ALMOST MINE, ALREADY HIS

Camila's POV:

Presenting Aphrodisiac.

A meal, beverage, or substance that arouses intense sexual desire.

Does eating, or simply the act of eating, have the power to make someone feel romantic?

Yes, but not in the sense that one might expect.

Food can evoke a burning passion by suggesting sex to the mind; however, it has not been shown to stimulate the sex organs. The body and brain have a strong bond. Frequently, our thoughts deceive us by turning on a switch that shouldn't be there.

He flicked on a switch I had no idea existed.

Whispers of the devil.

Mischievous ice blues.

Soft touches.

Enticing aroma.

Well-chosen words.

He made me want more and left my mouth watering.

I exhale in relief as I pull my faded red Honda into the parking lot. Finally, after fifteen minutes of hardships, a few sympathetic glances, and strangers shaking their heads. My car was able to be parallel parked. I can't remember how long I spent forwarding, reversing, and forwarding, and guess what? In reverse.

In the past, I made every effort to stay away from downtown because of the scarcity of parking spaces and the exorbitant parking fees. Today, though, I needed a change of pace.

I picked up my expensive hot cup of coffee and headed for the river. How wealthy people can live with themselves knowing that they are charging five dollars for a little cup of coffee is simply beyond me. However, I can't hold it against them; I am too lazy to prepare it at home, so I decided to go to their franchise and use my debit card to meet my needs. On the back of my shelf are two coffee makers that are gathering dust.

I took out my earbuds and sat down on the damp park bench, letting the sound of music soothe me. I let out a long breath and looked around. Nothing was altered. Over there, the elderly man is still alive. Young high school boys are still being observed by the cougar lady there. Here, kids continue to play unattended by their parents.

Once more, here I am. About a month ago, I had a nervous breakdown about my college graduation and came to this park. I still don't know what to do with my life after five long, cruel, and costly years.

I sometimes think college is a fraud. I can relate to anyone who has gone through or is going through the intense life of a college student.

After a semester, students rush to arrange the perfect class schedule or just enroll in the simplest professor they can find, hoping that a D will suddenly turn into a B, planning trips they can't afford but want to take, and patching up several distant relationships.

There is no assurance of employment, even as graduation draws near. After escaping one inferno, we enter maturity, a different kind of hell. Endless applications to different jobs, many of which aren't even related to the degree's topic of study. Not to be forgotten are the amusing calls from loan sharks asking for money without realizing that other bills must be paid. They use the word "prioritize" to indicate which bill is more crucial.

We can all be summed up in one word: stress.

I don't know if it's the chilly, rainy weather or the bright sun piercing my eyes, but every second that went by brought out more and more of my bitter personality. I realized that adulthood fucking sucks and the high school system is one big ole scam.

To help me relax, I've started going here almost every afternoon. I was interrupted from my emotional tirade by the sight of two figures approaching me as I was still listening to music and staring at an unknown object.

A dirty blonde was the first guy. He was dressed in grey sweatpants and a black t-shirt that accentuated his biceps. I can see he was a tall man, perhaps six feet or more, even when seated. He had fair, tanned skin. He was very attractive.

However, I couldn't help but notice the man next to him because of his strikingly familiar aura. The man jogging next to him was a little shorter than he was. His smooth tan skin and orbs are hidden by his messy, light brown hair. It was a white T-shirt that fit his body well.

They are so sexy that it ought to be against the law. However, one thing keeps coming to mind: how are they not freezing amid January? My bottom began to become numb as I scooted up into the bench and realized I was sitting in chilly water.

My jeans are presently wet from the cold water I'm sitting in. The fact that I always have a pair of sweatpants in the back of my car makes me happy.

Icy blues, his eyes suddenly met mine like an inevitable bullet.

It seemed as though the entire universe stopped at that improbable moment. His lips curled upward, nearly, but not quite, into a smile. With brutal strength, his massive chest rose, flexed, and fell, heated breath mingling with the icy air. A subtle tint of vermilion is coloring the high cheekbones. The perspiration on his cheeks gets more noticeable as it moves down his neck and blends with his shirt collar.

My entire body is screaming for me to jump him, and I can hear it. Which, as a possible rapist, may get me a great night in jail. The title, "short stump of a female jumps divine treasure," is visible to me now.

