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Your heart starts to race. Are those footsteps you hear? Your clothes are twisted and falling from your body. You urge your partner on, hoping you can finish without getting caught.

From where you are, you can see people passing and wonder whether they notice the two of you entwined. Just the thought makes your pulse quicken.

You try not to make a sound, but as you get closer, that task gets harder. Finally you climax and quickly attempt to get yourselves put back together. Slowly you make your way back into the crowd.

Public sex. Risky and wrong? Maybe. Terribly exciting? Absolutely.

Having sex in public has long been a taboo, which is exactly why it has long been a thrill as well. There is something awfully exhilarating about wondering if you might get caught. Why? Maybe it harkens back to when we were kids. You remember. No cookie ever tasted as good as the one covertly slipped from the cookie jar.

Of course, the thought of being seen by others can also be a part of the fun. Whether we like to admit it or not, most of us have an exhibitionist streak running through us. (As well as a voyeuristic one, for that matter.) And even if we don’t really want others to watch us, risking being seen can be a real rush.

I wouldn’t dare suggest that you try any of these things. They are naughty and some are even illegal. But just in case you want to take a walk on the wild side, here are some of the top-rated venues for public sex.

The library—Choose a high or low floor and think historic tomes not pop novels when selecting just the right section.

Your front porch or back deck—Or, better yet, someone else’s. I’m not talking trespassing here. But when attending a party or visiting friends…who’s going to miss you for just a few minutes?

Outside—If you want to go au naturel, why not get creative? Baseball fields, football fields, golf courses, boat docks, diving boards, and even graveyards are all popular choices. Which one will suit all depends on whether you want to play “Steal the bases” or “I want to bite your neck.”

Hayloft—The horses and cows won’t mind and, with any luck, you’ll be able to get the deed done before the rooster crows.

Coat Room—-The bathroom is so cliché. But how about the coat check room? All you have to do is get rid of the pesky attendant.

Retail store—Department stores offer all sorts of fun options from the dressing room to the furniture or rug departments. But think Wednesday afternoon, not doorbuster Saturday.

A house under construction—-Best if it belongs to you or someone you know. And be sure to steer clear of nails and unsecured boards. A little advance recon will go a long way in this case.

Public attractions—Theme parks, zoos, aquariums, concert halls, museums, any venue where lots of people gather can make for an interesting spot for a tryst. Something about the animals and sea creatures can get the blood flowing, just like a good roller coaster or stellar musical performance. The fantasy list, of course, includes places like the Eiffel Tower or the Empire State Building. Talk about living on the edge.

Modes of transport—Being on the go often gets people in the mood. You can hit the back seat of your own car and go old school or venture out a little more. Street cars, buses, planes, trains, and subways are all favorites. Risky Business anyone…

Office buildings—Whether your own or someone else’s—offices or cubicles, elevators, and stairwells all rank high on the public sex meter.

Sex in a public place is not for the faint of heart. But, if you’re looking for something far from your regular routine, it may be just the ticket. Do your homework and be creative and you are sure to find an ideal spot. Most public venues have lots of secret nooks and crannies. The trick is to find just the right one. Once you do though, you may want to keep that secret all to yourselves. Otherwise, things might get a little more public than you had in mind!

Jenny Block is a freelance writer based in Dallas. She is the author of "Open: Love, Sex, and Life in an Open Marriage." Her work appears in "One Big Happy Family," edited by Rebecca Walker and "It’s a Girl: Women Writers on Raising Daughters," edited by Andrea Buchanan. Visit her website at www.jennyonthepage.com or check out her blog at wwww.jennyonthepage.blogspot.com.