Shelving the remaining books, Andrea scanned the rooms and smiled with pleasure that Michael was the only one still there with her. As usual, he was sitting on the audio room sofa, seemingly oblivious to anything outside of the room. Since he began visiting her small library the last few weeks, her heart would skip with anticipation each time she saw him walk through the front door. She would make excuses to work near him and watch with fascination as his face lit up with contented affection to each unique musical piece he had chosen. Mesmerized by his passionate reactions, she would almost feel intoxicated as she inhaled the masculine scent of his cologne.
Never believing that love at first sight was possible, she instantly questioned that silly conviction the first time she laid her pretty green eyes upon this stunning man. Standing at least six feet tall, his dusty brown hair fell comfortably around his smooth face, his muscular shoulders blending into a warm soothing body that she envisioned herself snuggling into on a snowy winter's evening. His size contradicted his gentle manner, the tone of his voice never rising above a casual whisper. But the magnetic feature that caused her legs to buckle beneath her was his sensual chestnut eyes.
She couldn't explain the wonderful feeling she got the first time she looked into them. A warm streak blushed from her autumn hair to the tips of her rose colored toes. She suddenly wished this stranger would reach out and wrap his strong arms around her lonely shoulders and pull her close. Since that time, her feelings only seem to grow stronger each time she's around him. She works throughout the day, continuously eyeing the clock, waiting for the playful shadows to escort him back to her door. She yearns to feel his hands caressing her soft skin, his fingers winding through her long tresses, his passionate kisses arousing the bittersweet hunger buried deep within her. She wonders with heartache if he feels the slightest hint of this burning connection that she herself is at a total loss to explain. They have only shared casual conversations, and she cannot tell if he has any feelings for her other than that of a polite acquaintance. At times, she thinks that maybe he's starting to show a little interest, but then she quickly dismisses it as wishful thinking. The combination of her past history with men and timid fear of rejection has kept her from expressing her feelings to him. And as passionately as she loves gazing into his dark beautiful eyes, she knows that he can never return that gaze to see the desire she holds for him within hers. She sighs quietly as she grabs the last book from the cart and places it on the shelf.
She hears a small clicking sound and glances at Michael as he unfolds his shiny black cane. He stands up, swiping it back and forth in front of his leather shoes and descends the stairs toward the outside door. The familiar pang of disappointment that he's leaving catches like a rock in her chest. She dreads the thought of spending another lonely night wondering if tomorrow will be the day he finally notices he can't live without her and sweeps her off her feet and into his life. Seeing him begin to open the door, she realizes she has to do something now.
Panicked, she dashes down the stairs after him. Leaning toward him, she grazes her shoulder against his hard chest and whispers toward his ear in her most seductively soft voice, "I hope you have a very pleasurable evening, Michael." Suddenly, her heel catches on the bottom step and she tumbles into him, sending them both sprawling onto the thickly woven door mat.
Instantly wishing she could disappear inside one of her books, she can feel the flame of embarrassment flicker from the inside out. "Oh Michael, I am so sorry. I am such a klutz!" she whimpers. As they both grab the railing to get back on their feet, she squeezes her eyes shut, wondering how she could have just done something so stupid. So much for trying to be the enchanting library seductress, now he's just going to think she's some kind of raving uncoordinated dip. Believing she will only make matters worse if she says anything else, she clamps her lips shut and dashes back up the steps.
Michael turns to face the direction of her footsteps, his lips curling in amusement at her sweet attempt to get his attention. "Everything's fine hon, really, it's ok," he grins, smoothing down his pant legs. Afraid she will burst into tears and humiliate herself further, she doesn't say anything. They both stand silently as the clock ticks politely into the air.
Sensing now that she finds no humor in the situation, he tries to reassure her, "it's alright, Andrea. It was just an accident." Still, she remains silent. He clears his throat awkwardly. "Well, I guess I'll get going now if everything's ok?" he asks, unsure what else to say, but worried that she seems to be pretty upset. Hearing his voice change from a jovial tone to genuine concern, she starts feeling even more foolish.
She mentally wills herself to control her emotions enough to answer him this time. "Sure Michael, I'm fine and again, I'm truly sorry. Have a nice evening." Her voice trembling on the last word, she's ready for him to leave now so she can scream and pout in self pity, then stomp home to dive into any kind of mocha- fudge-caramel-peanut-pecan treat she can find. She shuts down the computer, slides her black suede coat over her shoulders, and turns to leave, surprised to find that he's waiting outside the glass door
She pushes the door open a notch. "Did you need something else, Michael?" she asks, worried that maybe he really was injured from the fall.
"Well, Andrea I've been wanting to ask you something," he stammers, "I know this is short notice, but I was wondering if you would be interested in having dinner with me tonight?"
Totally caught off guard by his invitation, she just stares into space as intangible little cupids suddenly appear from nowhere and dance in harmony above her head.
"Andrea?"
Blinking her eyes and returning from her brief bout of cartoon like insanity, she looks at him and smiles brightly. "Uh no, I mean yes, I mean no I don't have any plans tonight and yes I would love to have dinner with you," she blurts out in one long confusing breath. She's still trying to soak up the idea that he actually asked her out after she made such a fool of herself.
He smiles and extends his hand to take hers. She feels an indescribable rush as their hands touch for the first time, and a wild shriek of delight begins to pulsate in her throat. She bites her lip to stifle any crazy sound that might clue him in on how neglected her love life has been the last few years. She'd only had a few serious relationships and each guy ended up treating her worse than the one before. Her last boyfriend caused her so much emotional pain that she decided to give up on relationships altogether. She felt her heart would split into a million pieces if she faced that kind of sadness and betrayal again. That had been three years ago and she had firmly stuck to her decision. Until now. There was something entirely different about Michael and even though her protective inner voice warned her to be cautious, she knew deep in her heart she had to take a chance on him or she would end up regretting it. Still clinging to his hand, she turns off the lights and locks the door, her mind still reeling at this surprising turn of events.
As they walk hand in hand along the quiet neighborhood streets, the only sounds blowing through the crisp January air are that of a car horn or barking dog, mixed with the rhythmic tapping of Michael's cane against the concrete. The silence between them is not uncomfortable, but familiar, like that of a seasoned married couple out for their regular evening stroll. Ending their short walk, they arrive at a charming Italian restaurant at the edge of the downtown area. Once inside, they settle into a secluded spot in the corner.
As soft flames flicker from the burning candlelight, romantic music surrounds them. Michael's charming personality and witty conversation are reflected as absolute perfection in her longing eyes. In contrast of the previously silent walking couple, they chat incessantly, as if their souls were childhood friends who had just settled in for a long awaited reunion. They share with each other their hobbies, personal aspirations, family histories and general life stories. Michael tells Andrea that he lost his sight eight years ago in an accident, but he can still see colors and objects vividly in his mind. She remains fascinated as he shares an assortment of amusing stories and hilarious jokes. He causes her to laugh so much, she almost spills her wine. She can't believe how strong and independent he is, and such a wonderful sense of humor. She doesn't care that his eyes cannot see, only that she could spend a lifetime getting lost in the amazing man behind them.
The hours pass by so quickly that before they know it, it's 1:00 am and closing time. After paying the bill, they slip on their coats and head out into the frosty night air. They slowly walk to her apartment, their hands entwined as the stars blink approvingly at the young couple. Stopping at her doorstep, she nervously looks down and anticipates the next move. "Would you like to come inside?" she asks, uncertainty swirling inside her words.
