Shaking my head, I give him a tremulous smile. “No, it’s okay. Just a memory. I’m happy to be here, honestly.”
He watches me for a second, and when he’s convinced that I’m serious, he gets out, coming over to open the door for me. Pressing a kiss to my lips, he waggles his brows and smacks my ass.
“Ready for fun?”
“Ready.” I grin back at him. Taking my hand in his, we run towards the entrance, giggling like children.
***
Collapsing on the king-size hotel bed, I hug the large teddy bear and stare at the ceiling, a contented smile on my face.
This was the best day ever, and exactly what I needed. Sometimes I think Trey knows things about me that even I don’t. I would have been happy to stay in Flagstaff, doing nothing for a few days before we go after the judge. But somehow, he knew, even when I didn’t, that I needed a day to be free. Free of death, pain, torment. Free of guilt and blame. Today, I was able to be myself; and I’m not sure I’ve gotten to do that since I was a child.
The theme park was small, but we still had fun. I channeled that inner nine-year-old and dragged Trey on every ride we could fit on. I shrieked with laughter when I chased him on the bumper cars, slamming into him over and over until, with a wicked gleam in his eyes, he came after me, proving he’s just as good at revenge as I am.
We got soaked on the water ride and screamed in mock fear on the roller coasters. I ate funnel cakes and popcorn and corn dogs until I thought I would burst. Everything excited me—the lights, the sounds, the music, the smells. My feet are aching now, but I would do it all over again. One perfect day out of thousands of bad ones.
After the rides, we played a few rounds of miniature golf. Trey beat me soundly, laughing at me when my ball ended up in the water. He made up for it by winning me the teddy in the arcade.
Wrapping myself around it for a moment, I let myself pretend that Raphael and Rachel are here with us, that we are a family. They would have loved today just as much as I did.
A tear streaks down my face, and I bat it away. I don’t want Trey to see me cry, not when he went through so much trouble to ensure I had fun, but it’s hard not to dwell on what might have been.
Trey’s in the hotel store downstairs, grabbing some drinks and snacks for the room. Tying my hair up into a bun, I jump into the shower, washing away the melancholy along with the smells of the park. Drying off, I get dressed in the black skater-style dress he packed for me. He wants to take me on a date tonight, which is sweet. I’ve never been on one before, so I’m unsure what to expect.
Trey comes back in while I’m fixing my hair, and leans over, placing a light kiss on my cheek. “You look stunning, Rebecca,” he states, his eyes running appreciatively over me.
“Thank you,” I reply, a light blush staining my cheeks.What the fuck? The man has been inside of you in every way possible, and you’re going to blush over a compliment? Steady, girl.
Trey winks, then goes into the bathroom for his own shower. I pay attention to my makeup, so don’t notice what he’s dressed in until I turn around. And then I have to swallow a lump in my throat, my mouth going dry.
This is the first time I’ve truly seen him dressed up. Even at my auction night, he wasn’t dressed up like this. He’s wearing black slacks with a belt, dark polished shoes on his feet. A crisp white shirt stretches over his wide chest, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, showcasing his strong forearms.
He’s trimmed his beard so it’s shorter now, and the smattering of grey through it just lends him a dignified look.
“Nope,” I say. “Not happening.”
“What? You don’t like it?”
Pulling myself to my feet, I swing my hips as I walk towards him. “I love it, Trey, you look incredible. That’s the problem.”
His brows furrow. “I don’t follow.”
My lips curl up into a smirk. “I thought we needed a break from killing. You look like sex on a stick, Trey. If any women flirt with you, well, I can’t promise they won’t find my knife impaled in their chest.”
Trey throws his head back, a laugh belting from him. When he looks back down at me, his eyes are twinkling. “Rebecca, no one notices me. And with this beautiful creature on my arm, trust me, it’s not me they’ll be looking at.”
Leaning up, I crush my mouth to his, and he groans against my lips, pulling me close. “Well, I’m just warning you now,” I whisper against his mouth. Chuckling, he backs away, casting an appreciative eye over me.
“Heard you loud and clear, Rebecca. You just admitted that I’m yours. And that you’re mine.”
I still, mulling that over for a second. He’s right, and the knowledge doesn’t scare me anymore. Throwing him a smile, I sweep from the room, giving my dress a little flip and laughing at his groan from behind me.
He comes up alongside me, threading my arm through his, and we head off into the night, the stars winking down at us.
Trey takes me to one of those fancy steakhouses. The kind with linen tablecloths and candles on each table. Our table sports a vase with a dozen white roses, and when I glance around the room, I realize it’s only ours.
He gives me a small smile and a wink when he notices my attention on the roses. Before he can say anything, the waiter approaches, and we place our order. Thank god Momma taught us proper dining etiquette, or I might have embarrassed myself over the number of utensils.