The Stranger

I was drinking my mochachinno and immersed in my book when I looked up and saw him.

He was sitting across from me on the other side of the room and was also reading a book. Our eyes locked for a split second and then just as suddenly we both turned our attention back to our books and our warm drinks.

I pretended to keep reading but I could feel his eyes on me and I felt myself start to blush. Don't look up.

Just another quick glance....

With my head lowered I raised my eyes and looked at him. He half smiled...more like a grin and I quickly looked back down at my book but before I could stop it my mouth started to form a smile. I tried to bite down on my bottom lip to prevent it but it took over my face.

I felt silly sitting in this coffee shop with a book in my face, smiling like a lunatic...but this man....this stranger caused something else to stir inside me as well. Excitement...curiosity...

I had to stand up and get out of view before I embarrassed myself further.

Don't make eye contact. The washrooms were ahead and to the right. I had to pass his table.

I casually closed my book and placed it on the table in front of me and then stood and began walking in the direction of the washrooms. Don't make eye contact. As I passed his table I couldn't help but look at him from the corner of my eye. He was still looking at me. Still looking.

I had made it as far as the dimly lit hallway when I felt someone grab my hand. Surprised, I turned around and he was standing there looking at me. I felt my heart start to pound. Dark hair, sharp chiseled features and ice blue eyes. I was speechless. He smiled. Neither of us spoke but he was still holding onto my hand and his fingers on my palm sent electricity up my arm.

He moved in my direction and I backed toward the wall....my back against it he continued to get closer and closer until his face was only a few inches from mine. Ice blue eyes. Neither of us spoke. He half grinned and then without a word he placed his mouth on mine and kissed me deeply. His mouth tasted like whatever he had been drinking...sweet and warm. Time stood still and I returned his kiss with building passion. He pushed himself against me and brought his hands up to cradle my face. We stood there like that...against the wall in a passionate embrace for what seemed like hours...

Then without warning he pulled away from me and with a smile he turned and walked back down the hallway toward his table. I was left breathless and electric with my back against the wall and I watched him as he walked away.

I stood there for a while...not wanting to leave that spot...basking in the moment...until finally I convinced my legs to move and walked back to the table.

I looked toward where he had been sitting.

He was gone.

I glanced around the coffee shop but there was no sign of him. I licked my lips and could still taste the sweetness of his mouth. I smiled.

I never did get his name....or even hear his voice...that stranger with the dark hair and the ice blue eyes. But every now and then he comes to me in my dreams and takes me back to that dimly lit hallway...