The Carrier (The Carrier Series Book 1) by Diana Ryan Page A

for
twenty-one years.” Then I led him through the door to my bedroom. He took some
time looking around at the pictures on the bookshelf and asked me who a few of
the people were. I didn’t want him to get any ideas about me bringing him to my
bedroom, so I grabbed my purse and told him we better get going.
    I led him back downstairs to the living room
where we found my mother reading. “Hey, Mom. This is
Nolan. He is a ticket agent at the boats, and we’re going to go catch a movie.”
My mother put her book down and turned towards us. Nolan already had his arm
extended and was shaking my mother’s hand before I knew it. His deep, blue eyes
focused intently on her face, and he was expertly making small talk as I
watched. My mother wished us a good night, and I led Nolan out the front of the
house. I was impressed—that was perfect.
    I pulled my keys out and unlocked the passenger
side door to the Oldsmobile. “Don’t make fun of my car. I inherited it from my
grandmother when she passed away a few years ago.”
    Nolan climbed in the front seat. “Make fun?
This car is awesome! It’s got character!” I slid the keys into the ignition and
put the car in drive. It gave a very scary rumble but then jumped violently
forward. Nolan slammed into the front dash. “Wait until I’ve got my seatbelt on
next time!” he said laughing. “Well, it is unique, that’s for sure!”
    I laughed lightly, slightly embarrassed.
    He looked a little disappointed. “So we’re
going to the movies? I thought you were going to show me all the local
hotspots.”
    “I only said that so my mom would stay off my
back. I didn’t think she’d like it if I told her I was taking you to Make Out Rock.” I slowly smiled and looked carefully over to
Nolan’s face as it sunk in. It was priceless.
    “Where are you taking me? Now hold on here,
little lady! I don’t know who you think you are, but you can’t just take me to
some rock and have your way with me. I have high morals, you know!” But I knew
he was kidding because that flirty, crooked smile came out again.
    I decided to play along. “I’m sorry I misjudged
you, sir. I’ll adjust my schedule to accommodate your moral upbringing.” My perma -smile was making another appearance, and I was pretty
sure my checks were apple red again.
    He laughed. “So where are you taking me for
real?” he asked slyly. Dark green Wisconsin pines sped by on both sides of the
car.
    “It’s a secret,” I said and continued down the
road. Nolan only grinned. I could tell he was loving it. About a mile later, I pulled the car off to the side of the road. “Get
out,” I instructed him.
    He looked at the forest of pine trees that
surrounded the road. “Um...where are we going? Should I be scared? This whole
scenario reminds me of a slasher movie I watched last
week.” He stood by his door, waiting for further instruction as it truly did
look like there was no reason for us to be visiting this remote location. I
walked around the back of the car, and then gave Nolan a playful punch on the
shoulder. “Come on, follow me.”
    We had arrived at the end of Bowman road. He
followed me down a short dirt path through the woods and joined me on top of a
tremendous sandstone cliff overlooking the peaceful, winding river. The
gleaming sun set in front of us, and an orange glow sparkled off the chocolate
brown water. The surface was quiet and still except for the edges as they
gently licked the blonde, sandy beaches below. The towering, rocky cliffs
seemed to be radiating warmth onto us. There wasn’t a boat on the river. There
wasn’t a cloud in the sky. It was as if we were the last two people left on
earth. I could hear nothing except an occasional wave upon the shore and the
loud beating of my heart.
    It was my favorite spot to come to alone, and
now I was sharing it with someone I felt special about. Something sweetly
touched my hand, and as I glanced down I saw Nolan’s fingers intertwine with
mine.