Page 2 of Perfect Strangers

“Shit!”

I strap my bag around my shoulder, and haul ass back up the stairs. Winded and out of breath, I reach the top and turn the corner, praying that my phone is still laying on the floor somewhere.

“Looking for this?”

I stop dead in my tracks, at the sound of his voice and spin toward him. I find him, leaning against the wall as though he was waiting for me. He’s just chilling there, nonchalant standing on one foot while his other is pressed against the wall.

His dark blue jeans hug his hips accentuating his athletic shape. An unbuttoned black pea coat covers his chest, keeping him warm and I can’t help but giggle when I see a pastel pink scarf hanging around his neck. It seems so out of place with his dark clothing and dark eyes but somehow he makes the pink look good.

He waves my phone toward me as I take a couple steps closer. My hand reaches out for the phone. “I thought it might still be on the floor somewhere. Thank you.”

Ju

st as I’m about to grab it, he pulls the phone away from me. “Not so fast missy.”

I give him a what-the-hell-are-you-doing look and he laughs. “What’s so funny?”

His rugged voice responds back. “You! You just left without even saying anything.”

I scoff, “Well, what the hell was I supposed to say? Sorry, I bumped into you, but I didn’t want to miss my train.”

He shrugs his shoulders, still holding my phone hostage. “I don’t know, maybe a simple thank you for helping me off the floor. Or you could have just waited and I would’ve given you back your phone then.”

His smug attitude annoys the crap out of me as I roll my eyes. “Look, I don’t have time to play games. I need my phone. So, thank you for helping me up and thanks for keeping hold of my phone.”

He gives me a studying look, hesitating for a moment, but then hands me my phone. I sigh with relief as I take it from him, about to press the home button to make a call.

“Don’t bother, it’s dead anyways.”

“Ugh! Seriously! This has been the night from hell. First, I lose my wallet, then I have to ditch a cab driver his money owed, next I miss the last train leaving the city, and now my phone’s dead. Yup, night from hell. All because I had to attend a party in the city.”

He smirks, “Don’t forget, your heel broke.”

I glance at him with anger as he holds back a laugh. I keep hold of my death stare but can’t help but watch as he struggles to keep his composure. At that moment, we both burst into laughter. Our loud burst echoes throughout the halls as we garner a few glances from some of the other pedestrians. My belly muscles ache as they clench with each laugh, bellowing from deep within. Tears fill my eyes as we remain laughing uncontrollably. It’s so stupid yet depressing all at the same time. I’m just a hot ass mess right now.

The laughter dies down as I walk away, making my way toward a nearby bench and take a seat. The handsome stranger follows and takes a seat next to me.

I glance at him from the corner of my eye, trying to figure out his motive. And then, realization hits me.

“You knew I was going to miss the train! That’s why you were waiting for me!”

He nods his head. “Yup, I knew. I was just coming from the platform when you slammed into me.”

My mouth drops. “So, you just let me run all the way down there with no shoes?!”

He shrugs his shoulders again. “Hey, I tried to stop you.”

I look away, holding my frustration and bottle it up instead. “Why were you down there? You obviously weren’t planning on taking that train right?”

His head shakes as he glances away. “Nope, I was just dropping off this girl. She goes to school up north.”

“Really? So do I.”

He turns toward me and smiles with a surprised look and opens his mouth, but immediately pauses. His dark eyes deepen with curiosity as he stares at me. Uncomfortable yet intrigued by his stare, I can’t help but blush and look away. A couple strands of my dark messy blonde hair falls toward the front, blocking my view of him out the corner of my eye.

The nerves start to kick in and I can’t help but stammer as I mess with my loose hair. “Well…uhhh, I’m sure you have things to do so feel free to leave. I have to wait here for the next train.”

He glances at his phone. “You know the next train isn’t until six in the morning right?”

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