Page 77 of Forever Cursed

My features soften, and I release a small breath. “I adore you. Every inch, every hair, every glance. You’re everything I hoped you would be and more.”

He runs his thumbs over my cheekbones. “Let’s get out of here and get you some water and food.”

“Shall I text the others?” I ask as Rome opens the door.

“Hmm, probably for the best. We don’t want Max to file a missing children report.”

The sun has set when we step back outside. I link my arm through Rome’s, letting him guide the way to the nearest food stand.

Y’all shouldn’t have left the two blondes behind. Rome and I got lost. Meet us at the Ferris wheel.

Zack: They’re alive! Max, you don’t have to go to security!

Max: And this is why I don’t have kids!

I lean against Rome as we get in line, and I get a separate message from Gwen.

I got you a snow cone. Something tells me you need it ;)

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Rome

Chrissy is eating her snow cone while I devour a bag full of cheesy french fries, more than happy to offer some to Gwen.

“Now that we have the blondies back and food, what’s next?” Zack claps his hands together while looking at each of us individually.

“Well, we were on our way to the roller coaster before a certain pair got ‘lost.’” Ash eyes Chrissy and me with a hint of knowing amusement.

Chrissy side-eyes Gwen, who is in her happy place while eating two fries at once. “You, on a roller coaster?”

“Who? Me?” Gwen asks while pointing at herself. “Ash said he would give me five bucks if I went.”

“Wait,Ioffered you five bucks,” Max chimes in.

Gwen smirks at Ash and Max. “Easiest ten dollars I ever made.”

“This woman...” Ash sighs before sweeping her into his arms.

“No!” she giggles as he starts toward the ride that towers over the Ferris wheel. “Wait! I changed my mind; you guys can keep your money!” She kicks her feet, but Ash keeps a hold on her.

“Not happening, sneaky girl. You’re going to sit right in the middle between Max and me and suffer with us.”

“Wait, don’t leave me with the love birds!” Zack chases after them, leaving Chrissy and me behind again.

“Just so you know,” Chrissy starts while looping her arm through mine. “I’m going to scream, and I apologize in advance for your eardrums.”

After tossing out the brown paper bag my fries were in, I lick my fingers and tilt my head from side to side. “That’s fine. If my eardrum pops, you’ll have to nurse me back to health. It’s a lose-win scenario.”

“I’m not wearing a nurse outfit,” Chrissy threatens playfully.

I open my mouth, and she feeds me some of her shaved ice. “What if both of my eardrums burst?”

“Not going to happen.”

We approach the group and get in line with them. Max is hugging Gwen’s plush raccoon while Gwen hugs Ash, leaving Zack staring at his phone.

“Do you want to sit next to me or your sister?” I ask in hopes of getting his attention.

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