Page 91 of Trust

“Interesting,” she said, taking the thermos.

He pulled his phone out and hit the playlist Linc had made. Music filled the yard, and he watched her move closer. “How are you doing?”

“Nervous.”

He took her hand. “Liv, I would never put you in danger.”

“I know.”

“Do you?”

“Yes,” she said quietly.

“Good, because here we go.” He pushed the amusement ride icon on his phone and heard the engine stir to life. He uncapped her thermos and then did the same with his own. “Here’s to making your dreams come true.”

Olivia took a gulp and then smiled. “My favorite wine, how perfect.”

“Figured having you as relaxed as possible was a good idea.” The gondola rose slowly off the ground, and Olivia moved closer, digging her fingers into his. When they were about four feet in the air, it stopped gently.

“Is that it?” she asked, looking over the side of the carriage.

“Yep. I figured it was about all the thrill you could take. If need be, you can jump out and not risk injury.”

She let out a strangled laugh. “Holy moly, is the speech you’re about to give me going to be that bad?”

“I hope not.”

“This is perhaps one of the best surprises I’ve ever had.” She took a long drink and then looked across the yard. “I didn’t think you had a romantic bone in your whole body.”

“Seems I have quite a few.” He kissed her head, feeling his heart do some sort of strange tango. “I knew this idea had a fifty-fifty chance of going sideways. I’m relieved you trusted me enough to give it a shot.”

She peered over the side and sucked in a breath. “I kinda like it up here.”

“Want to go a little higher?” He held up his phone with a wide smile.

“No thanks.” She gave him a confident wink. “I may still need to jump out.”

“Fair enough.” He slid his arm over her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Liv.”

“For what?”

“Giving you mixed messages about my interest, vacillating between all in and running away.” He traced her hand. “I’m talking to a therapist twice a week now and am committed to my mental health.”

“That’s the best news, Zane. You deserve all the good that comes your way. Forgiving yourself and evicting those bad old demons will make that possible.”

“Thanks, babe.” He let gratitude fill his chest, did as his therapist instructed, and simply sat with the good feeling. “Do you think giving me a second chance is possible somewhere down the road?”

“What exactly do you want a chance at?”

Hearing the uncertainty in her voice made his heart pinch. Didn’t she realize that she was his one and shot at happiness? “Everything.” He tightened his hold. “I want it all.”

“Define all.”

“I’d like to start with dating.” A disgruntled sigh competed with the sound of the music. “I have a lot to learn about how to be in a relationship successfully. There is a ton of work to do, and I’m hoping,” he looked down and told himself the tilt of her mouth was a good sign, “you’ll be patient while I figure things out.”

“I have some work to do too.” She looked up. “You weren’t wrong when you called me on my reluctance to go all in.” Breathing slowly, she ran her finger over the thermos. “I have my own set of fears that need to be processed.”

Peace flooded his system, and he couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt it. If ever. “What say, we do the hard stuff together and give this thing a shot?”

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