“Of you? Never.”
“Then let’s go.”
We set the parameters of the race and line our ATVs up at the makeshift starting line. We count down from three and take off. I barrel down and focus on the road before me, the sand kicking up around me in a cloud. We’re going so fast that the goggles aren’t even helping with visibility.
We’re pretty neck and neck for the first half of the race. Until Rome veers to the right a little, allowing me to pull ahead of him. I risk my life by looking back to stick my tongue out at him and press harder on the gas.
I turn the last corner of the race, the finish line right in my line of view, but I don’t take my foot off the gas. I’m not about to do whatever mystery task Rome has thought up for me.
Not a chance.
Moments before I reach the finish line, Rome whizzes by me and crosses. I was so focused on myself; I didn’t even hear him catch up to me.
What the fuck?
He bends over with laughter after taking off his helmet, and I just stand there, glaring at him.
“That is some bullshit.”
He pulls me into a hug. “Awww, don’t be a sore loser. It’s okay, there will be other races. And maybe if you race someone besides me, you might even win some.”
I wiggle out of his hold. “I can’t believe you beat me.”
He pats his chest with confidence. “I’m a gamer, baby; I do this.”
I stick my finger in my mouth and pretend to gag, then burst into laughter when he tickles my sides. “Ugh, get off. Just tell me what I gotta do already.”
He taps his finger with his chin. “I’ll wait.”
“Bro, what? You’re just trying to torture me.”
He kisses my forehead. “Did I mention how sexy you look when you pout?”
We return the ATVs and go back to the hotel to shower, rest, and then change for dinner at Tulum Tower. I never thought I would agree to have dinner one hundred and eighteen feet in the air, but here we are.
Two other couples are having a sunset dinner with us. As we wait for the aerobar to be set up, we all get to know each other a little better. Talking to them settles my nerves, and Rome’s tight grip on my shoulder also helps.
We board the aerobar, and with our feet dangling in the air, staring at the most beautiful sunset and doing karaoke to our favorite songs, we have the most incredible dinner I’ve had in a long time.
“Rome, you know it’s getting ridiculous at this point, right?” I say as we leave the hotel. We’re headed to one of the day parties at Mystical Nightclub, and he still hasn’t told me what he wants from winning yesterday’s bet.
“J, you know I would never do anything to make you uncomfortable, so why are you stressing?”
“Because I wanna know! The suspense is eating me alive.”
He lets out a soft chuckle. “Bring your dramatic ass on.”
We get to Mystical and are escorted to a cabana facing the beach. A server brings us a bottle of champagne, a carafe of orange juice, and a couple of glasses. Rome pours us both a glass of champagne with a splash of orange juice and clinks our glasses together. “Cheers, J.”
“Cheers, Rome. I love you.”
“I love you.”
The music blares around us and I bite my lip at the thought of what we did the last time we were at this club. My body hums with excitement at the memory alone.
Rome opens his legs and pulls me so I’m sitting between them. He leans his head down onto my shoulder and whispers in my ear, “I figured out what I want for my win.”
“And what’s that?”
