New Hope was down a long stretch of road that ran directly over the Delaware River into Pennsylvania and right through my hometown of Lambertville. The town had my heart, enriched with it's melting pot of people, history, architecture, and rustic scenery to match. Several shops lined the streets and at the opposite end of town awaited the huge outdoor Farmer’s Market, my destination for today. I drove through the town traffic in my pearl white Acura TL, stopping for several lights and pedestrians, but ultimately, I
reached the Farmer's Market. I paid the parking fee and pulled into a spot close to the road across from the market. I got out of the car, shutting the door behind me and sounding the alarm as I scanned the vicinity of the market and swarms of people shopping.
After braving the crowds for a couple hours for retail therapy, I decided it was time to make my way back over the Delaware and head home. I squeezed my way through the three acre market, passing bootleggers and stands that sold a variety of items such as fruit, home-made dog biscuits, designer knock-off shoes, clothes, handbags and more.
Lugging my bags toward the crosswalk, I fished my keys out of my back pocket while trying not to drop my bags of goodies. Instantaneously, a sharp knotting tore into my chest from the pit of my stomach. I gasped in horror as the knot felt as it had its own life, growing bigger and about to burst through my skin. My hands clammed up and started shaking profusely as my head spun and the surroundings began to play Ring-Around-the-Rosie, using me as the Rosie and taunting me. My ears popped just as I heard a car horn honking at me and the chatter of people around me turned to a buzzing sort of white noise, like a station that will not come in on an old, rabbit antennae TV. Everything faded in and out as my legs turned to jell-o my and my eyes rolled up into my head before dropping to the pavement of the street.
I entered a panicked yet contradictory peaceful state I have never been in before, sort of a dream-like state. I saw myself squinting my eyes from a blinding light beaming from a figure that stood just ahead of me. An angel, perhaps? But I was not at Heaven’s Gates. The ethereal figured appeared to have a male physique I could not distinguish. Curiosity enticed me to reach out, to touch it. As I did so,
the figure jerked away and I started to come out of the unconscious stupor, bewildered. My head was cradled in a set of toned and unfamiliar arms, seemingly male. This mystery person’s sleeves were rolled up exposing his skin and intriguing, calming scent that I adoringly inhaled deeply into my lungs.
“Fall into someone’s arms much?” Chuckled a soft, deep voice. The unrecognizable voice forced my eyes open, my sight blurry. Through the cloudiness of my unadjusted eyes, I saw the most beautiful smile shining as bright as the visitor I had just envisioned. My eyes began to focus more, and behind this ray, was an even more beautiful face of a man, unlike any face I had ever seen. I had to have been imagining him. Whatever this was, he was breathtakingly gorgeous with his natural browned complexion, so dark against my porcelain skin, spiked jet black hair, chocolate brown eyes, and craters for dimples. I felt my heart skip and my head flopped back. His perfection had me in complete awe, and I surrendered without a fight.
“Hey, are you awake?” He asked, sounding concerned, followed by, “I'm calling 911.”
I opened my eyes again and found my words struggling to escape my throat. “No..... please.... I'm....I am fine.” My voice became stronger. “Please, spare me any more embarrassment than I've already caused myself.” I could foresee a crowd around this scene, pointing and whispering, and I felt my face getting hot as my cheeks flushed. Since a child, the hue my face would glow always exposed my emotions.
His chuckling voice broke through my thoughts. “Well, it’s either I call for an ambulance or I take you myself.”
I was more awake now, and sitting up, I protested, “I don’t get into cars with strange men who fall from the sky and come to my rescue. Ever heard of stranger danger, buddy?”
“Actually, my name’s Matt, but you can call me buddy if it makes you feel better. And I didn't swoop down from the sky, silly.”
I couldn't pick up on if he was being arrogant or just joking, but I did know it was not at all flattering. It figured that a man as handsome as him had this negative personality flaw.
Before I could reply, he continued. “I was heading out and noticed you wobbling, so I ran over to help so you didn't get run over.” He was smiling, and soon giggles erupted behind those perfect, white teeth. “Besides, if you did, it could have made a big mess and this newly paved road.”
Quickly infuriated with his sarcasm, I pushed his arms away from around me, and raised my voice, now stronger. “What the hell is so funny?!” I was still weak though and lost my balance, causing me to fall back and Matt to reach for me.
“Okay, let’s go.” All laughter left his voice. He placed his arms under me and stood up in one smooth motion, picking me up as a groom would carry his bride over the threshold. I didn't put up a struggle with this strange man helping me. I simply squinted my eyes against the sunlight to peek in the direction we were headed, which was across the street toward a brand-new, garnet red Infiniti G37
Coupe with limo tint all around and 19 inch V-spoke aluminum alloy wheels.
He stopped at the passenger side of the car, gently propping me up against it for support. “Are you alright?”
I nodded yes, peering up, studying him for a few seconds as he dug around his pockets for his keys and unlocked the doors from the keypad. He was about 6’2”, slightly towering over my 5’8” frame with an athletic build. I examined Matt's masculine, yet boy-like profile, and at that moment my eyes wandered up to his softly intense eyes. He turned to me, catching me mid-stare and a smile spread across his lips. I was getting light headed and wobbly again. Instinctively, Matt wrapped his arms around my waist and helped me into the car, carefully making sure I didn’t hit my head. I sank into the black leather bucket seat and leaned my head on the headrest, feeling woozy.
“Want to lay the seat back?” He asked, reaching around me and pulling the seat belt around me.
With a loud click, I was held in place.
“No, I'm okay. Can you just bring me to my car?”
“You are not driving. You may be concuss”
I opened my mouth to object as his words interjected.
“You're stubborn, aren’t you?”
“But ---“ I stammered, as he closed the door. The rush of air aroused my nostrils with his scent. I couldn't put my finger on what that sweet, erotic smell could be. From the
passenger side mirror, I watched him walk back to the scene and saw that one of the potential spectators in the crowd was holding my belongings.
“Thanks for your help,” I heard him say through the slightly opened driver’s side window. He politely waved the person off as he loaded my bags into the back seat of the Infiniti, then climbed into the seat next to me, dropping my keys into the center console.
“How’re ya feeling, Red?” He was staring at me with those eyes, as if waiting for an answer, and it was making me uncomfortable.
“I told you, I am fine.” I replied icily, seething because I wanted to just go home.
“You’re a real firecracker, huh? Must be true about redheads.” Matt brushed off my cold reply and smiled as he looked out his side mirrors, cautiously pulling onto the road.
“And what, may I ask, are you trying to insinuate?”
My temper quickly boiled over. “How dare you! You don’t even know me!”
“Well, just saying,’” He began, laughing once more. “I’ve heard redheads are vixens, fiery, ready to argue.”
“Well, whoever told you that is a jackass! I don't even know you and I can tell you that you're an arrogant prick!”
“I think hit your head too hard.” Matt said through clenched teeth, clearly a sign of his agitation.
My rage steadily consumed me and I was ready to jump out of his car. “I didn't ask you to help me. You should of just left me to myself. After today, you better pray I never see you again!”
YOU ARE READING
Yours, Eternally(2015 Revision)
ParanormalAddison was an all work, no play girl. She was very successful and taking care of her younger siblings. But, Addison had a gift - one she hid and was often ashamed of. Under the strangest of circumstances, Addison meets Matt, and he changed her w...
