I was captivated by her beauty. Her light brown hair was tied in a messy bun. I found myself wondering what she would look like with them hanging down. Swallowing hard, my mind kept exploring with the vision of her. Dimples decorated her cheeks as she smiled, and I had to fight the urge to reach out and touch her.

Chapter 2 - Grace

Being in my last year as a grad student was way more stressful than I could have anticipated. There was so much more to take in and consider in marketing that I couldn’t even take a proper breath. This last week, I spent most of my waking hours in the library trying to cram all the terms into my head.

I had left the track team and my weekly chess games to concentrate on my studies. My life has become a mechanical machine of getting up, studying, and sleeping.

Then, I walked into what felt like a brick wall. My book slammed into my chest with force. Exhaling slowly, I looked up as the book dropped to the floor.

Looking up into the stranger's deep-set dark eyes, I felt like I had dropped into a black hole. His chiseled jaw and symmetrical features were out of this world. He was a big man with muscles for days. His brown hair shone like smooth Egyptian cotton. I had to restrain myself from touching it. The head of a snake-looking creature peeked out of his collar, making me wonder what else was under his shirt.

His faint sleek beard with the slight curve on his full lips complemented his masculinity as it added a softness most women craved. If the perfect man existed, he would surely be it.

I assured him that I was fine, but he wouldn’t let my hand go. He appeared so out of place that I had to smile. For a moment, time froze as a hurricane swept through my mind, removing all thought. Then I realized he was holding my hand a bit tight.

Smiling at him, I spoke carefully. “Could I get my hand back?”

I noticed him blushing a little as his cheeks turned a light red. He glanced at my hand before letting go. Rubbing the back of his neck, he replied softly. “Sorry about that, I didn’t mean to. It’s just that you’re so mesmerizing. I got lost in your beauty.”

This time, my cheeks turned crimson as I lowered my gaze. I felt my body swaying slightly. Placing one arm across my chest, I held it with the other. “Thank you,” I whispered.

He put his hand under my chin, gently lifting my head.

“Don’t be shy,” he said, stepping closer. He seemed to be searching my face. I was unsure what he was hoping to find. Our eyes met, and I stared deep into his soul for a second. Taking a step back, I spoke carefully, pulling my head from his hand. “I’m sorry, this is slightly inappropriate.”

I bent down, picking up my book. Holding it to my chest, I crossed my arms over it in a protective gesture.

“Excuse me,” he replied. “I didn’t intend to make you feel uncomfortable.” Holding his hand out to me, he continued. “I’m Makari, and you are?”

“Grace,” I replied, taking his hand as I didn’t want to appear stuck up. I smiled once again, feeling a tumbling inside my stomach.

Instead of shaking my hand, he raised it and laid a soft kiss on it. Glancing up at me, I felt the blush returning as they burned. His lips were soft and warm.

“Could I maybe take you out for a coffee or a drink later to apologize for my clumsiness?” he asked, letting go of my hand.

I giggled lightly as I responded. “Maybe, not that it was entirely your fault.”

“Well, how about tonight? Can I pick you up around eight?” he insisted.

“I’ll think about it,” I said, patting his shoulder before turning to leave. I had taken two steps and knew I wanted to. Turning back, I smiled at him as I nodded.

His smile broadened as he spoke again. “You are so beautiful.”

Turning back to face him, I glanced around. No one seemed to notice our collision, which was good.

I was about to turn and leave when he spoke again. “So, it’s a date.” Closing my eyes for a second, I absorbed his voice. It was filled with a calm tenderness. I could listen to it all day.

“What brings you here, as you are obviously not a student, or are you? Sorry, maybe you’re a new professor.” I asked, smiling like an overly happy dog. In my mind, I was slapping the crap out of my face, but the smile wouldn’t ease up. It felt like my hormones had jumped into a pool of love potion, and I was about to lose control.

“Aren’t you the observant one,” he replied teasingly. “No, I’m not a student or professor. I was just checking in with a professor friend of mine.”

Feeling my body swaying, I wished the earth would open and swallow me. I have never had this reaction to any man I have ever met. “Well, good luck with your meeting then,” I replied, turning. I wanted to run, but my body was betraying me. My legs felt like lead and wouldn’t move.

“Wait,” he huffed, jumping around me to stand between me and the door. “I have already met my friend. But I just want confirmation. I don’t want to end up sitting outside like a stalker. We do have a date tonight?”

A heatwave washed over me. I felt my cheeks turning bright red as I shyly looked up. “I don’t generally do this,” he said, lightly touching my fingers.

If he only knew I have never done this, I get to know the men I date before going out. I have always been careful, but maybe I needed a break. Seeing as my mind was blanking out, maybe some fun was just what the doctor ordered. What harm could it do? This way, I wouldn’t have to face a fawning guy.