Four
The diner was warm and fragrant with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and fresh baked pumpkin pie.All I Want for Christmas is youplayed on the old-fashioned jukebox in the corner. Micah stood inside the entrance door and slowly tugged off his gloves, his gaze drifting around the small establishment, absently searching for…what? His fatedtrue love?
Except for an old man seated near the window, and the middle-aged waitress refilling his cup, the place was deserted-
Micah’s heart skipped a beat, his whole being slipping into limbo when the young man slid to the edge of the rear booth, previously concealed by the high-backed seats. Micah couldn’t move, could barely breathe as he stared at the man—mid-twenties, handsome, a lock of dark hair fallen across his perfect brow and partially into his eyes. Eyes that were suddenly locked with Micah’s stare.
This can’t be happening. Things like this…they don’t happen in real life.
Micah trembled.
Expect a miracle.
He blinked and moved slowly toward the counter at an awkward gait. From the corner of his eye, he saw the young man leave his booth and venture forward, a bit hesitant—his focus holding on Micah.
Every nerve in his body sprouted to the surface, tingling his skin. Could a miraclereallyhappen…likethis…ontonightof all nights? It seemed so far-fetched and fantastical he couldn’t wrap his mind around it.
What if thisisit? Are you ready for it? Ready to make that leap and let the walls come crumbling down?
Micah could hardly catch his breath; his heart was racing so furiously. He sank down on a red faux leather stool at the counter before his knees buckled and sent him sprawling to the floor. Fear and excitement grappled in his gut, bringing on a lightheadedness that beaded his brow with sweat.
The young man made his way in Micah’s direction.
Just breathe—breathe!
He took deep, controlled breaths and the lightheaded sensation lifted.
“E-Excuse me, sir?”
Micah swallowed, took another deep breath, and twisted halfway around. The young man fidgeted nervously, a cell phone gripped in his gloved hands. Micah prayed his voice wouldn’t shake when he replied, “Yes?” No tremor. Thank God.
“Hi…” the young man hesitated, a nervous laugh escaping him. “I feel really embarrassed to ask this…”
Micah swallowed hard. “What is it?”
“My phone…” he held up his cell and rambled out hurriedly, “It died on me and the pay phone in the back is out of order. I’m headed to my parents’ place for Christmas but I’m running late, and I really need to give them a call, let them know I’ll be late, and…” He took a long, deep breath, “…I was wondering if you had a phone I could use?” he shifted anxiously. “I’m really sorry to ask. I know you don’t me from Adam…”
“Of course.” Micah smiled and dug out his cell. “No problem.”
“Thank you.” The man grinned, relieved. He sank onto the stool beside Micah and took the phone. “Thank you so much.”
“Glad to help.” Micah cast him discreet glances as he made his call. His dark hair was a soft sable, clipped short around the nape of his neck, his bangs slightly long. Stray strands rebelliously dropped into his silvery-gray eyes as he repeatedly brushed them away.
He could be the one.
Micah couldn’t take his eyes off the young man’s handsome, flawless face as he connected with his mom and let her know he was okay and would be home within the hour. With each smile that touched his lips, Micah’s pulse quickened. Maybe it was all just physical attraction at the moment, but the tingle in his belly button insisted it could be more if he just gave it a chance.
He was startled by how ready he was to explore this possibility. The man was beautiful and adorable and incredibly sexy in a sweet, innocent kind of way that thoroughly appealed to Micah.
“Thank you.”
Micah blinked and realized the man was offering his phone back, a grateful smile on his perfect face. “Oh.” Micah returned the smile and laid the cell on the counter. “I hope everything is all right.”
“Yeah.” The young man’s smile stretched. “My mom, she worries about me, especially when I’m out on the road in this weather.”
“Understandable.”Don’t stare at him—you’ll creep him out.Micah averted his eyes, but it lasted a mere moment before he was gazing at him again. “Have…have you been on the road long?”
“For about three hours. I’ll be so glad to get home.”
