Page 4 of Falling Faster
"It's not mine. It belongs to the foundation. Whoever is dressed as Batman drives it when visiting the kids or doing appearances. The car adds to the fantasy. You should see how excited the kids get. Makes me smile every single time." With a smile, he waves at someone behind me. "I have to return it to the foundation's headquarters. Come take a drive with me. My car's there so I can take you back to your hotel afterward."
"Um, yes, absolutely. I'm there." But then I think about my friends, and how much the experience would mean to Slater. "If you don't mind, I know Slater would love to see it, too."
"I would love to see what?" Slater walks up behind us, followed by Noah.
Craig turns toward Slater, his cape swooshing in the breeze from an overhead fan. "I have a replica of the Batmobile out back."
"Seriously?" Slater's eyes light up and his gaze bounces from Craig to the exit and back again. "And you're letting us see it? That's so awesome."
Noah slips an arm around Slater's waist. "You've made his year, Craig."
Excitement shifts to something softer and warmer as Slater shakes his head and gazes at Noah. "No. Noah,you'vemade my year, but yeah, Craig, this will be a close second."
Feigning indignation, I cross my arms over my chest and raise a brow. I can't help teasing Slater. "And what about me? Where do I fall in your list of hits for the year?"
"Um…" Slater pauses, and I can practically see thewheels turning as he tries to figure out a diplomatic answer. "A tie for second, as my best new friend?"
Shaking my head, unable to keep my smile from showing, I shoulder my bag and then nudge Slater's arm. "I guess I'll take it."
Two people dressed as Black Panther and Captain Marvel arrive at the booth. Craig introduces them as his replacements and then explains that most of the foundation's volunteers will be taking a shift at the table during the convention.
"Ready?" Craig flashes me another smile.
"Definitely." I fall in step beside him. So many people stare at us as we walk through the crowded hall. I know that's due to his costume, but the man's presence is magnetic regardless. Behind us, Slater and Noah debate restaurants to try for dinner tonight. Craig asks which hotel we're staying in and offers suggestions of cafes and restaurants frequented by locals.
The heavy double doors of the exit come into view. Craig shoves one open and gestures for us to pass. Nodding my thanks for him holding the door, I slip by him. Bright, blinding sunlight greets us. Wincing, I shade my eyes and wait until he's by my side once more. The four of us fan out, walking in a line, and though there are people in the parking lots and sounds of traffic streaming from the roads, it's nowhere near the level of noise we experienced inside the convention center.
Tucked in a private parking area, the replica Batmobile gleams in the sunshine, black and sleek and amazing.
"It's…" My fingers itch to touch the car. I glance from the car to Craig and back again. "I don't even have words to describe it."
"I do." Voice hushed, Slater reverently runs a hand along the hood. "It's awesome."
The tips of Craig's fingers brush my skin from my biceps to my forearm, raising goosebumps in their wake. "You can touch it. Or get in. Whatever you want."
The spark from the contact zips right to my dick. For a moment, I hold still, gaze locked on Craig's warm brown eyes, suspended by the fireworks erupting through my system. When Craig lowers his hand and gestures to the car, I take a breath to get a hold of myself, open the door, and slide into the driver's seat.
The steering wheel's leather is smooth under my palms. I check out gadgets, gauges, and everything in the interior. "It's so cool. I can picture us zooming off to fight crime somewhere."
"Right?" Slater takes photo after photo, including selfies with Noah, Craig, and me. "You should start thinking about your superhero name."
Craig smiles and leans his hip on the hood. "I kind of like The Hurricane."
Phone in hand, Noah works his way around the car, pausing every few steps to take another photo. "Appropriate considering the levels of destruction they cause and Ty's love of the villains."
"Ha ha." But I grin and climb out of the car so Slater can have a turn in the driver's seat and I can take some photos of my own, including one of Noah leaning into the car kissing Slater. "You should get inside with Slater, Noah. That'll make a good picture."
He complies, rounding the car and climbing into the passenger seat. Slater puts his arm around Noah's shoulders and they both smile for me. I capture the image. Slater looks over the moon happy and Noah's eyes are filled with love as he watches Slater geek out over the sleek ride.
Noah pushes the car door open. "Don't worry, Ty, I got abunch with you sitting in here too. I'll send them to you later."
No matter how many times Noah and Slater have done considerate things, both little and big, I am continually surprised and never expect it. They are damn good friends, and I'm grateful for them. "I appreciate it."
"No problem."
Slater exits the car. "Thanks, Craig. Sitting in that is something I'll never forget."
"Want to go for a drive in it? We can take it around the parking lot." The way Craig's eyes are crinkling at the corners, he's definitely enjoying how much we're all savoring this experience.
