1 The encounter
In the dusk hours of the day, I sat staring at empty space, deep in thought. Well no one could guess what was on my mind at that moment. What am I actually doing at Giuseppe's? This was a pizzeria as well as a wine, snack and coffee place. I was indeed bored the whole time while at my apartment so my feet ended up dragging me here. I sat waiting for my order to be brought however couldn't help but feel my anxiety kicking in because.....guess what? Am getting married just the day after tomorrow!
I thought about Ray and what he could be doing at this hour. Me thinking about him always calmed my nerves. I always found my self smiling at the thought of him. Well.... I had it in mind that he was probably thinking about me, basing on the number of times he called my cell phone today. We couldn't wait to see each other tomorrow. It sounds silly but it's culture, as everyone told us....so I couldn't wait for our honeymoon.
"It's all here," a voice wakes me up from my evening dream.
"Thanks," I say. I take my time as I sip on my drink. In the blink of an eye I catch sight of someone gazing in my direction but brush the thought off. However, the next minute I notice a slight movement on my right and turning, I come face to face with a man then realise he was the one glanced my way a few minutes back.
(Well this stranger is really good looking...we can't ignore that.....right? Can't really blame her for checking him out).
He is closer now and I can easily point out his features, his hazel shaped eyes and perfect physique. His brown chocolate hair, slightly ruffled which gives him a nice look. Honestly, he looks gorgeous even from a far. What the hell am I thinking?
I then snap out of it slightly embarrassed. This is not right Andrea, i inwardly say to myself. I couldn't have possibly been checking him out whoever he was.....my conscience kicks in.
I think of Ray and how i had promised myself never to do anything stupid at the cost of our relationship, Ray was so loving. My heart instantly breaks at the thoughts of checking this guy whoever he is.
For the past years, i had been involved in a few relationships before meeting Ray. As a model who was committed to my passion and career, with my outstanding features and beauty, i had been signed by the famous companies in the entertainment industry, perfume companies, magazines, and brands which included, one love, Adore me, Cosabella, Victoria's secret among others. It's what made me famous. And during my work as a model, I met different men but in the end decided to settle with Ray. Not all of them had good intentions.
He was loving and understanding, he always encouraged me and was there when I needed him. I always felt like an angel while with him. After dating him for two and a half years, i truly believed i was ready to settle down and make a family with him. In the past, it was one of my worries, because of the dedication to my career. But now, all i wanted was to relax and settle down with the man I love. Having joined the industry at the age of 16, having a family of my own at 28 wasn't a bad idea. I had made great achievements career wise.
"Hi, am Tony."
Startled, i came back to my senses, blink twice and look at the man facing me, oblivious to what he just said. His looking directly at me and his gaze is hard to comprehend. I feel the colour rise up my cheeks, my face flushing and slightly embarrassed.
He apologises to me calmly.
"No eerr...hm...it's fine,"I say
I then sip the contents of my glass hurriedly, not once looking at him.
He notices my discomfort then calls out another order for me.
"Thanks,"i say in a low tone.
He continues sipping his drink directly looking at me. I then wonder why he particularly decided to sit close to me, but i keep the question to myself.
After a few minutes, i excuse myself, head outside and release a breath I had no idea I held. Slightly calming down, i return to find the stranger still in the same position and develop a bad feeling.
He could be a fan Andrea, relax. I think to myself. I should head back home.
"Hmm...it was a pleasure meeting you, I'll take my leave.... thanks for your company." I head out.
Before i even make five steps ahead....
"I'll see you out then.." He says.
Startled, i turn, face him and ask in a low but firm tone,"sorry?.."
He just looks at me like my words don't make any sense to him, above all my privacy. The heck, I don't even know who he is! His expression is unreadable but calm. He is not fazed at all by my words.
"Am taking a cab to my apartment, I'll manage thanks."
Quickening my pace, I head out, while ordering a cab and wait patiently.
"A lady like you shouldn't stand out alone at this hour."
I can now recognize that voice. What the heck? It's just 7:30pm and he thinks I can't handle this on my own? He got to be kidding me...I decide to ignore him. These are the times I actually wish Ray would by my side.
Thank God the cab pulls over and wasting no time, I open the door and quickly get in and shut it in no time, only to see him hopping in from the other side too.
"Where do you think you are going?" I ask firmly. " Are you stalking me?
I glare menacingly at him.
He then smiles at me.
That smile, really....I can't stand another second of this guy. I could actually tell him to smile again but this wasn't the right time. I keep my tough face on.
"Drive." He says.
What the hell? What does he want from me? The questions keep bothering me but the driver has no idea, all he does is drive.
We finally reach my apartment, I pull out my wallet and hurriedly pay the driver then jump out of the cab.
At the porch, he is still here standing, he looks directly in my eyes. Of course I can't fail to notice his sexy looks but that's none of my business. His perfect eyes, his long majestic strides and his naturally built perfect body, which stood out. Everything about him reflects confidence and control.
My legs suddenly turn to jelly because of his gaze and I nearly lose my balance, when he suddenly hold my back and steadies me. Our gazes lock and I feel embarrassed. One second am pushing him away from me and the other am instantly pulled toward him. Why? When I maintain my gaze on him, he actually looks familiar but can't figure out how or where I might have seen him. Guess it's my imagination.
