Issabell couldn't help but admire his features. He had dark hair, almost black, and almond shaped eyes that were just as dark but deep and with a hint of grey specks that shimmered in the lighting. He didn't have a beard but he had stubble that looked accidental but she knew that it was done on purpose. She glanced at his arms, eyes widening at how his muscles bulged through his shirt. She hadn't noticed them until now. He had an anchor tattooed on his left bicep with the words 'Maria' inked below it.
"What is your tattoo for?" She enquired.
"My mother; God rest her soul. She was a wonderful lady, and so full of life! Her heart belonged to the ocean, and that's what took her from this world. She was out sailing and got caught in a storm, a rogue wave capsized the vessel, no one was found alive..." He trailed off while staring off into a vision of the past, his eyes clouding over.
"I'm so sorry... I wouldn't have..." She stammered while placing her hand on his. A wrecked pain shot through her heart, she didn't want to hurt the man who just saved her life!
"You had no idea, my dear. It was a long time ago and she wouldn't have wanted to go any other way, as I said the ocean was where she belonged." His eyes met hers as she gazed into the dark depths feeling as if the oceans depth were enclosed in them. His stare was intense and she couldn't look away, time seemed to stand still and music ceased to play, all laughter died away. It was just him and her locked into an eternal gaze, fire coursing through their veins, she felt a heat building between her legs. She wanted to kiss him!
She hadn't felt such a draw to a man since Eric. Memories came flooding through her mind pushing out all other thoughts and emotions. Eric, a blonde haired hunk from New York City, and a wealthy businessman who had the world in the palm of his hands as he made it seem, was there. Standing at the bottom of her apartment steps with a bouquet of the prettiest white lily's in his left hand and a ring that would have made a Queen's mouth drop in his right. This was everything she had ever wanted! Besides the job, he was a main factor in her move to New York. Of course, she ran down the stairs and jumped in his arms, and kissing him deeply. Everything in her life was perfect; until he came home drunk one night and smelling like another's perfume.
When she questioned him about it he got angry, and her heart broke. She remembered screaming at him asking him how he could do that to her, as they were so deep in love that she thought nothing would ever come between them. He told her that it was a mistake and it was because he was drunk and it would never happen again. He lied. It progressively got worse and became a regular thing, him coming home drunk and smelling like different perfumes. He would run up and shower but she knew what was going on, but what was really the sad thing, no matter how many times he hurt her, all she wanted was to make him happy and be with him. One day he just never came back, leaving everything of this life they built behind. Issabell was broken. She surrounded herself in her work, quickly rising to the top of her company. She needed that as an escape and it was her way to forget him. It has been two years since she last saw Eric and about a year and a half since she thought about him since she locked those memories up and threw away the key, or so she thought.
The memories faded from her eyes and music danced in her ears as she came back to the moment looking back into Felix's eyes. Her Mai Tai, half drank was dripping beads of sweat down the glass and the smell of mint floated around their table from the Mojito. The band was playing some high paced island song for a packed dance floor, everyone around was laughing and having a great time. She noticed Felix had intertwined his fingers with hers and was looking deep into her eyes.
"What is it Issabell?" He said with a cool smile on his lips.
"I, uh, I'm sorry Felix I must go! It's getting late, and, uh, I've got a bunch of stuff to do tomorrow, I'm sorry! Thank you for everything!" She said while pulling her hand from his and breaking his gaze.
Felix's heart dropped and with a start said, "Wait, already? I mean, of course, I understand." His gazed saddened and dropped.
Issabell felt a pain of guilt as she saw the pained expression on his face. "I'm sorry Felix, maybe we can get together later, I just must go now." With that, she pulled free and sped out of the bar leaving Felix looking sad and lost at the table.
Felix stood up and cleaned up the table, taking the glasses to the bar. Shay was standing at the bar, waiting for a drink order. "Oh, did you need another Felix? I was just getting ready to come back and check on you!" She said.
"Not tonight Shay, thank you though." Felix replied and handed her a nice tip. "I must be going, have a good evening you all."
"Night Felix!" Shay said.
"G'night buddy!" Terry shouted over the music while waving.
Felix made his way out of the bar and walked along the beach heading to his house, as the music faded in the distance only to be replaced by the crash of ocean waves on the beach. His mind was running all over with thoughts of his mother and Issabell. He reached the door to his house, fatigue setting in like a cold chill, he would find Issabell again he thought. There was a spark he felt and he hoped she felt the same. Felix climbed into bed, mind still racing but fatigue played the victor and soon he was snoring, dreams were sure to come.
