Wild Ride

Chapter 9

"Yes?" I ask timidly.

"You ain't got a problem with me holdin' your hand and all, right?"

"No, it doesn't bother me Ryder."

"It's kinda funny, after all these years of bein' teased by our parents, I can actually see us datin'."

I laugh, "yeah, you're right. It's kinda nice. I feel comfortable with you."

"So you wouldn't mind if I did this then?" Ryder stopped, put his hand under my chin and lifted it up towards him. My heart was racing, is he about to kiss me? I look into his eyes and see that he almost looks afraid to do it. Then, before I have the chance to make the move for him, he gently places his lips on mine. Sparks fly. I lean into him and what was gentle kissing became more. His soft lips pressed against mine with force. As our lips danced with one another, I gently bite his bottom lip. I swear I heard him gasp a little. What felt like a lifetime of a kiss was over as I pulled away and laughed.

"I did not mind that at all," I giggled, "but we're in public!"

"I don't care who sees us, they can get over it. Now here's the real question." He seemed nervous. "Will you be my actual girlfriend? I know it was kind of a joke at first. I just got jealous thinkin' that maybe that city slicker liked you, but now that I know that it's his brother who does, I don't want to lose you. Bein' your fake beau has made me realize that I want to be your real one."

I was shocked. I didn't know what to say at first, but I decided to throw caution to the wind and say fuck it. "Of course you can be my 'beau', Ryder." I smiled back to him.

He picked me up and spun me like always and gave me a peck on the lips. "I've always loved bein' able to do that, but now bein' able to kiss you is even better."

I laugh and we walk around some more, this time not only are we holding hands, but I'm leaned in to him completely in love.

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A few hours later, Madison and Asher meet up with us at the fountain in the middle of the mall. Unsurprisingly, they're holding hands. When she wants someone, she gets them. I look at Maddie and just smile. She gives me the I have so much to tell you face. I return her the same face and she looks shocked.

Ryder and I sit on the edge of the fountain, while Maddie and Asher stand in front of us. We're trying to decide on what we want to do next. Whilst Madison starts concocting some sort of plan, Ryder hands me a quarter and tells me to throw it into the fountain and make a wish; so, I do. We walk back to the explorer, hand in hand. I suppose Madison could tell that something was different between us because she glancing in my direction.

Once we got back to my house, Ryder said he had to get home because he had a rodeo to attend the next morning. He told everyone goodbye, then he put his hands around my waist and we hugged for a few minutes. I went to pull away because I thought it was probably awkward for the other two to watch when Ryder grabs my face in both of his hands and kisses me with a gentle force. Madison gasped. Our lips left one another's and he got in his explorer, tilted his cowboy hat, and pulled out of the driveway.

Asher said his goodbyes and Madison insisted on walking him home. I didn't dare object because I knew she wanted to tell me all of the juicy details. I know I had a lot of explaining to do to her. I went to my room, threw on some pajama shorts and a tank top and waited. Ryder texted me about 15 minutes later telling me that he made it home. I thanked him for letting me know. He then told me goodnight and that he loved me. Of course, I responded the same.

I was almost asleep when I heard my door slam.