I therefore performed what I consider normal. I clapped my hand over my foolish eyes as if there were something inside.

As my right leg begins to shake violently, I can feel the blood surge to my face. I pretend to text someone while I'm staring at my phone. As they walk past me, I catch the strange scent of apples and sweat.

I look up and see that everyone is looking at them with wonder. They are, of course. They are just stunning.

I had to give a little snort. It doesn't bother me to be behind him. Marking my territory by clawing on his wide back and screaming his name.

However, they are the deadliest adversaries of women since they may easily break our hearts. I like that my heart is intact.

I am aware that they are the kind of guys who will never notice me since I am as invisible as the air. I'm below the air, wait. To breathe, they require air.

Naturally, I would never talk to them or even be close to them. My lover cherishes and loves me. Checking them out, though, doesn't hurt. I'm not cheating on my partner. I can't help but smirk as I begin to gaze at their incredibly attractive ass.

I am but human, after all.

I decided to return to the park the following day. I need this because I failed my chemistry exam. I quietly curse God for not endowing me with a photographic memory as I gaze up at the gloomy sky. However, it isn't their fault; I probably need to have done my homework beforehand.

After taking a deep breath, I put on my headphones and sat down at my regular stop. I picked a song at random from my playlist and fell asleep. When I observed a towering man coming toward me, my brows furrowed. As I put on my spectacles, I noticed a beautiful sore.

Icy blue eyes.

He's here, but why?

His hands were jammed into the pockets of his black sweatpants as he stood before me. He traced the tip of his tongue over his dry, peeling lips, moistening them and biting lightly.

A few times, he clears his throat and says, "Hi."

Camila's POV

It's as deep as I anticipated. I would have gone to the bathroom and laughed uncontrollably if it had been a high pitch. So that I might enjoy some happiness today, I wish he had a high-pitched voice.

The blood in my body immediately raced toward my face, giving me a tingly feeling between my legs. Oh my god, no! You're dating someone! My inner sex goddess was evoked.

I looked around to confirm that he was speaking to me. I do enough embarrassing things every day without having to reply. No one else was in the area.

"Umm, me?" I answered unsurely, pointing to myself to be sure he was speaking to me.

He firmly answered, "Yes," while rubbing the back of his neck. I followed my gaze down to his neck, where I noticed a silver ring secured with black straps. It was breathtakingly gorgeous.

I can see his Adam's apple moving up and down as he cleared his throat a little again. "Can I help you?" I asked him with a smile as I returned my gaze to his.

What can I do for you, an extraordinary man, as a regular human woman?

Is he an alien, perhaps?

Nobody can look so nice, after all.

He put his hands back into his pockets and rocked back and forth a little as he added, "I saw you here several times around here, and I was wondering if you want to go out sometime?"

Sexy extraterrestrial, you want to take me?

I don't find it surprising that he isn't used to asking females out. If someone constantly flung themselves at me, I wouldn't ask them out either.

As his eyes darted to me, a tiny smile tugged gently across his stubbled jaw, revealing a single deep dimple.

Goddamn, did this lovely extraterrestrial just ask me out?

My heart is pumping blood quickly throughout my body, and I can feel it. I couldn't stop my heart from beating so much, even though I know it's terrible.

I spread my hands and said, "But we are outside."

Calm down, Camila. Buttery smooth.

He let out a low, ragged laugh while biting his dry lower lip in the cold air. "How about a date?"

"I don't eat that fruit, it hurts my teeth," I say, grinning and blinking a couple of times.

It would be less awkward if you pushed him down and fled.

"Is it too sweet for you?" he asks, his brows furrowing as a brief laugh slips out. He gives me a cunning smile.

Mister Alien, you're too lovely for me.

"Way too sweet, indeed. It's too much for me to bear. Do you enjoy eating dates? I remarked as I felt the perspiration trickle down my armpits and played with my fingers.

He is attractive, which is why I continue to speak with him.

I don't need that," he says, puffing up his wide chest after taking a long breath. Just gazing at your adorable body makes my teeth ache."

I raise an eyebrow and scoff once, "Corny much?"

"Camila's POV

It's as deep as I anticipated. I would have gone to the bathroom and laughed uncontrollably if it had been a high pitch. So that I might enjoy some happiness today, I wish he had a high-pitched voice.

The blood in my body immediately raced toward my face, giving me a tingly feeling between my legs. Oh my god, no! You're dating someone! My inner sex goddess was evoked.

