“I don't know why or when I started falling for you, Alex. But I did. Ever since I almost ran over your motorcycle that first day of school I haven't been able to stop thinking about what it would be like if you and I got together. And that kiss ... God, I swear I never experienced anything like that in my life. It did mean something. If the solar system didn't tilt then, it never will. I know it's crazy because we're so different. And if anything happens between us I don't want people at school to know. Not that you'll agree to have a secret relationship with me, but I at least have to find out if it's possible. I broke up with Colin, who I had a very public relationship with and I'm ready for something private. Private and real. I know I'm babbling like an idiot, but if you don't say something soon or give me a hint of what you're thinking then I'll--""Say it again," he says."That whole drawn-out speech?" I remember something about a solar system, but I'm too light-headed to recite the entire thing all over again.He steps closer. "No. The part about you fallin' for me."My eyes cling to his. "I think about you all the time, Alex. And I really, really want to kiss you again."The sides of his mouth turn up.Unable to face him, I look at the ground. "Don't make fun of me." I can take anything but that right abou”

“I gave you my heart, but it wasn't enough.”

“He laughs. "Put some clothes on so you don't scare poor Kiara with your morning hard-on."I look down at my shorts. Sure enough, I've got la tengo dura in front of Kiara and Tuck. Shit. I reach out for the first thing I can grab and put it in front of me to shield myself from view. It happens to be one of Kiara's stuffed animals, but I don't have much choice right now."That's Kiara's Mojo," Tuck says, laughing. "Get it? Mojo?”

“Tell me what we had was real, I whisper.”

“Next time I want to do something nice, slap me.”

“Not to alarm you or anything, but I think you just made a deal with a Mexican gang." I've read Simone Elkeles books. I know how this whole garage as a front thing works.”

“This connection we have isn't going away, it's only getting stronger. Because the more I spend time with her, the closer I want to be.”

“Mujer, you own my soul.”

“That’s not the only reason I’m stayin’, chica. I can’t leave you any more than I could walkout that door right now while my leg is busted up. I was just thinkin’ . . . should we tell yourparents now or later?”“Tell them what?” I ask, eyes wide.He kisses me softly, then says proudly, “That we’re in a serious, monogamous, committedrelationship.”“We are?”“Sí. And when I get out of here, I’m gonna fix the door to your car.”

“Do I hear a challenge?” she whispers, “Oh, Carlos. You know I can’t resist a challenge.”

“Snakes don't have fuckin' legs, so how was I supposed to think there'd be one hidin' in the face of a damn rock that's ten feet below the summit?”