Awkward Hugs

{Chapter 2} Carnivals

We walked out to Reece's fathers old truck and he went around to the passenger side, opening it up and tossing some papers into the back seat so I could sit there comfortably. He then moved to the side of the door and gestured for me to get in. I smirked and shook my head as I took his hand and did a short curtsy as I climbed into the truck. He closed the door slowly, watching my feet so he didn't close it on me then went around the front of the car, swinging his keys around his finger in tight circles. I smiled in amusement but turned my attention away and stared at the radio as he climbed into the driver's seat and put in the keys, roaring up the engine. He followed my gaze and turned on the radio, allowing me to pick the station. 

It wasn't long before we reached the carnival and did circles around the parking lot for what felt like hours trying to find a decent parking spot with our wide truck. He kept glancing at my pale face to make sure I was alright, knowing I easily got motion sick. I tried not to focus on it and instead turned all my focus on making my cheeks not blush from him staring at me. Something about the deep concern in his eyes was intimidating. A soft, relieved, sigh escaped Reece as he pulled into a parking spot cautiously, checking every mirror before moving another inch into the spot. It was a tight fit but we parked and it wasn't too far away so we wouldn't have to walk that far.

"Wait here, It's tight so I'll let you out to make sure we don't hit the car next to us," Reece explained and slipped out the driver's seat onto the concrete. Again, I watched as he walked around the hood and came to the side of my door. He pulled it open and backed up as far as he could, placing his hand on the end of the door as a stopper in case he got too close to the car beside our truck, "Come on out." He ordered, reassuring me that it was safe now.

"Okay." I murmured softly as I got out and moved out of the way so he could close the door, I made my way to the back of the truck slowly so we could start walking towards the carnival, I was still a bit unsteady. Strong arms supported me from behind as I walked and I whipped my head around to look at him. He was watching my feet to make sure I didn't stumble. I was embarrassed and glanced around to see if anyone was watching. No one was, so I allowed it to continue, gratefully leaning on him a little as he guided me to the gates "...thanks." I finally croaked out. He nodded.

Reece slid money across the counter to the girl working and held up two fingers. She took the money and handed us two paper wristbands. He put mine on for me and then started to wrap his own around his wrist. I punched him hard in the gut and watched satisfied as he held his hands over his stomach protectively. He glared at me with a questioning look, demanding answers.

"Idiot, you shouldn't have paid for me." I hissed and crossed my arms over my chest, scowling.

"all right, all right. Sheesh, sorry." He soothed, his voice rough. He coughed and straightened his posture, huffing as he put his wristband on. "annoying..." He muttered and smirked at me as my jaw dropped. I thought what I said was perfectly reasonable.

We surveyed the rides in the area and shielded our eyes from the blaring sun with our hands. They were the same as every year. I instantly spotted the Starship and jumped up and down excited, pointing at it and looking back at Reece. 

"Going on the Starship is a bad idea if you got sick just from the parking lot." He breathed out softly and shook his head, looking for another ride. "what abo-" 

I gripped his wrist tight and dragged him to the Starship line, cutting his words short. "it is your favorite ride! I won't leave until we ride it." I demanded stubbornly and peeked around the people in front of us to see how long the line was before he could protest. He chuckled nervously and scratched the back of his head as his shoulders tensed in the line. I looked back at him curiously and noticed a slight color to his cheeks. I nearly screeched and pulled my hand away from his, noticing the people staring now. I turned back forward, pretending to watch the ride going and waited patiently for the line to move on. I didn't realize I was still holding his hand.

Finally, we were next and the ride manager waved us over to the metal seats. I  walked over with Reece beside me. We reached the seats and Reece quickly hopped in front of me and got in, holding his hand out for me like he always does. I shrugged him off and got in the seat myself, nodding approvingly at the manager as he clicked our seatbelts in and started waving the next group over. I felt the anxiety in my stomach start to churn and I bit my lip nervously. The ride was about to start. Instant regret started to make my head hurt as the manager went back to the control panel in order to begin the ride. Why did I force this? I glanced at Reece to find he was already looking at me with a mischievous grin. The butterflies got worse and I blinked, looking away. 

"Scared?" He taunted and gripped my hand.

"Yes." I whispered and tightened my fingers around his.