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Maybe it’s the small bags I notice under her eyes that catch my attention, but the thought occurs to me that this must be Natalie’s first time living alone.
“So, do you have a roommate?” I ask to keep the conversation going.
“Actually, no.” She shakes her head and reveals a smile. “I’m not really a roommate type of person.”
“Yeah, believe me, I wish I could live alone. Unfortunately, I’m staying in the dorms over on the south side of campus and have to do the whole roommate thing. But, so far, the guy seems ok,” I say with a laugh as an image of my roommate doing an awkward-looking keg stand at the party last night flashes back to me.
“NATE!” I hear a thunderous voice yell across the coffee shop.
Oh great.
Turning my head, I see both Steven and Kevin coming toward me. They both look like hell, and they both look like they spend way too much time in the gym.
“Dude, where were you? You were supposed to be my ride home today,” Steven announces.
“Sorry, I had some things I had to take care of,” I reply.
Steven’s attention immediately turns to Natalie. I swear drool is running down his chin.
“Well, well, well. Who do we have here? I’ve never seen you around campus.” The way he looks at her has me rolling my eyes. I notice her cheeks flush with embarrassment.
“Dude, take it down a notch and wipe the drool from your chin. This is Natalie. Natalie, this is Steven, my roommate I was just telling you about. And the guy next to him is Kevin,” I say, leaving out the part about Kevin being Steven’s inseparable shadow.
“It’s nice to meet you both,” she says politely.
Kevin quickly jumps in. “So are you coming to the party tonight at the Theta Phi house?” He looks like a pathetic little puppy waiting for her to answer.
“Yeah, what about it? I could be your escort for the evening?” Steven winks, puckering his lips like a duck while standing in a Superman pose.
“No, I’m sorry. I have to get some reading done tonight. Maybe another time,” Natalie replies, clearly trying to stifle a laugh.
“That’s too bad,” Steven says, frowning. “Well, we’ll see you later, Nate. And, Natalie, hope to see you soon.” Steven gives another wink, then he and Kevin turn to the coffee line and sulk up to the counter.
“You really should come to the party tonight,” I say. “I’ve never seen a guy look so heartbroken.”
She looks at her hands, which are now intertwined on the table in front of her. “Oh, I’m not really a party type of person.” Then, looking up at me, she gives just a tiny smile. “Besides,” she places her hands on her book, “I really need to get some reading done tonight, or I’ll never finish in time.”
I can’t help but glance at her lips as she speaks. Those same perfect lips I had kissed less than a year ago.
“Well, that really is too bad.” I shake my head, disappointed. But then a small smile forms as a memory from a couple of years ago comes back to me. “Hey, remember that summer a few years ago at the Gordons’ house when you and Vanessa made all those water balloons and then—”
She cuts me off. “I’m sorry, I just realized the time and need to get going. It was nice seeing you, though, Nathan.” She smiles and picks up her things, then walks out the door so fast that she doesn’t even give me a chance to stop her.
What the hell just happened?
Grabbing the napkin and pen in front of me, I scribble on it quickly and run after her.
“Natalie!” I yell.
She stops abruptly and turns to face me but misses the sidewalk's edge and falls toward me. I take a giant step and catch her in my arms, holding her tightly against my chest. I hear her breath falter as I look down into her intoxicating grey eyes.
And for a moment, as our eyes meet, it feels like we are the only two people on this busy sidewalk.
There’s an unusual energy increasing between us that’s filled with a sensual desire unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. I feel my heartbeat accelerate, and I realize she must too since her hands reside on my chest.
Quickly, I try to regain my composure and release her from my arms while taking a step back. I run my hand through my hair, and with my other, I hold out the folded napkin for her.
“Take this,” I say, “in case you change your mind.”
