My stomach felt queasy. I was covered in a thin layer of sweat. My fingers wouldn’t stop shaking. I was actually quite thankful that Cruz was carrying me because I didn’t know if I’d be able to walk on my own.

His arms were just as strong as they looked. He carried me with such ease, almost like he was carrying a load of feathers.

I rested my head against his chest, soothed by the subtle scent of his cologne and the beating of his heart. It was rhythmic and steady, assuring me that all was right with the world.

“Unfortunately, I only brought my motorcycle. I hope that’s okay.” He set me down on my feet.

In front of me was a black sport bike that didn’t look like it was meant for two people. “Are you sure you’ll be able to take me home on this thing…?” I asked, a little apprehensive. I had never been on a motorcycle before, and frankly, they didn’t seem all that safe.

“Of course, but the question is -- are you comfortable riding with me? I don’t want to put you in an uncomfortable situation, especially after what just happened.”

“You promise you’re a safe driver?”

“Cross my heart and hope to die.”

“Then I rather go home with you than with some sleazy cab driver,” I answered, hoping I was making the right decision. I still knew very little about Cruz, but after what had happened on the Ferris Wheel, I felt like I could trust him. While I had been in his arms, I’d felt so safe and secure. Someone that made me feel that way couldn’t be all that bad, could they?

“Okay.” He grabbed his helmet and placed it on my head, carefully snapping the strap together so he wouldn’t accidentally pinch my skin. “How does that feel?”

“Snug.”

“Good.” He patted my head before hopping onto the bike.

“Wait, where’s your helmet?”

“I only have one, and I’d rather you wear it.” He smiled, grabbed my hand, and effortlessly pulled me onto the back of the bike.

Our bodies naturally locked together. My arms wrapped around his torso like they belonged there. I leaned my head on his shoulder, my chest pressed against his back. I wondered if he could feel the beating of my rampaging heart.

“Ready?”

“Yes,” I said, knowing I was as ready as I’d ever be. I tightened my grasp around him. My thighs squeezed against his legs as I scooted even closer.

He nodded, and seconds later, we were on the road, cruising at a very comfortable speed. The wind blew through my hair. Adrenaline rushed through my veins. I giggled, actually enjoying the experience. It was invigorating.

“Someone enjoying themselves?” Cruz asked as he pressed on the throttle, making us go a little faster.

I screamed with excitement. “Ah!”

“Should I slow down?”

“No!”

He chuckled, pulling onto the highway, where he could reach top speeds. Here, the wind was so strong that it practically burned my cheeks, and yet, I was loving every second. I felt like I was flying, my body weightless.

“This is so amazing!” I screamed, hoping he could hear me over the rushing wind.

“You haven’t seen anything yet.” I couldn’t see his face, but I imagined his lips twitching into a smirk. “Hold on tight!” He revved the engine, and suddenly, he was popping a wheelie.

My body slid back, and my eyes widened in momentary fear, but holding onto Cruz was like being attached to an anchor. I knew nothing was going to happen to me.

He touched down and laughed, pushing his bike to the limit as he weaved through traffic like a madman.

“You’re crazy!” I screamed, my heart thumping so hard I thought it was going to burst out of my chest. “But I love it!”

Our bodies had practically melded into one at this point. Whenever he moved, I moved. It was magical. I had never felt this connected to another human being in my entire life.

He pulled off the highway and slowed his pace. I was actually a little disappointed. The adrenaline drained out of my body, making me feel like a deflated balloon.

To my surprise, I realized we weren’t in my neighborhood. In fact, I had no idea where we were. A tinge of fear flared up inside of me. No one knew I was with Cruz. What if he was some sort of murderer who had played the perfect gentleman just so he could abduct me?

Maybe I’d been watching one too many horror movies.

“Where are we going?”

Cruz didn’t say anything.

“Cruz?”

We stopped in front of a beautiful botanical garden. He parked his motorcycle and got off, offering me a hand. When he took off my helmet, I was about to question him further, but he pressed a finger to my lips. “I know you said you wanted to go home, but I just couldn’t part ways so soon. Won’t you take a walk with me?”

I looked into his eyes. There was no hint of malice or bad intentions. He just genuinely wanted to spend time with me. The thought practically melted my heart. I nodded, taking his hand in mine. It was funny how one night with him had changed my whole perception of him. Maybe, if I tried hard enough, things between us could work…

The entrance to the garden was closed. “I don’t think we can get in…” I said, a little disappointed. A moonlight stroll would have been so romantic...

“Of course we can.” He grinned deviously, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a lock picking set and got to work tinkering with the gate’s padlock.

“What are you doing?”

“Breaking in. What does it look like I’m doing?”

“Um… I don’t think we should be doing this.”

“Oh, come on. Don’t be such a goodie two shoes. I’m not going to steal anything… well, besides your heart.” He winked, popping open the lock.

I was shocked. He had done that so quickly. Could it be that I was falling in love with a criminal?