Page 39 of Heart Thief

He’s sort of crazy, maybe even reckless.

Today, all I want to do is join him, to feel wild with him. I lean sideways, my hand gripping the pole tightly. I let out a little scream, feeling free and easy. Letting loose never felt so good.

Shame on me, I’ve only taken a cable car ride three or four times since I moved here. Now I’m wondering why I haven’t done it every day. But it wouldn’t be the same without Zane. I wouldn’t be leaning out of a cable car without him.

I don’t want to think about my text exchange with Ryker this morning. But it’s seared into my mind.

Ryker:What happened last night? You upset my mom.

Me:She insinuated you don’t trust me.

Ryker:It’s Zane I don’t trust.

Me:If you have something to say, please talk to me about it.

Ryker:Can’t talk now. Will call later. Please apologize to Mom.

I hesitated over my response. There were so many nasty retorts popping into my mind. I decided against all of them and settled for a simple NO WAY.

I haven’t heard back from him since. I guess this is our first fight.

I let out another scream, releasing all of my stress, releasing all of my thoughts about Ryker. I’m glad I’m not at home moping around. Zane turns, flashing me a cheesy grin. I guess he approves of my decision to let it all hang out.

When we finally arrive in Chinatown, it’s crowded with throngs of tourists. Zane takes my hand in his, leading as we weave through the masses.

We’re not holding hands like a couple. He’s simply ensuring we don’t get separated.

But when the crowds thin, neither one of us lets go of each other’s hand. I try not to read too much into our actions. I only know that I don’t want the connection to be broken.

I like my hand in his. I like the way he’s leading me on this adventure, a huge smile on his face. I feel free and easy, like I’m escaping some sort of doom looming behind me.

When Zane realizes we’re not in a crowd anymore, he deliberately releases my hand. I notice his lowered brows as he looks at me, the worry that crosses his features. He’s backing up, reinstating the invisible line between us.

It had to be done. I feel bad that I wasn’t the one to insist upon it. It should’ve been me. I’m promised to Ryker. What must Zane think of me?

A friendship is developing between us. Nothing more, I tell myself over and over. He was holding my hand so we wouldn’t be separated in the crowds. That’s all.

Don’t overthink it, Mila.That’s what he told me last night. I need to listen.

And yet, I want to explore this newfound friendship. I’m looking at Zane with new eyes and my mind is filled with dangerous thoughts.

If my feelings for Ryker are not strong enough to keep me from falling for someone else, then he’s not the right man for me. It’s as simple as that.

It’s not simple for Zane, though. It’s all kinds of complicated. His relationship is already tense with his brother. I’m sure he doesn’t want to make it worse.

Wisps of guilt are floating through me and nagging at my conscience. But this is my life and I have to explore all of my options. The fact is, I’m not married, or even engaged. I’m a free agent.

We wander around, enjoying the Chinese architecture, lamp posts, and red lanterns. The smell of strange herbs and seafood invades the air. It’s as though we have left the U.S. and stepped into mainland China. Everything surrounding us feels foreign, yet captivating. After rambling around the kitschy Grant Avenue, we leave the main street and explore the side alleys. There, we observe a glimpse into the authentic Chinese way of life.

“There’s so much to see, it’s overwhelming.”

Zane bumps my shoulder like a buddy does to a good friend. “Enjoying yourself, though?”

“Yes, I love it. Thanks for showing me around.”

We pass through the infamous Dragon gate, and we watch Chinese ladies deftly making fortune cookies.

“Ready to go eat?” Zane asks after we enjoy a few freshly made fortune cookies.

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