Page 7 of Nodus Tollens
I was not ready for that. Especially not with a man who had the face of a Greek god and the body of a Pinterest model.
No way.
I knew I had no choice but to get out of there and fast. My stomach would have to wait a little longer because on a silent prayer, I swung my body around and darted down the hall, away from vending machine guy. For one silly moment, I felt like Cinderella, running from prince charming. Granted, I wasn’t a princess or in some fancy dress, but I had the prince. Well, in my scenario, he was a vending machine’s worst nightmare, and right now, he was chasing after me.
How did I know? Well, I didn’t really, but I somewhat hoped he was. As I continued running down the hall, I luckily came across an open elevator, took my chance and rushed inside. On a gasp, I spun around and frantically searched on the panel for the button I needed.
“Please, for the love of god, close.” I begged while pressing the close door button incessantly. Glancing back and forth between the open gap and the button, I waited for the moment I would be greeted with a large chest and beaming grey…blue? Eyes?
Shit. What color were his eyes?
Blue? No. Brown, maybe? Did I seriously not save that in my head? As I was going over what color they could be, the elevator doors slowly began to close.
Thank you, Jesus.
I was granted relief for a few brief moments. Letting my shoulders relax and my heart to gradually steady itself, I thought I was safe. I thought I managed to escape, but then right before the two elevator doors connected, my stare collided with the most piercing green eyes I’ve ever seen. Two round orbs the shade of emerald stared me down as if I was something foreign to him. Confusion was clearly written across his handsome face as one dark visible brow was scrunched, and suddenly he had his large, tan arm then extending out to stop the elevator. Everything happened within a matter of seconds, so there was nothing I could do to stop it. Instead, I watched in horror as the doors crept open and I became face to face with vending machine guy. Acting as though he didn’t just chase after me, or I didn’t just run away, he casually stepped inside the tiny little elevator until he was standing on the opposite side of me with his hands now shoved into his pockets. I was half tempted to escape the elevator and make a dash for the stairs, but my feet were glued to the floor. I couldn’t run even if I tried, and when the elevator doors finally began to shut again, I took in a long heavy breath for the longest descent of my life.
“You must run track.” He announced from beside me causing my skin to erupt in goosebumps. His voice was deep, almost therapeutic in a way that could make one fall into a quick slumber, I found myself glancing over at him.
“Pardon?” I asked flustered as my eyes connected with his, but the intensity of his gaze had me looking away.
“I said you must do track. Never seen a chick run so fast to get away from me before.” A rumble of a laugh filled the space around us and almost instantly I could feel my cheeks flare.
“I wasn’t… I wasn’t running from you. I have somewhere to be.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “Not that it’s any of your business.”
His large presence loomed beside me. So big and mountainous, that I could see him out of my peripherals, but I didn’t dare to look at him again. If I did, I’d risk the chance of getting sucked into his orbit and no way did I want that to happen. A guy like him must have girls constantly falling over themselves to get his attention. And here I was, trying my damn hardest to magically make this elevator move faster.
“Right.” He chuckled.
Curling my lip, I snuck a quick glance over at him and latched onto his eyes like an anchor. I was hopelessly captured by his hooded gaze and gauze covered eyebrow, that I almost buckled under the potency of it. I was blind-sided by the drastic change in his beauty. Up close he appeared even more busted and bruised, with tiny scrapes littered across his face and a chipped front tooth that did nothing to unnerve me. If anything, I was more intrigued.
Annoyingly so.
“I didn’t mind you watching me if that’s what you’re worried about. I’m used to chicks taking a more… confident approach when they want me. But the whole, if you want me, you’re going to have to catch me first method is definitely working for me.”
Oh my god.
“I wasn’t.” Shaking my head, I forced my eyes onto the elevator door. I wasn’t going to sit here and argue with this man, but I felt more than tempted to put him in his place. “I’m not playing hard to get if that’s what you think I’m doing, so don’t get it all twisted in your head. Plus, I wasn’t… watching you like you think I was; I was more amused than anything to see a grown ass man fight with a vending machine.” Finally, as if my miracle had been answered, the elevator came to a stop and the doors began to open. “So if you’ll excuse me, I have more pressing things to get to.”
Without giving him a last glance, I lifted my chin and sauntered out. Half annoyed and half feeling exhilarated from the encounter, I walked with confident steps into the lobby until I felt someone spring up beside me.
“Hey, wait up.” The same, intoxicating voice from vending machine guy begged on an exasperated chuckle as I continued to make my way towards the exit. My heart galloped at our closeness. Him completely towering over me, while my 5’5 frame walked beside his. I bet we looked ridiculous.
I remained silent, pretending as if I didn’t hear him but there was no avoiding a presence like his. Even as we were walking out, I could see heads turning as they took in the man beside me. Not only was he devastatingly good looking, but he was also built like a brick house. And here I was, the antisocial, awkward, clumsy young woman who was normally overlooked by everyone. And I was when I was next to him. But for some strange reason, he only had eyes for me.
Just as we made it outside, he made a last-ditch effort at getting my attention. He rushed past me and blocked my path with his wide frame facing me. “Hey, I’m a dick. I’m sorry.” His stare was heavy on mine as he ripped the hat of his head and ran his fingers through the dark strands. It was obvious he wasn’t used to apologizing or admitting when he was wrong.
He looked nervous.
“Sometimes I say shit before thinkin’.”
Chin tilted upward; I scoured his face for any dishonesty.
“You might want to work on that.” I crossed my arms over my chest and peered off into the parking lot. “Wouldn’t want that face looking anymore damaged than it already is.”
Laughter.
Loud, deep laughter emitted from him, and I swear I felt a slight tingle between my legs.