I straighten and gain my composure then mutter a soft thanks to him.
"I'll take my leave then, since your safe and sound..." He says.
"It's Andrea.." I clarify
He then proceeds to order a cab as I decide to get in.
Suddenly a thought occurs to me and I find it rude of me to just leave him out on his own as he waits for his cab.
"Do you mind a coffee?"
He intently looks at me, as if asking clarifying whether am actually fine with it. Seeing no uneasiness, he replies "sure."
It was a bit cold outside so when we entered my apartment, it was welcomingly warm. I headed to the kitchen bar, he followed suit and made himself comfortable. I poured him a warm cup of coffee and he muttered a thanks.
"I'll head upstairs in a bit."
"Sure."
I wanted to have a shower and then see him off after his coffee. While in the shower, I kept on thinking about Ray, making a mental note to call him after. Tomorrow was our wedding kickoff party and i was also expecting mum to arrive in the wee hours. I couldn't contain my happiness as i thought about how my new life with Ray was going to begin just after tomorrow. I've dreamt of this for sometime now and I really want him to be happy just like he made me happy. Just a few hours to our wedding, I thought...
After showering, i applied my skincare products, threw on a short night slip and a gown. I loved the comfort it gave me during the night, it was just simple.
Preparing to have a video call with Ray, I suddenly remembered this strange guy on other side of the house. I then decided to head down the stairs and see him off.
"Hi...."
-----------------------------------------------------------
Tony's POV
"Hi.." she suddenly said.
On turning around my breath caught in my throat. She was standing in the middle of the kitchen. I just lost myself in her beauty.
Her features looked perfect. She had maintained her body. Her long beautifully carved legs, her slim waist and her curves were just enough. Above all, her natural stunning beauty which could now be visibly seen since she had no make up on.
I maintained my gaze on her.
Oblivious of my reaction to her, she went ahead and began tidying up the place, taking my cup to the sink. When she finished rinsing it, she turned around and found me gazing at her firmly. Her cheeks flushed. I noticed her discomfort. I could clearly see her curves, her shimmering skin, and her full chest. God, she really looked breathtaking. I was practically ogling at her.
too.
I followed suit as my feet led me to her. I took slow but firm steps towards her, while directly looking in her eyes. I guess she was deep in thought because she nearly jumped after realising how close we were. I got hold of her. Her scent was so nice that I had to restrain myself from whatever God knows.
I instantly felt the urge to kiss her and gave in. I felt her body tense against mine but I was ready to to wait till it took whatever time for her to accept me.
I needed her and I had to do whatever it took to be with her.
As though her chest was meant for mine, it fitted perfectly. What I felt at that particular moment, is what i had never felt with anyone before. Where was she all along? I thought to myself. I immediately carried her upstairs while deepening the kiss, she melted in his arms. I laid her down carefully on her bed and....
I froze instantly. What has she just said? Is she kidding?
I sat at the edge of her bed, holding my face in my hands....i felt a stab in my heart. I didn't know why I followed her, all i knew was I felt something i couldn't understand and let alone ignore. A passion....desire, sudden protection. Just when I was so close, I lose it all.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Andrea
He looked like a model who had jumped out of a magazine. I couldn't help but gaze at him too. I had no idea why my feet remained glued to the ground. Even when i tried to move, I failed. He really looked sexy and couldn't help but stare at him. I prayed for the ground to swallow me at that moment but nothing happened.
Just at the moment, my thoughts had diverted and I didn't realise how close he already was. I nearly bumped into the table when his strong arms reached out to steady my balance. We were now in close proximity. I could practically feel his breath. His scent, a mixture of his aftershave and cologne. This was too much to bare.
I thought it was just a bad dream. Have I gone nuts? I can't possibly be infatuated with a stranger, whose name I dont even know.
They are just hours to my wedding! Am going to meet the love of my life tomorrow and here i am thinking of the unthinkable. This can't be right!
I then decide to remind this man whoever he is that am engaged and that am getting married just the day after tomorrow.
"Well, I think you mus....." But before I even say half of the statement,
He instantly crushes his lips with mine. I feel my whole surroundings turning, this was so fast and unexpected. My body freezes all of a sudden. My mind tells me to do push him off but my body says otherwise and i finally gave in to the kiss.
I wanted it all to be a dream and hate myself for being so weak but it's real.
Am swept off the ground in his strong arms and what I realise next is that he is heading to my bedroom.
Just when things were going alittle deep, I returned to my senses.
"I can't do this....am sorry." Tears pricking my eyes, threatening to fall, my voice turning to a sob. I felt so lost.
"I can't...I ..am getting married..I can't do this to him, I love my fiance." It was more of a whisper but he heard what I said because his shoulders slightly tensed and he shot daggers at me. He stood up, pulled on his t-shirt and left.
What the hell had just happened? I thought. How could I betray Ray just like that? With a total stranger....
That was so close.
I love Ray and am aware of the place he has in my heart but why do I feel like I've lost a part of me?
I hope this is all a bad dream and the end of it.
