from the track, slowly rotating above us. The attendant helped us into a cabin, and we sat down. I leaned back, taking in the view.
The park was busy. Children were running around and screaming. People were eating cotton candy and funnel cake. There were couples and friends and families all around us. The air smelled like hot dogs and popcorn, and a small smile made its way to my lips.
"Rory," Raphael called.
I blinked at him. "Mhmm."
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Of course," I said. "Why wouldn't I be?"
He placed a finger under my chin and guided my head to face him. He was frowning.
"Oh, I thought you looked a little pale," he said.
I frowned slightly. He sounded concerned, like he really cared about my wellbeing. That was the problem. Raphael Barlowe was so good at being charming and sweet that it was hard to tell when he was faking it.
"I'm fine," I said with a reassuring smile.
The door closed with a soft click, and the attendant gave a friendly wave before sending us on our way. As the ride ascended, the hustle and bustle of the amusement park gradually fell away, replaced by a tranquil stillness. The gentle hum of the cable and the occasional creak of the gondola were the only sounds as we glided upwards. The ride moved at a leisurely pace, providing a scenic aerial tour.
The view was breathtaking. I could see the entire park spread out beneath us, a colorful maze of rides and attractions. The Ferris wheel rose above the rest, its massive form dominating the horizon.
"Pretty, isn't it?" Raphael asked, resting his chin on my shoulder. I tried not to wonder what people would think about us when they saw the pictures. Would they believe we were together?
Would they think we were in love?
I shivered as the cool air caressed my skin.
"Are you cold?" Raphael asked, concern evident in his voice.
I nodded. "A little," I said.
Without saying a word, he pulled off his jacket, draping it around my shoulders. I blinked at him. He was smiling, his gaze focused on the view.
"Thank you," I said, looking away.
He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close. I settled against his body. The ride continued its lazy journey, winding its way through the park.
We reached the top, the highest point in the sky. We stopped, hanging there for a moment, suspended in mid-air. The view was even more breathtaking up here. The park stretched out below us, a sea of lights and colors.
The breeze picked up, the chill biting my skin. Raphael pulled me closer, his arms wrapped tightly around me.
"Rory?"
"Yeah?"
"I like you more."
I stilled. Raphael had said it quietly, his voice barely above a whisper, but I had heard him. I didn't dare turn to face him, my breath caught in my throat.
"Being around you makes me feel different. I don't know how to explain it, but I feel...better. Like you make me better. I haven't felt this way about anyone. Not ever."
His words hung in the air, a confession that seemed to echo between us. My heart was pounding, my palms sweaty.
"I don't want anyone that's not you. I want you to want only me. Being close to you, just like this drives me so fucking crazy and I-"
I couldn't breathe. The ride continued to move, the gondola making its way back down. My mind was reeling. Raphael was saying all the things I wanted to hear, but could I trust them? Was it real, or was it just part of the act?
He pressed his lips to my neck, the lightest touch and I couldn't hold back anymore.
"Don't," I whispered.
"Don't what?"
"Don't lie."
Raphael stiffened. "I'm not lying."
"I'm not stupid, Raphael. You didn't say it back a week ago. You ignored it and you made me feel like a fool."
I spun around to face him and he was staring at me, his expression serious.
"So don't play games with me," I whispered.
He blinked, his eyes widening. "I'm not playing any games, Rory. I would never."
He kissed me softly and when I didn't pull away or break the kiss, his arms went around me, holding me tightly. I could feel the heat from his body, the firmness of his chest against my breasts. His tongue traced my bottom lip, begging for entrance.
I parted my lips, and he deepened the kiss. My body was on fire, desire coursing through my veins. None of it was fake. I could never ignore the way he felt, the way he made me feel. The world around us faded away, nothing else mattered except his lips, his hands, his touch.
Nothing else mattered except him.