stubbing out the cigarette against the nearby wall. He stepped closer, narrowing the already short distance between you two.

“Feeling better?” he asked, his gaze locked on yours.

“Better than ever… especially now,” you replied, biting your lower lip as your courage grew.

Renzo laughed again, shaking his head as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. But instead of stepping back, he stayed close enough for you to catch the scent of nicotine mixed with his woody cologne.