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am.”
    “Better yet, are you hungry?”
    “I ate.” She was starving, but preferred not to eat in front of him. She felt embarrassed, even though eating had no gains on wearing underwear on your head.
    “All right then. First stop. You stay here.”
    Xavier detoured into a tent.
    In a few short seconds, he came out holding a rope. He tugged and Soledad could make out something long and gray, living, rough skin rippling in the faint light coming from inside the tent. As Xavier lured the creature out, she lifted her gaze to take in a real, live elephant. She gasped. God surely took his time in carving such a peculiar animal.
    “Aye, Dios !” She laughed the laughter of her inner child. Squealing, actually.
    Xavier seemed pleased with her reaction. He hoisted himself onto the animal and reached his hand out for her. “You don’t have to pay for this ride. It’s on me.”
    She reached out for his hand, and he effortlessly hauled her up between his legs. With his arms now around her waist, he pulled her closer to his body. They rocked back and forth as he ordered the elephant to move.
    The ride was easy, calming. From so high up, Soledad felt like they were in their own world. Xavier commanded the elephant to stand and it did. Soledad screamed, but with delight. She knew Xavier would never do anything to put her in jeopardy. They rode the elephant all around the camp, waving to workers who were taking a break, or perhaps off for the evening. The friendly group waved, but none hesitated to stare curiously.
    After a few more strides to the outskirts of the camp, they stopped at a small trailer.
    “This is home away from home for my dad and me.”
    Xavier got off the animal and reached up to help Soledad down. Soledad felt heat rush to her face as she felt Xavier’s strong hands on her thighs, then her hips, then her stomach, his hands just touching the bottoms of her breasts as he assisted her to the ground. Her heart thumped heavily and she felt a little shaky.
    She slid down the rest of the way, and as they stood, Xavier was spooning her, his arms still around her waist. She put her hands over his.
    Xavier put his face in her hair and inhaled deeply. His breath on her skin and scalp sent a shiver up her spine. In response, his hands tightened over her hips.
    “Do you want to come inside?” Xavier gestured toward his trailer.
    “Is that a good idea?” Her voice came out a near whisper, shaky and hoarse.
    “I promise I’ll be good.”
    “Not too good, okay?” Her body warmed. Had she really said that?
    His mouth dropped open as he stared at her.
    “I’m sorry. Am I going too far?” She was ashamed of herself.
    “No, of course not! You are smart and independent, and you know what you want. Thankfully it’s me.” He winked at her.
    He secured the elephant and ran his palm along the animal’s trunk. “You did good, baby.” He retrieved a bucket of grains and bananas. “Good, baby.” He nuzzled the animal’s head with his own, then left the elephant with the large bucket.
    Walking backward into the trailer, he pulled Soledad inside.
    Soledad gasped. Flowers lay scattered all over the small sitting area.
    Xavier appeared pleased with her reaction. “I picked these earlier in the day. I hope they suit you.”
    Instantly the smell of gardenias seduced her. And it wasn’t just gardenias. There were violets, lilies, roses. There was no way he could have afforded all of them. She wanted to know how he came about them, or where he picked them from, but she didn’t want to ruin the moment.
    “They’re all so, so beautiful. Thank you so much.” She had never received flowers from a boy before. In the silence, she nervously glanced around the small compartment. There was no sign of interior decorating, just enough for living. Four large blankets lay folded on a small tan sofa. Dream catchers hung from the tiny window that could be confused for a peephole. Two separate curtains on each side of the room must