AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Time stops for a split second. I feel someone’s breath at the back of my neck, their body practically touching mine, and I could swear that I feel them inhale the perfume I sprayed on this morning. A shiver descends down my spine until it turns into a full-on tremble.
Close.
Too close.
I press myself against the shelves, and they must sense my discomfort because they finally take a step back. I flip around instantly, my blonde hair slapping against my face, as my breath becomes shallow.
It stops altogether when I face the handsome man in front of me. I press my back against the shelves, looking up at his beautiful face. His sharp jaw is relaxed, and I bet it could still cut glass right now. It’s not what makes my heart speed up, though. His eyelashes are so long, I bet every woman in his vicinity is not only jealous of them but would also fall in love instantly. It’s such a stark contrast with the rest of him. He’s tall, all muscles under his simple white t-shirt. It’s not even tight—he clearly doesn’t try to get a small size just to show his muscles underneath—but it still feels like the material is forced to accommodate his large limbs. I’m afraid I will start drooling if I don’t stop looking at his broad shoulders, so I snap my gaze back up.
His eyes are a light brown, almost a terracotta hue that makes them hard to stare at. How can such a thick color be so piercing? They narrow in the slightest, observing me with an intensity that makes me squirm. I realize I’m staring when they relax and light up with amusement. I feel a blush come over me, aware that my porcelain skin flushes easily. I bet his never does. He’s a bronze tone that makes him look like a Spartan warrior.
I try to take a step back, the feeling of embarrassment slightly overwhelming, but I’m quickly reminded of my own body against the shelves. Sensing my need for space, he takes several steps back.
He raises the small package of the charger between us. “Is this what you wanted?”
I feel my eyes widen. Yes, of course, the charger. That’s why I’m here. The sudden reminder of where I am and why is like a bucket of cold water being poured all over me. My lungs beg for a sharp inhale, and my mouth obeys. I nod, not finding my voice, and extend my arm to grab the small box. He’s taken enough steps back that I can’t quite reach it. If I want it, I have to move away from where I’m standing, but I feel strangely safe with my back against something.
He senses my hesitation and shakes his head. “You’re not from around here.”
It’s not a question since it’s probably written all over my face, but I nod anyway.
“Are you lost or something?”
He doesn’t look like a threat, but my heart is going crazy from his captivating presence and the state of heightened anxiety I’ve been in. I’m hesitant to respond. If I say yes, he could take advantage of me. If I say no…I can’t say no because it’s evidently a lie.
“I’m not lost,” I finally say with as much confidence as I can muster. “I was crossing town and my phone died. I’m just getting a charger and I’ll be on my way.”
He looks me up and down. “Ah,” he nods. “The traffic diversion.”
I feel my eyebrows rising before I get my facial expression under control. He sees my surprise anyway and adds, “You’re not the first person who got lost on the North Shore today. I wouldn’t hang around for longer than you need.”
Is that a threat? A warning? Is he helping or taunting me?
“Can I have the charger?” I extend my hand again. This time I take a step toward him.
He lets me grab the box, but he doesn’t let go.
He looks at me unimpressed. He doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who ever has fun. “I didn’t hear the magic word. I did grab it for you.”
I take a deep breath, trying to calm the anxiety.
“Please.” My voice is barely audible, and he looks at me with pity when he lets go of the box, and I pull it to me.
I push past him and hurry to the register.
He’s right behind me, a pack of candy in his hand, however I decide to ignore him. The cashier eyes my black Amex, and I wonder if I should have paid cash. I mumble a thank you and look down as I hear the guy who helped me ask for a pack of cigarettes and a lighter.
The moment I exit, I stare at the empty parking lot in confusion. It only lasts until reality hits me.
My car is gone.
“What the hell?” I gasp as I walk around the lot. I don’t know why I’m doing this. There are only two cars parked, and neither of them is mine. I stop at the spot I had parked earlier, and my sneakers crunch on broken glass.
“You havegotto be kidding me.”
My car is gone.
My phone’s in it.
