Page 46 of Spring Break Fling

I raised an eyebrow but didn’t protest when he steered me toward the weathered convenience store. Stepping inside was like entering an alternate universe. The narrow aisles were crammed with everything from automotive supplies to piñatas, while a small kitchen in the back churned out the most tantalizing scents. There was already a long line of other people craving a late-night snack.

We got in line. An older woman was rapidly assembling tacos and practically tossing them into Styrofoam containers.

We got our order and sat at one of the tiny tables. Nikko slid the container toward me. The aroma of the tacos was incredible—a blend of spices, cilantro, and something richer that made my mouth water.

“Go on,” Nikko urged when I hesitated. “They’re good, I promise.”

Feeling a little silly eating gas station tacos while dressed for a gallery opening, I picked one up and took a bite. The flavors exploded across my tongue, and I had to suppress a moan. “Oh my god, these are amazing.”

“Told you,” he said with a wink.

We finished our tacos. I wanted to linger, but with the steady stream of customers, I had a feeling they wanted our table.

The night was supposed to end differently—maybe with a lingering look, a daring kiss, or at the very least, me shutting my hotel room door and gloating to Tara about how the revenge plan was unfolding perfectly. But life, as it often does, had other plans.

Nikko had been quieter than usual. Softer. More… normal. It left me both intrigued and a little on edge. I couldn’t tell if he was playing me or if I was getting to see the real Nikko. Maybe this was just another side of him.

He accused me of keeping people at arm’s length, but he did the same. That was what the rough and tough exterior was about.

“Want to go for a ride?” he asked.

“A ride?”

“See the city,” he said.

I should go back to the hotel. I should be following Tara’s advice. Be unavailable. That was what she told me to do.

But I didn’t want to do that.

“Sure,” I said.

We drove aimlessly for a while with the windows down and the city buzzing around us. It was the kind of Miami night where everything felt alive. Neon lights blurred past, music spilled from bars, and the ocean air carried a salty tang that reminded me how far I was from home.

Nikko took us down to the bay, parking the car near a spot that overlooked the water where the city lights couldn’t quite reach. He opened the door and got out. I followed suit.

I watched as he stared at the water and inhaled deeply. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” he asked, leaning on the hood of his car, his eyes not leaving the water.

I joined him, feeling the cool metal under my butt. “It’s peaceful.”

He chuckled softly. “Not what you expected?”

“No,” I admitted. “I was expecting more chaos. Not this tranquility. It’s so loud just a block away.”

Nikko glanced at me, a hint of mischief in his smile. “Miami has many faces,” he said. “Just like us.”

I looked away from him, focusing on the reflective dance of the city lights on the water. It was strangely hypnotic.

“Tell me something true,” he said abruptly.

“Something true?” I repeated, caught off guard.

“Yeah,” he continued, turning to face me more directly. “Something personal. Just something real.”

“Is this to create a new tattoo?” I asked.

He shrugged. “No, but I could if you wanted me to.”

“Ha! As if I would give you another chance. You’d probably put a self-portrait on me.”