“We aren’t staying?”

He smirked with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I told your dad I’d have you back soon, so we don’t have much time, and there’s something else I want to do.”

Giddy excitement sent an electric buzz to my fingertips. Having the ability to drive ourselves presented an entirely new aspect to our relationship … one I was interested in exploring.

When we got back in the car, Nico drove us around the corner to the shore where we could park overlooking the rocky beach. The sun was setting off to our right, casting long shadows across the water alternating with neon streaks of copper sunlight. The sight was absolutely gorgeous, and I made note of a painting idea that quickly formed in my head.

“I have something for you,” said Nico shyly, drawing me from my distracted thoughts.

“For me? But it’s your birthday.”

“I know, but I want you to have it, and I suck at waiting.” He held out a navy velveteen box set on the palm of his hand.

My hand started to shake as I reached out to take the small box from him. “Nico, you’re so sweet to me.”

“You haven’t even looked inside. How do you know it’s not just plastic vampire teeth?” he teased gently.

“You could have a dead worm in here, and I’m pretty sure I’d love it.”

“Whatever, dork. Just open it.”

I bit down on my lip as I pulled the lid back and gasped at the contents. Dangling from a silver chain was an intricate pendant of the Eiffel Tower. It wasn’t something fancy with jewels, but it was far more precious than any diamonds would have been. Nico knew how much I loved the art world and how desperately I yearned to go to Paris to see its famous artworks in person.

“Someday, I’m going to show you the world, and this is my promise to you. We’ll see it all, Ladybug—Paris, Rome, Valencia—I’ll take you to every museum in the world if I can.” His words were so earnest and heartfelt, they brought tears to my eyes.

“Thank you, Nico. It’s beautiful.” I gazed up at him, wanting to smother him in kisses. “But I hope you know that even if we stay right here on Staten Island for the rest of our lives, I’m happy if I’m with you.”

He smiled softly. “Here, let me help you get it on.” Taking the necklace in his large hands, he opened the clasp and placed the necklace over my head.

When I looked up, Nico was inches away, and the car was suddenly engulfed in a sultry heat. My eyes locked on his, and the world around me disappeared. There was no curfew or glittering ocean, no chocolate cake or school the next day—there was only Nico and my intense need to express my adoration for him.

His lips crashed down on mine in a kiss that encompassed all the passion and longing between us. We had exchanged tentative kisses before, but nothing so heated and intense. His tongue teased open my lips, and I moaned at the delicious taste of him.