“By whole family, my parents and my extended family. And my brother. And you?”
“I’m an only child.” I stirred my drink, where a slice of lime bobbed up and down.
“You don’t say?” He leaned forward.
“Yes.” I eyed him suspiciously. “Why?”
“I have heard that only children are very independent.”
“You seem independent.” I jutted my chin at him, and he chuckled.
“Yes, I am. So that is one more thing we have in common.”
“What do you mean one more thing? What are the other things?”
“A taste for adventure.” Candlelight flickered on his face.
“And how…” I spoke slowly, teasingly, “…do you know I have a taste for adventure?”
“You climbed onto my motorcycle without any hesitation. Not every girl would do that.”
Hopefully, I wasn’t like any other girl—and that was the reason he was at dinner with me.
Then again, I knew I was getting my hopes up. We’d only just met, and cute as Rodrigo was, I didn’t live in Rio. In less than six months, I would be headed back to New York City.
Best-case scenario, we enjoyed whatever time we had together.
The band in the corner struck up a lively tune. Rodrigo extended his hand over the table. With zero hesitation, I slipped my palm into his. His hand was strong, but his grip light, his touch warm and comforting. My stomach did a jig.
Okay, so suppose we only had six months. I could enjoy those six months. Make them count.
Rodrigo led me to the dance floor, where his other hand found my lower back. With that simple touch, everything shifted. My knees went weak, and my breath caught in my throat.
He led me around the floor, spinning and stepping. The whole while his gaze stayed locked on mine. I couldn’t look away; it was as if all the attention I possessed had been stapled to him.
Was I falling for this guy?
No. That was crazy. We’d just met.
And yet… I’d never fallen for anyone before. My temporary crushes hadn’t even felt a tenth this powerful.
The song finished, and Rodrigo’s hands slipped away from me. Immediately, my body ached for his touch.
We clapped, but while I was looking at the band, my other senses were tuned to Rodrigo. Not even his slightest movement escaped me.
“You’re an amazing dancer,” I said as we wove our way back through the restaurant.
“I grew up dancing.” He shrugged. “It’s a part of who I am.”
Did that mean dance lessons? Probably private ones with one of the best tutors in Brazil.
“Rodrigo!” A girl sitting in the middle of a table of other girls waved him over.
Rodrigo hesitated. Glanced at me.
“Go say hi.” I nodded my approval.
“Only if you come with me.”