Page 1 of For the Promise

Chapter 1

Blossom – a woman who loves adventure – as long as it fits within her time schedule

Blossom

Ibounce on my toes and rub my hands together. “This is going to be awesome.”

Dakota stares up at the rollercoaster. “I don’t know.”

I elbow her. “TheSiren’s Spiralis meant for children.”

“There are over-the-shoulder harnesses.”

“Safety is important.”

She points to the loop. “It goes upside down.”

“Thus, the over-the-shoulder harness.”

“Upside down doesn’t scream children.” She motions to the line. “And there aren’t many children waiting.”

I bat my eyelashes at her. “Please go on the rollercoaster with me. You’ll be my best friend.”

She snorts. “You proclaimed me your best friend two minutes after we met.”

Of course, I did. Dakota and I are two of the few people who live full-time on the island of Smuggler’s Hideawaybut didn’t grow up here. Everyone else on the island has friends they’ve known since they were in diapers.

“Best friends go on rollercoasters together.”

She shakes her head, but she’s smiling. “I guess I have no choice.”

“Yea!” I shout before throwing my arms around her. She stiffens in my embrace for a few seconds before relaxing. I don’t know Dakota’s story yet. But she’s obviously been hurt and doesn’t trust easily. I haven’t pushed her since I understand not trusting easily. And, okay, maybe I don’t want to tell my story either.

I release her before pushing her toward the line.

“Twenty minutes from here,” Dakota moans as she reads the sign.

I set the alarm on my phone for twenty minutes.

“Did you just set an alarm?”

“Duh. We can’t keep on schedule if we don’t manage our time properly.”

She stares at me. “Manage our time properly? We’re at an amusement park on our day off.”

“And we have a whole list of attractions to fit in.Carol Carousel, Atlantis Adventure,Kraken’s Drop,Grotto Rapids, andTriton’s Twister.”

TheMermaid Mystical Gardensamusement park names all of their rides after mythical creatures or places. Which is fitting since the park is located on the spot where a mermaid supposedly dove to her death after her pirate lover died.

“You’re crazy if you think I’ll go on a ride namedKraken’s Drop.”

I curl my bottom lip in a pout. “And here I thought you were fun.”

“And here I thought you knew better than to try and emotionally blackmail your best friend.”

I snort. “Ha! What’s the purpose of a best friend if you can’t emotionally blackmail her?”

“I’m beginning to regret walking intoPirates Pastriesthe day we met.”

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