I looked around to confirm that he was speaking to me. I do enough embarrassing things every day without having to reply. No one else was in the area.

"Umm, me?" I answered unsurely, pointing to myself to be sure he was speaking to me.

He firmly answered, "Yes," while rubbing the back of his neck. I followed my gaze down to his neck, where I noticed a silver ring secured with black straps. It was breathtakingly gorgeous.

I can see his Adam's apple moving up and down as he cleared his throat a little again. "Can I help you?" I asked him with a smile as I returned my gaze to his.

What can I do for you, an extraordinary man, as a regular human woman?

Is he an alien, perhaps?

Nobody can look so nice, after all.

He put his hands back into his pockets and rocked back and forth a little as he added, "I saw you here several times around here, and I was wondering if you want to go out sometime?"

Sexy extraterrestrial, you want to take me?

I don't find it surprising that he isn't used to asking females out. If someone constantly flung themselves at me, I wouldn't ask them out either.

As his eyes darted to me, a tiny smile tugged gently across his stubbled jaw, revealing a single deep dimple.

Goddamn, did this lovely extraterrestrial just ask me out?

My heart is pumping blood quickly throughout my body, and I can feel it. I couldn't stop my heart from beating so much, even though I know it's terrible.

I spread my hands and said, "But we are outside."

Calm down, Camila. Buttery smooth.

He let out a low, ragged laugh while biting his dry lower lip in the cold air. "How about a date?"

"I don't eat that fruit, it hurts my teeth," I say, grinning and blinking a couple of times.

It would be less awkward if you pushed him down and fled.

"Is it too sweet for you?" he asks, his brows furrowing as a brief laugh slips out. He gives me a cunning smile.

Mister Alien, you're too lovely for me.

"Way too sweet, indeed. It's too much for me to bear. Do you enjoy eating dates? I remarked as I felt the perspiration trickle down my armpits and played with my fingers.

He is attractive, which is why I continue to speak with him.

I don't need that," he says, puffing up his wide chest after taking a long breath. Just gazing at your adorable body makes my teeth ache."

I raise an eyebrow and scoff once, "Corny much?"

"My flirting skills aren't exactly smooth, are they?" With a slight giggle, he sticks out his tongue.

With your appearance, who needs the ability to flirt?

I gave a headshake. "Ever consider going to the library?"

"For what?" he inquired.

"There is this book called Flirting for Dummies."

His head was tilted, his soft brown hair was quickly swept to one side, and his amusing lip curled upward. "How about I try this again?"

Intrigued, I sat there with my arms crossed.

Let's watch how this develops.

He said, "You know consuming dates has its benefits," and he sat down next to me.

"Such as?"

He leaned over and clasped his big, solid hands together as he said, "Aids in hangovers, reducing chances of getting certain cancers, and boosting energy."

Leave now, intelligent and beautiful alien. Increasing energies? You're making my life miserable. "Every fruit does that," I said, swiveling to face him.

He grinned and said, "I meant boosting sexual energies."

"Strawberries can do the same thing." I leaned down on my knees to get a better look at him, and I bit my lip.

He seems to be bending closer to me. "You like strawberries?"

I lean in with him indistinctly. "I love strawberries."

As though I were the only person in the park, ice blues stared at me and asked, "Plain?"

I said, "No, with chocolate."

His steaming breath is touching my lips. "What about whipped cream?"

"I like them on my strawberries, too."

With a sneer on his lips, he said, "I prefer them on something else."

"What else is it good for other than strawberries?" I bit my lip.

He held out a finger, signaling for me to approach. As he cupped his hands over his mouth, tucked my stubborn hair behind my ear, and kissed my lips with his hot, searing breath, I moved inward, my thigh hitting his. "Ice cream," he muttered.

I pushed him away with a loud chuckle that I let out while covering my mouth.

"Oh, of course! I wiped the light water from the corner of my eyes and remarked, "How stupid of me to forget such a significant dessert."

"I'm not a fruit guy," he replied, twitching his lips as he ran his thin fingers through his untidy hair.

I chuckled briefly before asking, "What kind of guy are you?"

His lips are pressed together as he says, "I'm more of a seafood kind of guy."

I arched a brow and crossed my legs. "Oh? What kind of seafood is your favorite?

Leaning back into my burned ears, he drew us closer once again.

"Oyster. I adore oysters.

After that, my mouth fell to the chilly floor. I closed it and turned to face him, rubbing my nose against his. A malicious smirk appeared in his eyes, and I noticed a mischievous gleam.

"You know there is a method in eating oysters," he said in a whisper.

Our noses brushed against each other as I shook my head. "I didn't know that."

He answered, "Many don't know, but lucky for you, I happen to be an expert," without retreating.

"You're willing to share your secret?" I exhale.

"Yes."

"Educate me," I said tremblingly.

His fingers are in contact with mine. "It cannot be eaten immediately. It must be carefully and carefully prepared. When it's ready, you must appreciate the artwork and enjoy it. He spoke slowly, steadily, and calmly, "Drink the juice completely, eat it as if it were your last."

As I drank in his drunken words, my throat tightened and my mind cleared of all ideas.

"Do you happen to know where I can eat an oyster?" He gives me another sly smile.

"Th-there is a place n-near here that sells f-fresh cold o-oyster."

His voice was huskier than before when he said, "I prefer my oyster hot and moist."

The cool air mixes with our broiling breaths. His fingertip touched mine, and I could feel it. Icy blues, brimming with implicit longing, locked into my dark brown.

I gulped, took a long, trembling breath, and leaped to my feet, stepping back from what I thought was the danger area.

He gave me a bewildered expression. I needed water since my throat was dry. He rose to his feet, looming over my small frame, and extended his hand. "What's wrong-"

"I apologize. "I have a boyfriend." I let out a yell.

While my unwanted sister below screams in disappointment, especially since she prepared a waterfall, my conscious gave me a high five for doing the right thing.

He opened his lips to speak, but I knew it was time for me to go when my cell phone rang.

"Excuse me, I have to go." I smiled a little at him, put on my headphones, and walked away.

I turned to look at him after he had speed-walked close to my car and was chatting with his friend.

The corner of his lips tipped down as his friend let out a loud laugh, and he turned to face me. He took one tentative stride in my direction but quickly retreated, biting the back of his mouth.

I instantly shake my mind, telling myself that this is wrong because I have a partner.

I instantly turn around and head for my car.

It's unbelievable that I allowed him to make so many sexual approaches toward me! Stupid hormones!

I held a hand over my chest and bit my fingernails as I climbed into my car. I can feel it thumping hard. I put my head on my wheel and my hands on it.

Stop beating, please. aren't exactly smooth, are they?" With a slight giggle, he sticks out his tongue.

With your appearance, who needs the ability to flirt?

I gave a headshake. "Ever consider going to the library?"

"For what?" he inquired.

"There is this book called Flirting for Dummies."

His head was tilted, his soft brown hair was quickly swept to one side, and his amusing lip curled upward. "How about I try this again?"

Intrigued, I sat there with my arms crossed.

Let's watch how this develops.

He said, "You know consuming dates has its benefits," and he sat down next to me.

"Such as?"

He leaned over and clasped his big, solid hands together as he said, "Aids in hangovers, reducing chances of getting certain cancers, and boosting energy."

Leave now, intelligent and beautiful alien. Increasing energies? You're making my life miserable. "Every fruit does that," I said, swiveling to face him.

He grinned and said, "I meant boosting sexual energies."

"Strawberries can do the same thing." I leaned down on my knees to get a better look at him, and I bit my lip.

He seems to be bending closer to me. "You like strawberries?"

I lean in with him indistinctly. "I love strawberries."

As though I were the only person in the park, ice blues stared at me and asked, "Plain?"

I said, "No, with chocolate."

His steaming breath is touching my lips. "What about whipped cream?"

"I like them on my strawberries, too."

With a sneer on his lips, he said, "I prefer them on something else."

"What else is it good for other than strawberries?" I bit my lip.

He held out a finger, signaling for me to approach. As he cupped his hands over his mouth, tucked my stubborn hair behind my ear, and kissed my lips with his hot, searing breath, I moved inward, my thigh hitting his. "Ice cream," he muttered.

I pushed him away with a loud chuckle that I let out while covering my mouth.

"Oh, of course! I wiped the light water from the corner of my eyes and remarked, "How stupid of me to forget such a significant dessert."

"I'm not a fruit guy," he replied, twitching his lips as he ran his thin fingers through his untidy hair.

I chuckled briefly before asking, "What kind of guy are you?"

His lips are pressed together as he says, "I'm more of a seafood kind of guy."

I arched a brow and crossed my legs. "Oh? What kind of seafood is your favorite?

Leaning back into my burned ears, he drew us closer once again.

"Oyster. I adore oysters.

After that, my mouth fell to the chilly floor. I closed it and turned to face him, rubbing my nose against his. A malicious smirk appeared in his eyes, and I noticed a mischievous gleam.

"You know there is a method in eating oysters," he said in a whisper.

Our noses brushed against each other as I shook my head. "I didn't know that."

He answered, "Many don't know, but lucky for you, I happen to be an expert," without retreating.

"You're willing to share your secret?" I exhale.

"Yes."

"Educate me," I said tremblingly.

His fingers are in contact with mine. "It cannot be eaten immediately. It must be carefully and carefully prepared. When it's ready, you must appreciate the artwork and enjoy it. He spoke slowly, steadily, and calmly, "Drink the juice completely, eat it as if it were your last."

As I drank in his drunken words, my throat tightened and my mind cleared of all ideas.

"Do you happen to know where I can eat an oyster?" He gives me another sly smile.

"Th-there is a place n-near here that sells f-fresh cold o-oyster."

His voice was huskier than before when he said, "I prefer my oyster hot and moist."

The cool air mixes with our broiling breaths. His fingertip touched mine, and I could feel it. Icy blues, brimming with implicit longing, locked into my dark brown.

I gulped, took a long, trembling breath, and leaped to my feet, stepping back from what I thought was the danger area.

He gave me a bewildered expression. I needed water since my throat was dry. He rose to his feet, looming over my small frame, and extended his hand. "What's wrong-"

"I apologize. "I have a boyfriend." I let out a yell.

While my unwanted sister below screams in disappointment, especially since she prepared a waterfall, my conscious gave me a high five for doing the right thing.

He opened his lips to speak, but I knew it was time for me to go when my cell phone rang.

"Excuse me, I have to go." I smiled a little at him, put on my headphones, and walked away.

I turned to look at him after he had speed-walked close to my car and was chatting with his friend.

The corner of his lips tipped down as his friend let out a loud laugh, and he turned to face me. He took one tentative stride in my direction but quickly retreated, biting the back of his mouth.

I instantly shake my mind, telling myself that this is wrong because I have a partner.

I instantly turn around and head for my car.

It's unbelievable that I allowed him to make so many sexual approaches toward me! Stupid hormones!

I held a hand over my chest and bit my fingernails as I climbed into my car. I can feel it thumping hard. I put my head on my wheel and my hands on it.

Stop beating, please.

Camila's POV

Serendipity is sometimes referred to as synchronicity, fate, coincidence, or fortuity.

It is the notion that the cosmos has a way of intervening and directing you when you take certain steps and move in the direction you should be going.

Serendipity occurs when faith and action blend and appear to float to the lovely melodies.

Are you my lucky find?

I contemplated returning to the park or finding a new one while leaning on the kitchen counter.

Yes, two days ago, you were asked out by a very gorgeous man, but you declined. Yes, you allowed him to make a lot of suggestive remarks about you. However, what's causing your negative mood? It's not as though you cheated on your lover by accepting his invitation. He doesn't own the park. How likely is it that you will see him again?

I was unable to quit thinking incessantly. I kept thinking about him all the time.

I check the time-3:00 p.m. I was fortunate that my professor, whom I call the devil, ended class early today.

I know I won't see him if I leave early. It sounds like a strategy to be perfect. I grabbed my earbuds and keys and drove my beat-up, terrible car to the park because, well, it still works.

A tiny coffee shop attracted my attention as I was driving. Despite driving by this place multiple times, I have never been inside. After parking, I picked up my bag and made my way to the tiny establishment.

As I entered, I noticed several bookcases, a burning fireplace, and some green plants. I knew right away that I liked this place. I'll be back.

"Hello, what can I get for you?" grins a young woman.

"Can I have a latte with whip cream, please?" As I reached into my dark hole of a purse, I murmured. I don't know why I have such a big bag with me when I never use anything in it, but I know that I will need it eventually if I decide not to use it. "Coming right up."

