This is a story that I wished was true - and had we both been more honest with each other at the time, rather than after I'd moved away maybe it would have been! It is all based around events as I turned 20 and the woman, her late teens.
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I walked in to the foyer out of the elevator and over to the office where I would be working and I saw her.
She was stood with 3 of her friends. She stood out against the others though. She was so beautiful. She has these eyes that draw you in. A smile that lights up the room but also seduces you and makes you want to smile right back.
I waved and smiled at them, they waved back and giggled to each other speaking Cantonese.
Over the next few weeks and months I'd get to know all 4 of the girls - their characters, what they liked to do for fun etc. They were all really great people, but this one lady, Natalie stood out above all of the others. She was incredible.
Now, my office was within a hotel, where the ladies worked which was great, until I got in on a day that Natalie wasn't working and then I found myself feeling kind of lost.
I never said anything to her for a while about how attracted to her I was. It was so difficult to not say anything because there were so many things I wanted to do with her! Our friendship blossomed though and there were often soft, playful touches and joking with each other but never an overt mention of attraction from either of us.
One day, I decided to pluck up the courage to ask her out. I was sweating and I could feel my throat feeling so dry before I'd even entered the building.
I saw her later that day and asked her if she'd like to get a quick drink. We sat talking, sharing our lemon tea drinks in our usual way.
"Nat... I... I have something to ask you, if you don't mind?" I said.
"Of course." she replied.
"I was just... you know... I ... I was hoping... can I take you out for dinner this weekend?" I asked, bright red in the face.
"Yes. You can. Where do you want to go?" she asked.
"Should I see where the others want to go?" she followed up with.
"Actually... I, uhh... I was hoping it would just be me and you going." I said, getting hotter and brighter red by the second.
"Oh... you mean, as a date?" she responded.
"Yea... but it's ok. If you're not interested then it's fine, I'm not going to be offended. I didn't expect that a guy who looks like me was actually going to be in with a shot with a woman who looks as good as you anyway." I said, wanting the world to swallow me up whole.
"No, you're crazy!" she said.
"I know, I know it was a stupid idea. Please forget it and lets just carry on being friends." I said.
"No, I mean, you're crazy thinking that I wouldn't go out with you. I'd like to." She reassured me.
"Really?! That's amazing! You wanna go to Shek O? We can hang out at the beach first and then go to get some food." I said, getting all excited with myself. To be honest, I suggested the beach hoping she'd be wearing a bikini!
"Yeah, sounds like a great idea! I feel like I've been stuck inside for an absolute age. Get some sea and sun on my skin and then I'll let you get me some food and drink." We both laughed and she grabbed me by the arm.
I smiled at her and she smiled back. We both just stood there looking at each other for what felt like 20 minutes but was probably 2 seconds. I was enraptured by this woman's eyes and smile (as much as her sexy figure!).
I leant in and kissed her softly on the lips.
"oh shit... I'm sorry! I moved too quick, I am so sorry!" I said, again the redness growing in my face.
"no. It was nice. I've gotta go now but I'll see you tomorrow." with that she turned and started to walk off.
Later that night, I was sat in my living room excitedly thinking about getting to see her down at the beach the next day and all of the things that might happen while we were there and what might happen afterwards when my phone pinged with a message from Natalie.
"You looking forward to tomorrow? I know I am :) x."
I couldn't believe how a woman like her could be interested in me. I mean, I'm not the ugly, I'm just pretty plain.
"More than you know! I've wanted to ask you out since just after we first met but was always too nervous." I replied.
"Well now you've got what you wanted, I hope I don't disappoint x." She came back with.
"I don't think I could ever be disappointed to see you, you're gorgeous." I typed and then got up to grab a drink from the fridge.
"Even like this?" she asked and had attached a photo of her in her pyjamas - a loose t-shirt and some small shorts and her hair tied up on the top of her head.
"Especially like that. That's you naturally. No make-up, no need to wear anything uncomfortable. And that bed looks like it could be comfortable ;-)." I responded. I knew I wouldn't have been as comfortable saying that in person, but hiding behind my telephone I felt like I had more confidence.
"Not really big enough for 2 though we'd have to squeeze in together very close!" she responded.
I'll be honest, my next response was definitely not very imaginative... I just sent the aubergine emoji!
Thankfully she took it the right way and sent back some laughing emoji.
"I'm going to go asleep now. Need to get my beauty sleep to see you tomorrow xxx." she sent.
"Good night. Hope you have some good dreams. I'll have to kiss you when I see you tomorrow to make up for not being able to kiss you goodnight now ;)." I sent back.
"I'll keep you to that, no backing out now! :)." was what I got back.