Manhunt by Lillie Spencer Page A

and Nikki instantly regretted her words. Michael pulled Nikki into his arms and kissed the top of her head. He whispered into her hair “She is” and he sounded like he believed it. Nikki brushed her fingertips over his tattoo and he shivered. She slowly ran her fingers down his arm and took him by the hand. The giddy smile returned full force as she tugged him towards the Monorail.
     
    “Well then, come on! It’s time to have some fun!” Michael chuckled and jogged a step or two to catch up with her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders as they quickly walked to the station. “Do you think I’ll get to meet Donald Duck?”
     
    Michael bought their tickets. Nikki ran through the turnstiles, barely able to contain her excitement. She gasped when she rounded the bend in the tunnel that opened on to Main Street USA. Mary Poppins stood on the sidewalk, signing autographs and posing for pictures. “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” played in the background. The air smelled of cotton candy and popcorn. It was perfect.
     
    Nikki looked around at the throngs of people and suddenly got scared. She pulled Michael by the sleeve so his ear was by her mouth and whispered, “What if somebody recognizes us?”
     
    He put his lips to her ear and whispered back, “Relax, Sunshine. What better place for a needle to hide than in a haystack?” He kissed the shell of her ear and laughed when he made her giggle. He took her by the hand and off they went.
     
    The most amazing aroma wafted from the Main Street Bakery. They stopped and got a couple of coffees and a cinnamon roll the size of a grapefruit. Even sharing it between them, they were both stuffed by the time they were done.
     
    Afterwards, they headed for Adventureland. A costumed pirate captain was hanging outside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, teaching children how to swing a sword. He winked and bowed suggestively at Nikki as they got in line, and Nikki giggled flirtatiously. Michael put his arm around Nikki’s waist and pulled her tight to his side, scowling at the captain. Nikki laughed, shaking her head at his irrational jealousy.
     
    Nikki wanted to ride the roller coasters, but Michael asked her to avoid anything requiring an over-the-shoulder harness. He didn’t want to take any chances when it came to her ribs, no matter how much better she said she felt. So they went on Splash Mountain instead, where they could have the thrill of a roller coaster without hurting her. They sat in the front row of the log flume and were absolutely drenched when they got off.
     
    Michael shook his head like a wet dog to rid itself of water, spraying Nikki’s already soaked face with droplets. Nikki squealed happily and pushed him away. He fell off balance and instinctively reached out for her, pulling her flush against him as he fell back against the railing.
     
    The moment suddenly became heated. Nikki wanted so badly for him to kiss her, but he didn’t. She wanted him to so, so badly, and she couldn’t help but think it might help her memory. Who was she kidding? It was a lame excuse to fulfill her own desires and she knew it. Nikki decided to take a chance, leaning into him until her lips touched his. Michael flinched, startled but otherwise unmoving. She kissed him once, chastely, and then again, pleased when he responded the second time. Nikki lost track of how long they stood there, just kissing, until she pulled back and looked lovingly at Michael.
     
    “Hi,” he whispered, kissing her once more.
     
    “Hi,” she whispered back before something large and fuzzy tapped her on the shoulder. Nikki turned around to see none other than Donald Duck standing there with his arms wide open, one hand pointing at his bill as if to say “My turn!” Nikki turned red with embarrassment but accepted his hug and gave him a kiss on his rubber cheek. A handler in a yellow shirt snapped a few photos and then scanned a card and gave it to Michael so they could view and purchase the photos