I leaned on the railing overlooking the river. Again, my dream resurfaced.

* * *

Cruz swam through the water, his movements intoxicatingly elegant. I felt like I could watch him forever. Slowly, he emerged, his clothes melting off his body.

My cheeks turned red as his chiseled body came into view. His six pack was rock hard and well defined. His torso tapered slightly, culminating into a sexy V that led all the way down to his well-hung member.

I couldn’t help but stare at it, my hormones surging through my every vein, causing my skin to tingle. By its own accord, my body ventured forward, unable to stay away. I wanted this man. I needed him.

As soon as I was close enough, he folded me into his arms. His fingers ran through my hair. I smiled, resting my head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. I felt safe here, like nothing would ever be able to hurt me again.

He gazed into my eyes and smiled, mouthing something I could not understand. His hands dropped to my hips before he pulled me into the water.

I held my breath, but my lungs didn’t burn. The water was filled with the purest oxygen I had ever tasted.

Cruz grinned, diving to the bottom of the river and guiding me toward a hidden crevice. I followed him blindly, trusting him.

We emerged in a small alcove. Strange mushrooms glowed with a faint blue light. The air shimmered with it, looking magical. I smiled brightly, admiring the various drawings on the wall. They came to life in a splash of color that bounced from one place to another.

Suddenly, he took me into his arms, carrying me bridal style to the back of the cave, where a bed had materialized. Even though it looked like it was made of dried seaweed, it was the softest bed I had ever laid on.

Cruz crawled on top of me, pinning my wrists above my head, a mischievous glint in his eye. His head lowered to my bosom, letting his lips linger along the soft flesh. He took his time with me, making sure that his every movement caused me tremendous pleasure.

* * *

“Cotton Candy!” A street vendor broke me from my trance.

I shook my head and fanned my cheeks. I still couldn’t understand why I’d had such a naughty dream about a man I didn’t know. The way we’d interacted had made it seem like we were deeply intimate with one another, but I hadn’t even seen him with his shirt off. It didn’t make any sense…

“There you are!” Cruz appeared out of nowhere, wrapping his arm around my shoulders and pulling me close. “I was starting to think you were going to stand me up.” He squeezed me tight before easing his grip and peering into my face. “Hey, is everything okay? You’re looking a little red.”

“Yeah. I’m fine,” I said quickly. “It’s just… warm.”

“Hey, but at least it isn’t raining anymore,” he said cheerfully. “When people told me that it always rained in London, I thought they were exaggerating.”

“Yeah…” I answered, subtly fanning my face, trying to get the blush to die down.

“Are you sure you’re okay? You seem off…?”

“Yeah. I’m fine,” I said, looking around and trying to find a way to change the topic of conversation. “Where’s Hunter?”

“Oh, as it so happens, one of my old army buddies works at the same financing firm. We caught up a little, and he happens to have a little girl that’s the same age as Hunter. He agreed to baby sit for the night.”

“That’s nice of him.”

“Yeah, it was good to see him again.”

“It’s pretty coincidental that your old army buddy would be working at the same financing company, don’t you think?”

He chuckled. “You can start questioning me all you want once we get on the Ferris Wheel, but don’t forget about our kiss at the top.”

I rolled my eyes.

“I promise I’m a pretty good kisser.”

“Don’t talk the talk if you can’t walk the walk,” I teased, starting ahead.

Cruz quickly caught up to me, reaching for my hand. Our fingers naturally locked together. I thought about pulling away, but his warm palm felt so nice that I let it slide. Hand holding was rather harmless, after all.

We walked hand in hand toward the ride, getting in line with all of the other couples. Some of them were just teenagers, giggling every time they kissed. Others were older, simply enjoying each other’s company. I felt a little out of place, like I was being a fraud. I pulled my hand away and hugged myself as a nippy breeze rolled through.

“Cold?” he asked, looking down at me.

“No.”

Nonetheless, he took off his thin windbreaker and draped it around my shoulders.

I blushed softly at his gesture. I’d thought guys only did that in movies. My heart thumped loudly, echoing through my eardrums. My palms were becoming hot and sweaty. My ears burned as I tried to keep my thoughts in check. There was just something about this man that caused a fire to erupt in my soul.

Soon, we were at the front of the line. Butterflies fluttered through my stomach as I craned my head, gazing at the top of the large edifice. “It’s bigger than I’d thought…”

“We’ll be able to see all of London.”

“Yeah…” I gulped, remembering how afraid of heights I was.

Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea…