It was my second day in New Orleans. The Big Easy. Land of Carnival and birthplace of Jazz. Of swamps, vampires, witches, werewolves and Voodoo. Or so the television would have me to believe. Maybe it is all those things too, but I haven't seen them yet. Instead I see colour and life and the tremendous bustle of people, speaking in all kinds of tongues amidst a clatter of noise and the smell of spice. What ever it might be, it is most certainly a far cry from England.
Still a little jet-lagged, I'd opted for an easy day - a short wander along part of main street before quickly retreating into a small cafe. With mild trepidation, I had earlier accepted an invitation to join a man for dinner, and it is here, that the story truly starts.
I'm sitting in the restaurant, not enjoying particularly enjoying myself on this "date". The man in front of me (whose name I have forgotten once again) is perfectly pleasant, but somewhat self-absorbed and kinda boring. Thirty minutes in and I feel that I've spent the entire time nodding and smiling politely. I look around the room, seeing all the other diners, watching the different couples, some relaxed, some leaning into one another, some clearly dealing with more tense discussions. Everything is so very ordinary and unremarkable, just as you would imagine seeing in any restaurant anywhere in the world. Apart from one table. This table is different because there's just one person sitting at it. Tall, handsome, almost magnetic with confidence. And looking back at me. I smile shyly, and quickly avert my gaze, not believing that he, that you could really be looking at me.
I try to focus on the guy in front of me, but I can feel you staring at me. I look up, and you're looking at me like a predator eyes prey. I glance to my sides, but there doesn't seem to be any one else you could be looking at,. However, I really can't fathom why you would be looking at me. Feeling brave I try to hold your gaze, but it's too powerful and I shyly look away again.
No matter what I do, I can not seem to stop looking over at you, unable to shake the feeling that your stare has not moved. I catch your eye again and smile, almost like the guy in front of me has ceased to exist, (not that he seems to have noticed), but your expression doesn't change. Your mystery and calm intrigues me, excites me and infuriates me slightly in that I still quite determine what you could possibly be after.
I take a sip of my water, and out of the corner of my eyes, I see that you're moving, getting closer. My breath catches slightly, watching you move with confidence, grace and the air of a leopard. My eyes widen in surprise as I realise that you're actually coming for me, but it is only when you stop beside the table, that my companion clocks your presence.
"Excuse me..." he begins, making as if to stand and challenge you. Tell you to back off or something, as if he would stand a chance.
You ignore him completely. No words, no looks. It's as if with all your confidence and power, he just doesn't exist. Instead, you take my hand and pull me to my feet.
To say my companion and I are shocked, would be an understatement, but I can't deny how exciting it feels. My stomach all tied in knots, heart pounding, skin flushed red with desire and anticipation.
Without any words, you gently tilt my chin and force me to look at you, forcing my timid and shy brown eyes to stare into soulful eyes that speak of storms in the ocean, a sensual blue-grey colour that has me completely enchanted. My lips part slightly as I try to catch my breath, and that's when you claim them for your own, kissing me firmly and passionately, making me feel completely possessed, until you finally allow me to breathe.
I stare at you in amazement, knowing my date is getting angry and churlish, but all I can hear is my heart pounding, all I can feel is the hot glow of desire, and all I can see is you.
Still not saying a word, you lead me away from the restaurant and into the ladies bathroom. My mouth opens to protest and the women inside shriek, telling you to leave.
"Out."
One simple word. Firm, quiet and brokering no argument. Any further objections are quelled as you speak that one simple word. There are some unhappy, angry glares, but they all exit the restroom, leaving me completely at your mercy.
"What exactly do you want?" I whisper, unable to really speak, still only able to make the briefest moments of eye contact with you. Whatever it is, I have no doubt that I will want to give it to you.
You chuckle softly, and once again, force me to look into your eyes, mesmerising me with that intense stare.
"You" you say, before kissing me again, searing my very soul, stamping yourself upon my heart like a brand.
