Chapter 80: I Will Always Love You

Cruz reached out to grab Maria, but she took a step back. Cruz sighed and shrugged, saying, "Sorry, I guess I really did drink too much." Maria looked at him seriously and replied, "It's okay, I know you didn't mean it, but do you realize that what you did is crossing a line?" Cruz chuckled softly and then reached into his pocket, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. "So, Maria, is it okay if I...?" Hearing Cruz's words, Maria found herself momentarily speechless. She felt a sudden heat wash over her, her face flushing with warmth. Seeing Maria like this only made Cruz find her even more attractive. He moved closer to her, his gaze intense. "Can I... kiss you, Maria?" He stared deeply into her eyes, making Maria feel nervous as her heart raced. "Can I kiss you, Maria?" he repeated, his voice growing deeper, drawing her in like a magnet. It was hard for her to look away, and she began to feel overwhelmed. Cruz kept asking, making Maria even more flustered. Instinctively, she n