Authors Note: Thanks to my editor, thatsbogus.
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"So what do you want to ride? Hello? Earth to Bella?"
I snapped back to reality after taking in the surroundings and looked blankly at my friend Pam. We just arrived with some other friends at the amusement park and most were already looking at the park map. We all agreed to go to the amusement park for a couple days to hang out before we all left for college, and this was the only time everyone was free was during summer break. Fortunately, everyone in the group turned 18 already so we were able to stay at the park all the way to close.
"I dunno, I guess we should go to the newest one first, since the line will get long later," I replied while I tied my dark brown hair behind me and put it in a ponytail.
It was already getting incredibly hot from the bright sun, even though it was still morning. Good thing I checked the weather ahead of time to make sure I was comfortably dressed. I hoped my tank-top and denim shorts would keep me as cool as possible during the hot afternoon. However, the outfit was a bit more revealing than my usual tastes. I hadn't worn this tank top in a while and I realized it was tighter than I remember and made my perky C-cup breasts quite noticeable. Especially since they already looked kinda big on my petite 5'3" frame. It was so tight that it also highlighted my flat stomach, my small waist, and my wide hips too. The denim shorts I had on were also really short given that they were a few years old and I've sorta outgrown them since I was a Freshman, but they were still my favorite to wear out. Overall, my outfit was a bit more revealing than what I normally go for, but I didn't mind if I turned a head or two now and then.
My friends passed around some suntan lotion, but I only took a little bit. My skin already had a light natural tan to it due to my mixed white and hispanic heritage, so I typically didn't burn too much. I was also on the swim team in school, so I had an added benefit of having some resistance to the sun from swimming outside for practice. Not only was I very proud of how my skin looked, but I was proud of how toned and fit I was as well.
Pam was already on her phone to see if they had an app showing how long the wait was for the different rides. "Ok, let's go to The Dominator then! The app says it's only a 20 minute wait right now," I heard Pam say very excitedly.
Pam was the type of person who always tried to step up and make decisions for the group. Hell, she was even the one who originally planned this trip to the amusement park to begin with now that I'm thinking about it. She had never gone to a roller coaster park before and I knew that as her best friend, she was very excited to go on her first coaster. Myself and a few other of our friends secretly bet whether she would chicken out before getting on one though.
It was a bit of a walk to the other side of the park where The Dominator was and by the time we started to queue in line, I felt like I was already drenched in sweat. My bangs were already sticking to my face and I had to constantly move them aside. Thankfully, the line moved fairly quick and soon we were in the main building and most importantly, finally in some shade. As we shuffled closer and closer, I noticed Pam seemingly getting more and more nervous, especially as she heard the screams of the people currently on the coaster. Our group started to pair off and Pam and I were told to go to spot 1, the very front of the coaster.
As we waited, I heard the speakers crackle as they made an announcement, "Attention, attention, there is an issue with one of the cars. Rides are delayed."
Dammit! So close too. I let out a deep sigh and I felt Pam's fingernails dig into my arm. I looked over at her and realized she didn't seem too confident in riding the coaster knowing that sometimes mechanical issues happen.
Suddenly, I heard a nearby voice say, "Don't worry, it won't be too long. The coaster is new so there are a few kinks to work out. Happens all the time."
I looked over at the voice and realized that it was one of the staff guys talking to me. I was about to respond, but my voice got caught in my throat. My God, this had to be the hottest guy I had ever seen. The staff-issued short sleeve button-up shirt he wore seemed to barely contain his muscular figure. His arms were huge, like Thor huge, and I was shocked that the short sleeves of his shirt were wide enough that they fit through. His chest seemed well defined and powerful as well and it seemed the only thing that kept this shirt on him were a few strained buttons. I was also pretty sure that shirt hid some incredibly toned abs too. What also really impressed me and made me gulp though was his smile and his bright eyes. When I looked at him and took it all in, it seemed like the rest of the world sort of faded away.
"I...uhh...ummm," I stammered as my brain tried to play catch up to what he said before.
I saw him move closer over to me and realized that he was also really tall, definitely over six foot. He stopped to lean his back against a post and crossed his bulging arms in front of him. He seemed to exude confidence. I also noticed that the heat was punishing him as well from the beads of sweat that rolled down his face and arms. It was then that I noticed his scent, a strong musky scent that suddenly made me a little delirious.
"Yeah, it really sucks bad sometimes," I blurted out and instantly winced at my own words. Really Bella? Was this the best you could come up with?
"It's all good, really. Safety first and all that. Besides, not only does it give us a chance to take a break, but also seems to let us meet someone new. Hi, I'm Alex," I saw him uncross his arms and he reached out for a handshake.
I smiled in what I hope was a charming and not a creepy smile, as I reached out my own hand and shook it while I told him, "I'm Isabella, but my friends call me Bella. Oh, and this is my friend Pam."
I saw him reach out his hand to Pam, and her hand trembled as it reached out to shake Alex's hand. I sighed softly and realized that she may chicken out right before we get on after all.
"So Bella, where are you from? I'm pretty sure I haven't seen you around before. I don't think I would've forgotten someone like you."
I felt my heart speed up a bit. Was he...flirting with me? I carefully looked at him to discern whether he was just being friendly or not. However, his bright eyes and his charming smile seemed to only make my heart beat faster rather than divulge any further information.
"I don't live too far from here actually; I live right over in Fairmont," I replied, trying to act confident as well. I secretly hoped he couldn't see my heart pounding against my chest.