Read True To You (Taking Chances #2) for Free Online

trouble at all, I mean it.” Holding up his right hand, he took a few steps back toward the classroom. “Just give me twenty, twenty-five minutes to wrap things up.”
    “Okay, but take your time. I don’t mind waiting.”
    “I’ll be back.” He flashed a thumbs-up her way before he turned and walked through the door.
    Melanie returned to her seat on the planter and waited. The anticipation running through her body was more than she had experienced in a long time. Here she was about to go on her first date in years, with an American boy, no less. Although the butterflies in her stomach wished to take flight, her rational side kept them in check. It’s only a meal. Let’s not make it a big deal.
    One by one, she watched the group of parents and students leave the classroom until only Ben remained. He gathered his belongings into a black messenger bag, turned off the classroom lights and locked the door. As he walked over, she spotted something cradled under his arm that captured her attention: a silver helmet.
    Apparently, Ben was taking her home on a motorcycle, and there was no keeping her distance from him now.

FOUR
    “Ever been on one of these before?” Ben patted the seat of an electric blue motorcycle sitting in the school parking lot.
    “Yes, but it was so long ago, I don’t even remember it. My parents said they took me around on one when we lived in Hong Kong.” Melanie paused and pointed to the top of her knees where the hem of her dress fell. “I don’t think I’m dressed for a bike ride though.”
    “It’ll be a bit windy, but we’ll be on and off the bike before you know it.”
    “Well, the on and off part might be a problem, too.” The last thing she wanted was a citation for indecent exposure.
    “It’s dark, and I’ll be a gentleman and keep my eyes focused straight ahead of me. You can trust me.”
    Melanie nodded. She hardly knew the man, yet something in her gut told her she could believe him. Plus, this was a lot more appealing than walking home. “Okay, let’s do it.”
    “You’re going to enjoy this. I guarantee it.”
    “You’re making some big promises. I hope you can keep them.” She raised her eyebrows in amusement.
    “I’m all about looking for the positives in a situation. Like that question people ask: Is a glass half-full or half-empty? I’m the half-full kind of person. “
    Melanie narrowed her eyes. “But you do realize the term “full” is an absolute state, which means it’s-”
    “Incapable of being halved or modified in any way,” Ben finished with a groan. Was that a smile he saw threatening to emerge from her lips? “You’re proud of yourself right now, aren’t you?”
    “Just stating the facts,” she quipped as she squeezed her lips together to hide her delight.
    “That you are. I’m going to have to stay on my toes around you.” His gaze softened as he looked at her. In that moment, his glass was more than full; like his heart, it was overflowing. He couldn’t recall the last time he had such an instant connection with someone. If this was any sign of their potential together, he couldn’t wait to get their evening started. Reaching over to the trunk of the motorcycle, he opened it and took out a pink full face helmet. “Here, you can use my sister’s helmet. It looks to be about your size.”
    “Thanks.” She took the helmet and let it rest in her hands, the weight of it reminding her of a small melon. “It’s pretty light. Will it do its job?”
    “It’s made of fiberglass and reinforced with carbon fiber. These helmets are the safest ones on the market, I guaran-”
    “You guarantee it,” she interjected with a grin. Lifting the helmet up to her head, she blew a few strands of black hair off her forehead and proceeded to put it on. With a muffled voice, she asked, “How’s it look? Does it fit okay?”
    Ben flipped open her visor and drew in a breath. Melanie’s big brown eyes peered back at him, tugging at his heart so