Falling for someone

So, I hooked up with this guy at a wedding. He's a marine and lives in California (he's based there.) and I live in NY. We talk almost everyday and I'm going to Cali in October to see him. I'm just so nervous. I want something more but what if I fly to Cali for nothing and get my heart broken? I don't really mind the long distance since eventually he's going to be based on the east coast. Should I take the risk and see him in October and see if the connection is there?