I eventually located a five-dollar bill after several grueling minutes of searching in my purse and the cashier's uncomfortable look. With a sigh of relief, I settled into a chair and paid for my coffee. Pulling on my earphones, I gazed out the window.

As people scramble wildly to get inside, the rain patters softly on the window. The rain is so soothing that I adore it. It makes me want to curl up with a big, fluffy blanket and sip hot cocoa by the cozy fireplace.

I heard a faint tap on my shoulder as I was falling asleep. I removed one earbud.

"Pardon me. Is this seat reserved? A booming, well-known voice asks.

Suffocatingly hot, the temperature rose and broke the thermometer.

It was blazing hot.

I turned my head gently and licked my dry lips.

He.

"No." I shook my head.

Take a seat and leave. Take it and leave.

He sat down after giving me a heartfelt, straightforward smile.

Alright, not what I anticipated. It appears that the boy doesn't accept rejection. Who am I kidding, I wonder? He's not a boy. He's a man.

He was wearing black sweatpants and a white T-shirt that flaunted his biceps. Water was trickling down his cheeks past his sharp, stubbled chin and down to his neck, which ended at his wide chest. I let out a big gulp and looked up to find that the dry, cold air had chapped his lips. My eyes snapped back down towards the table as I looked up a little more and saw that he was staring at me with his icy blue eyes.

The bartender finally arrived and brought us our drinks after a few awkward minutes. The heart on my coffee made me smile uncontrollably. When someone draws on my coffee, I adore it. From my cup to his, my gaze follows.

"Black?" Unintentionally, I said aloud.

"Yup," he said, raising an eyebrow and nodding. My favorite.

I furrow my brow and ask, "Isn't it bitter?"

He sipped, "Certainly is."

"Ever try it with one small teaspoon of almond milk?" I inquired.

"No," he said.

Try it out. Gives a little kick of sweetness.

"How sweet?" he said, leaning forward.

"Not too sweet, just enough for you to get addicted," I murmured, resting my chin on my palms and my elbows on the table.

His lips curled upward on one side, nearly forming a smile. "Fascinating."

Leaning forward and placing both arms on the table, he draws us closer. "And if I don't get addicted?"

"Go back to black coffee," I shrug.

He straightens his long legs, sits back, crosses his arms, and looks at me.

"Don't you get bored?" Setting down my coffee, I inquired.

He leaned forward again, uncrossed his arms, and tilted his head. "Of?"

consuming the same old beverage. Try something different. Go beyond your comfort zone. I grin at him and take another sip from my cup.

Coffee is something I adore. I'm having trouble.

He nodded, raising one eyebrow. In a provocative tone, he continued, "I think I will try something new,"

I knew it before. We began to joke, laugh, tease, and tell stories as though we were old friends.

"Yes. To get my dog, I scale the window. My cute but stupid puppy. I tried to enter the PIN at the front entrance, but it kept rejecting me. I waited for someone to come home for five hours while wearing my boxers outside. Loud laughter bursts from his lips, and he leans back slightly.

"Why didn't you call them?" I tried to suppress my hyena laugh by covering my mouth with my palm.

"I left my cell phone inside the house."

"Isn't there another way to get in?"

"It's funny, you ask, because I tried to enter, but every window closed on its own. They installed this new, expensive system that shuts everything off since my younger brother kept slipping out. A fucking alarm went off when I shattered the window. The next thing I knew. Ten police cars encircled me, and I was taken into custody for breaking.

I scowled outside as I started giggling at his tale of being locked out of his house while wearing boxers. I switch on my phone and check the time: 9:26 p.m.

I noticed that there were six coffee cups in front of us when I looked down. Well, I'm out of coffee for the remainder of the week. I looked around and saw that the only people there were us and a worker who was using his phone while he leaned on the counter.

I gathered my belongings and got to my feet. It's getting late, I'm sorry. I must leave.

He mimics my movements and gives his neck a quick stroke. "I wanted to apologize about the other day, but hold on. I was unaware that you had a boyfriend. I hope it's not too strange for you.

I shook my head and grinned at him. "Not weird at all." To be honest, it increased my self-esteem and confidence. Not every man or woman can appreciate the sensation of being approached by a supermodel.

"Would you like to have lunch or coffee next time?" he asks with a small giggle. However, friends are simply friends.

I bite my bottom lip, wondering if I should eat lunch with a total stranger.

