My German Summer

Willkommen in Deutschland

Having a 'pinch me' moment doesn't even begin to cover the feelings I have now. Walking the downtown streets of Berlin with my best friends, Aimee and Brittney, I breathe deeply. It's taken years to get to this point and fulfill my dream of vacationing in Germany.

We're on our way from one club to another, not wanting to waste our first full night of being here. Admittedly I have had more than a few drinks and feel a little wobbly in my heels.

Aimee seems to be faring worse than I am as she clings to Brittney, who is the designated sober sister. My phone pings in my purse so I slow to a stop to fish it out.

Disappointed that it was just an email-go figure- I look back up to find my friends are gone. Shit! Turning in a circle I try and gauge which way they went but have disorientated myself from the direction we had been going.

"Eeny, meeny, miny, mo." I chant picking to go left down a side street. I can hear people down farther as I pick up my pace wanting out of the dim side street.

Stumbling over a loose stone I loose my balance pitching forward. Putting my arms up to protect my face, my eyes shut to save myself from watching myself eat dirt. A warm, large hand grasps my arm, pulling me back inches from the ground.

Strong arms wrap around me straightening me to stand close to this person. I can smell the rustic fragrance of the man's cologne.

Cracking an eyelid open I peer into my savior's face. He is tall, with dark hair and striking blue eyes that seem to sparkle even in the dim light of the street. My breath caught in my throat at how attractive this man is.

"Are you okay?" He asks, his voice deep and soothing.

"Y-yes, thank you." I stammer feeling a blush heat up my face. I straighten up stepping away, still feeling the warmth of his hands on me.

"I am Officer Schäfer." He says showing me the badge pinned on his shirt. "Are you lost?"

I nod, trying to steady my racing heart. "Yes, I got separated from my friends. We were going to another club, I must have taken the wrong turn."

Officer Schäfer smiles kindly, his professional manner eases my nerves. "No trouble. Do you remember the name of the club?"

Walking down the street towards the club, I can't help but steal glances at him. Behind his stern demeanor, there is warmth and kindness to his eyes, and I feel safe with him. I take a deep breath, deciding to be brave. "Thank you. I really appreciate you helping me like this, and walking all this way."

"My pleasure." He says kindly, offering a small smile. "It is all apart of the job. Glad to be here for you."

Reaching the club, I can see my friends waiting for me. Upon seeing me, they run to me, pulling me into a hug. I make eye contact with the officer over the shoulder of my friend, he gives a reassuring nod.

"Take care. If you need anything do not hesitate to call." He says, pulling a card from his pocket and handing it to me before leaving us.

"Whoa Parker, did he just give you his info?" Aimee asks, her eyebrows raised in surprise.

"I'm sure he was just trying to do his civic duty. Nothing more." I respond, shrugging as if it were nothing. Brittney gives me a knowing look but doesn't comment.

"Call him. He was totally checking you out."

I stare at my fiery red headed friend, my jaw dropping. Only Aimee could see a polite officer give his card to someone he just helped and turn it into a chance of getting laid. Thankfully, Brittney takes charge of the conversation, like the motherly friend she is.