The tranquility and beauty were awe inspiring, as the rain bounced off the leaves and forming puddles on the ground.

“It’s strange that there’s so much beauty in a place that is filled with sadness,” he said to me as he stroked the back of my hand with his fingertips.

“It’s so unlike anything we have back home,” I said trying to avert my eyes away from him. The man still made me nervous in the most delightful way.

When the rain slowed, it became steamy outside—the rain never seemed to help cool down the air in the South, but only made it unbearable to breathe. Sweat began to trickle down my temples. The staleness of the air made it impossible to enjoy the serenity and beauty.

“Want to go back and cool off? I know I could use a shower before we go out tonight,” he asked, with a smile promising sin.

I gulped loud enough that I knew he had to hear, but he didn’t let on if he did. Kayden climbed off the step slowly and held out his hand to me. I stood slowly while holding his hand and stared into his eyes. I tripped as I began to walk and my heart plummeted as my face landed against his chest. Kayden reached out and caught me in his arms. I opened an eye and tried to catch a glimpse of his face as he pulled me away. I smiled as my face began to heat, and I could feel the embarrassment spread throughout my body. Kayden smiled at me and grabbed my face lightly.

“We all fall sometimes in life, Sophia, it’s more important how we recover,” he said as he lips touched mine.

His thumbs stroked my cheeks while his fingers gripped the back of my neck. His kiss grew deeper as his tongue searched for mine, he possessed me. My mouth had grown dry from the heat, and his mouth refreshed me like an oasis in the desert. My body began to tremble with need. Emptiness filled me when his lips broke from mine.

“Let’s go, I have plans for you, baby doll,” he said with a wink.

My body hummed from the liquor coursing through my veins, Bourbon Street had led to another evening of excess. My legs wobbled as I walked down the trolley steps. Kayden grabbed me by the waist as soon as my feet touched the street. I giggled as I tried to walk upright without swerving, my body didn’t want to listen to my mind. Kayden placed my arm around his neck and kept a firm hold on me until we approached my SUV. Kayden opened the back door and I stood there confused for a moment.