"That's not my objective at all. The friend thing was what I truly meant. "Camila, I like to talk to you," he remarked hastily. He offered me a tiny smile that revealed his lone deep dimple as he kept stroking his untidy hair.

I reluctantly give a head nod. I knock Greg down with the half-empty coffee cup as I reach for my phone.

"Oh my god. I'm so sorry. As I proceeded to apologize, I reached for a napkin and patted it on his jeans.

"Camila, it's okay." He tried to pull me up by grabbing my wrist, but I continued to clean him. "Camila, I don't think this is a good idea."

"What isn't?" I keep patting him and ask. He was staring at the worker with his eyes up. I turned to see the worker's jaw agape as he stared at us. I realize I was patting close to his privates when I look back at my hands. As I let the soiled napkin fall to the ground, my eyes enlarge.

I immediately leaped to my feet and defended myself by waving both palms in front of him. "It wasn't... I wasn't. I'm not a pervert.

He reaches for a fresh napkin and pats himself softly on the stain, letting out a rustle of laughter. It's all right. You didn't mean to, I know that. Simply said, that's not what other people believe. He cocked his head toward the employee.

The blood is hurtling up toward my face.

"So perhaps no coffee. Next time, how about we meet together for some sandwiches? In exchange for smearing my clothing?"

I stared into his eyes and twisted my lips again. "Sure."

As though he had been holding his breath, he let it out.

I had no idea at the time that my answer would change my entire life. That the individual in front of me is anything but typical.

He put his hands in front of me after we had exchanged numbers, and I extended mine for a quick embrace. We try again and end it with uncomfortable laughter as we clumsily back away while laughing. This time, we switch places once again.

His words were, "Okay, I got this." He takes hold of my wrist and hugs me.

I said, "This is kind of weird," against his chest.

"And why is it weird?"

We only met today. We're hugging you even though you're kind of a stranger."

"We met two days ago, technically. "Friends are allowed to hug," he replies, "and we became friends about six hours ago."

I nodded, sucking in both lips. "You're correct. Friends can give each other hugs. If he didn't answer, I cleared my throat. I stepped back and said, "I've got to go," pointing to the door.

He slowly nods. "Okay."

I moved to the door after biting my lip. He looked back at me and continued to wave casually. "Bye, Greg." I laughed aloud, and my voice echoed through the cafe. Despite my best efforts, I was unable to control it.

He steps back and hides his scarlet face with his hands while he laughs hard in a deep, husky voice. Then he yelled back at me, "Bye, Camila!"

He drew a cute little mischievous smile on his lip.

The guy looked at our faces, shook his head, and went back to cleaning.

I heard my cell phone beep when I finally got home.

Unknown: Greg, is this person? We had a pleasant conversation today. You forgot your earbuds, by the way.

I look around my living room and see that I have misplaced my earphones. I've misplaced three pairs of earphones in the last two weeks, damn it. I glanced down at the screen after hearing a soft ding.

Greg, I'll give it back to you if you meet me at the downtown park on Monday night.

Camila: All right. Regards.

I collapsed on the couch after dropping my cell phone onto the coffee table. I began to question whether it's OK to have a friend who is so stunning and sensual.

I groan loudly and put both hands to my face. I can't get him out of my head.

Greg.

Ba-dump.

Greg.

Ba-dump.

Ba-dump.

Every time I close my eyes, his face appears and his name keeps repeating in my head. My chest becomes constricted every time I hear his deep, sensual, yet lighthearted chuckle.

I was enamored with his deep laugh.

His lips lifting to reveal his deep dimple and perfectly positioned white teeth is something I will never forget. It has a sense of mischievousness and seems so honestly nice. My body feels a surge of warmth whenever he grins.

His eyes were the most unexpected. It had a hint of green within, but it was mostly blue. My blood danced as he gazed at me with those seductive, icy blues.

I recall every detail about him. The way his pale, sensitive lips are licked. How softly he bit them. When he feels ashamed, he scratches his head. The way his mouth twitched when he was trying to remember something. His hand barely touches mine, and I can feel how warm it is.

Everything.

I took a few long breaths, got to my feet, and shook my body.

That's not how I like Greg at all. Like everyone else, his physical appearance has me completely smitten. He is a very attractive man who would fascinate anyone.

I decided to take a shower and ran to the bathroom.

A long, chilly shower.