Unknown //h.s.

Chapter 10

  I stand there in shock as I take it all in. Never in my life die I think that I would open my front door to find such an attractive man holding roses for me. I always thought that nothing like that would ever happen to me. I'm not a social butterfly, so this whole idea always seemed far fetched. Now I can't seem to wipe the smile off my face even though I know it probably looks cheesy.  The feelings of joy and nervousness course through me like an electric shock.

  I doubt I could make a coherent sentence so I just stand there in awe for what seems like a lifetime. I take in his appearance, now leaning on the doorway, and I'm taken aback once again. He's wearing a red knit sweater, jeans and Converse. His hair is messy but somehow manages to look like those sexy cologne ads. He wears a smile on his face and his eyes shine back at me.

"How...why...what?" I stutter in my first attempt at finally breaking the silence. I take a deep breath as I try to collect myself and start an actual conversation. I shake my head and try it once more, "Why...why are you doing this?"

"There are many reasons why I'm doing this and I would like to explain all of those reasons over dinner" he finally says as he adjusts his position in my doorway. He smiles once again but this time it is short and sweet.

  Once again, I am astounded at the amount of luck I seem to be getting in this new city. Maybe I should have moved here a long time ago. On second thought, many not. All these guys in my life are starting to make me lose focus on why I'm really here.

The other day I completely forgot to do an assignment for one of my classes and had to turn it in late. I usually wouldn't freak out so much about something as simple as that, but what scared me was the reason why I forgot. It happened the day that Andy had helped me text Harry. All that night, all I could think about was Harry and our relationship. All the thoughts about men, women, love, and the future had made me forget about my priorities at the moment. Knowing that someone had the power to do that to you, that's what scared me.

Now I stand here with yet another man seemingly trying to get me off track. But this one seems different. This one might have a chance.

"Are you asking me on a date, James?" I ask with a smirk. I decide not to fight these feelings and deal with the mess that is my love life later.

"I think so, yeah" he says casually. I can't help but giggle at the way he's trying to act nonchalant even though his voice sounds kind of nervous.

"Oh geez, I forgot! Come in, come in. I'm such a bad host" I urge apologetically. I close the door and lead him to the living room. He places the bouquet of flowers on the coffee table and sits across from me.

"Nice shirt" he says with a smile. I look down at my shirt and notice I still have my donut printed pajama shirt on.

"Oh yeah," I smile nervously. " I was changing for work. Which reminds me, I should be leaving soon"

"Did I come at a bad time? I'm so sorry. Maybe I can get your number and sort out the dinner/date thing" he asks hopefully. His bright eyes are enhanced by the large windows overlooking the hotel next door. I nod quickly as he turns to leave again.

"Bye Emma, I'll call you later" he yells from the elevator door.

"Bye James." I smile back even though he can no longer see me.

I walk back into my apartment and rush to leave for work. This just goes to prove that men are veering me off the trail and I need to do something about it as soon as possible. I pull on a black t-shirt and some shoes before running out the door.

Somehow I manage to make it to work on time and head straight to Jeremy. He is sitting at his desk with a pencil in hand and a sketch in the other. He erases something and quickly draws on the paper again. He notices me after s few seconds and puts down his materials.