“Rupert!”
“What?” Tae responded to Marilyn, clearly puzzled.
“I’ll call you Rupert today.”
“Rupert?” Then the lightbulb dawned. “Ah! You overheard my breakfast order name, didn’t you?” He grinned at her in appreciation.
“Yes, but, Rupert, you really must look less delighted with life if you’re going to avoid detection here.” But keep grinning at me anyway. You’re so pretty!
Lily looked at Jungkook. “I should have a code name for you too! Hmm…let me think…”
Tae was staring down at the rich, caramel tones of Marilyn’s beautiful complexion again. He had been looking so forward to the rollercoasters, but now he found himself happy to stand in the long line. He was fascinated with this lovely young woman. He smiled faintly to himself, still internally laughing over her dubbing him “Rupert” for the day.
Lily tapped her fingertips against the pale skin of her chin while she pondered the perfect name for Kookie. Jungkook was quite taken with this ravishing, little beauty. His eyes wandered to the crown of her head. The sunlight was striking sparks off her red hair, revealing its many shades: ginger, strawberry blond, chestnut, but predominantly, auburn. Beautiful. Just beautiful.
“I’ve got it! Giovanni!” Satisfied with her choice, Lily grinned at Jungkook, making his heart race a little faster.
So much to be excited about today! He loved amusement parks. He adored rollercoasters. The crazier, the better! The feel of the wind rushing through his hair as the car suddenly dropped in a vertical dive and his blood soared through his veins always made him feel so alive! But today he was experiencing a competing rush every time he gazed at Lily’s beautiful smile.
He laughed. “Giovanni? Why, Giovanni?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. Sounds like the name of a famous opera singer, doesn’t it? You do have a captivating voice, so,” she leaned towards him and spoke in a confidential whisper, “if I can’t call you Jungkook, then I’ll call you Giovanni.”
“I love it!” he barked with laughter, wrinkling up his cute nose and revealing all his chubby teeth.
Lily loved that grin. It always made her heart happy.
Just then the line moved again, and it was their turn. Jungkook and Lily climbed into the very front car of the Incredicoaster. Jungkook took his seat, bouncing up and down with excitement and grinning from ear to ear.
“You’re happy, huh, Giovanni?” Lily smiled at his enthusiasm.
“We got the front seat! This is the best seat on the whole ride.” He turned towards her. “You must have brought me good luck.” His eyes glanced off her striking hair. “You and your lovely, red hair!”
She beamed at him. Could she just put him in her pocket and take him home? Please???
Tae encouraged Marilyn to climb in ahead of him. She sat behind Jungkook as Tae settled in behind Lily.
“Ah, Jungkookie must be eating this up! He got the front seat!”
“Are you sorry you didn’t? You could have sat next to him.”
Tae turned his wide, chocolate eyes towards her. “No way! I want to sit with you.” He unleashed his heart-stopping grin on her.
Then he reached over and took her hand in his own just as the coaster flew forward. She clung to his hand as they went flying through the air. This ride was so fast that she was thankful she could cling to Tae!
She glanced at him as they sailed through the air. This was such a rush! Much more so than any other coaster she’d ever ridden on. The question was, what was the cause? Was it the Incredicoaster or the incredible man holding her hand?
