Love At First Sight

Chapter - 09

Jacob made his way to the bar, the familiar creak of the floorboards beneath his boots barely registering as he approached the counter. The bartender, a grizzled man with a bushy mustache, acknowledged him with a nod and started pouring a drink without needing to ask what Jacob wanted.

As Jacob settled onto a stool, he happened to glance to his left, and that's when he saw her. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. Her blonde hair cascaded in soft waves over her shoulders, catching the light and creating a halo around her head. Her green eyes were striking, like the color of the deep forest in spring, and they sparkled with a quiet, mysterious allure. She wore a modest summer dress with a floral pattern that seemed to dance with every movement she made. The dress couldn't hide her figure, especially her slender waist and graceful curves.

She was sitting alone at the bar, a delicate hand wrapped around the stem of a wine glass, which she brought to her lips with an elegance that left Jacob breathless. The world seemed to blur around her, and for a moment, it felt as if time had stopped. It was as if a bolt of thunder struck him, and he knew instantly that it was love at first sight.

Jacob's heart pounded in his chest, a mix of excitement and nervousness coursing through him. He couldn't tear his eyes away from her, every detail of her appearance etched into his mind. The soft blush on her cheeks, the way her lips curved into a faint smile as she sipped her wine, and the way she seemed so serene, yet so alive, captivated him completely.

"Who's she?" Jacob asked the bartender, his voice barely above a whisper.

The bartender glanced over at the woman and then back at Jacob, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "That's Eliza. Her family's new in town, just moved here a few weeks ago. Keeps to herself mostly, but she seems to be a kind soul."

Jacob nodded, his eyes never leaving Eliza. He took a deep breath, gathering the courage to approach her. He knew he couldn't let this chance slip away.

"Mind if I take a seat beside you?" Jacob asked, trying to keep his voice steady despite the nervous flutter in his chest.

Eliza turned her head to him, her green eyes coolly scrutinizing the man who had approached her. She thought it was inevitable; in her experience, it was rare for a woman of her looks to sit alone at a bar without drawing some attention.

"No, I don't mind. Feel free to take a seat," Eliza said.

Jacob quickly sat down, but once he did, he realized he was at a loss for words. The beautiful woman who had captured his heart in an instant was now right beside him, and he was suddenly conscious of how unprepared he was for this encounter. Though Jacob wasn't the naive young boy who had left Pine Ridge five years ago, the hardened outlaw was still inexperienced in the art of conversation with women. He had yet to make the acquaintance of a woman who stirred him so profoundly, and now his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as he struggled to find the right words to say.

Eliza noticed his hesitation and something within the blue eyes of this stranger, an innocence, grabbed her attention. It made her curious to know more about him.

"First time striking up a conversation with a random woman in a bar?" Eliza asked with a chuckle, her voice teasing but kind.

Jacob blushed bright red, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks. "Yes, ma'am. I have to say, I've never done this before," he admitted, his honesty surprising even himself.

"Then what compelled you to come over?" Eliza inquired, a genuine curiosity in her tone.

Jacob took a deep breath, searching for the right words. "Someone once told me, 'Jacob, never let beauty pass by your eyes without appreciating it.' Well... here I am, appreciating beauty," he said, his voice sincere.

Eliza laughed, a melodic sound that seemed to fill his ears. "That was quite corny, cowboy," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"At least I got you to laugh, didn't I?" Jacob replied with a shrug, feeling a bit more at ease now.

And like that, the two started conversing with each other. Jacob and Eliza remained at the bar, engrossed in each other's company, until the saloon's closing time. The bartender finally approached them and politely said, "Folks, it's time to close up. I hope you had a good evening."

Jacob and Eliza exchanged sheepish smiles before standing up. "Guess we lost track of time," Jacob said, offering his arm to Eliza.

"It was worth it," she replied, taking his arm as they walked out of the saloon together.

Outside, the night air was cool and refreshing. Jacob led Eliza to his horse. The moonlight glinted off Dakota's mottled coat, and the horse nickered softly as Jacob helped Eliza onto the saddle.

"Are you sure this is okay?" Eliza asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice.

"Of course," Jacob said, swinging up behind her. "Dakota here is strong and gentle. She'll get us to your home safe and sound."

They rode through the quiet streets of Bluebell, the rhythmic clip-clop of Dakota's hooves the only sound breaking the night's stillness.

Jacob had learned more about Eliza. She was the daughter of a wealthy garment business owner based in Maple Glen, a bustling town a few days' travel from Bluebell. Eliza explained that they had come to Bluebell for a year at most, her father drawn by a particularly lucrative deal for the procurement of raw products in the area.

"It's a temporary move, but I find this place refreshing compared to the hustle and bustle of Maple Glen," Eliza said, leaning back slightly against Jacob.

"I'm glad you came here," Jacob said softly, his heart beating a little faster.

Soon, they reached Eliza's home, a large, stately house that stood out among the more modest dwellings of Bluebell. Jacob dismounted first, then helped Eliza down from Dakota. They stood there for a moment, the night enveloping them in a comfortable silence.

"I had a wonderful evening," Eliza said, her voice soft. "Thank you for keeping me company."

"The pleasure was all mine," Jacob replied. "I hope we can do this again."

Eliza smiled, her green eyes sparkling. "I'd like that."

Jacob took a step back, preparing to leave. "Goodnight, Eliza."

Before he could turn away, Eliza stepped closer and, with a quick movement, pressed her lips to his. The kiss was brief but it sent a jolt through Jacob's entire body. When she pulled back, he was left standing there, dazed.

"Goodnight, Jacob," Eliza said with a laugh, her cheeks flushed. She turned and walked towards the house, waving over her shoulder. "Until next time."

Jacob stood there, staring after her, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. As the front door closed behind her, he finally managed to move, mounting Dakota with a dreamy smile on his face. The horse seemed to sense her rider's mood, setting off at a gentle trot back towards the camp.

As Jacob rode away, the taste of Eliza's kiss lingered, a promise of something new and wonderful. And so, with his heart light and his mind filled with thoughts of the beautiful woman who had captured his soul, Jacob rode back to the camp, the night now holding a new kind of magic.