Flowing Flawlessly

Chapter IV

I went back inside the shack- the ramshackle thing sporting a tin roof and looking like it was composed of driftwood. The place managed to look inviting even though it appeared like it'd blow over if the wind picked up just a bit more. I stepped up the stairs and pushed open the door, the tingles increasing dangerously as I walked over the threshold. The sensation left me breathless. I looked up, my eyes meeting a man.

A man with ear length blonde hair that looked disheveled. His face was dusted with a five-o'clock shadow and his chest was bare; a pair of shorts being the only cloth on him. I studied him, his presence making the warmth and tingles flare causing my knees to shake. He was handsome- a strong jawline and calculating sea blue eyes, not a single blemish on his chiseled chest, and hands in his pockets as he watched me carefully.

The feeling of his eyes roaming all over me felt like tendrils of silk wrapping themselves around my body tightly. This man seemed so familiar yet so different. I didn't see or hear him on the beach. He popped out of no where it seems like. I didn't feel uncomfortable in his presence, I felt safe and guarded.

Instantly I knew who he was.

"You saved me," I whispered. The man's head rose in acknowledgement. His eyes held so many different emotions, so many things I couldn't read because my mind was racing too fast for me to focus on deciphering them. "Nyx," the man started. My mouth opened in surprise that he knew my name.

"Who are you and how do you know me?" I asked. My voice was strange, like it was the softest sound in the world. I didn't feel scared that he knew me. I didn't feel defensive or violated. Strangely enough I was just curious as to who he was. My mind wanted to know him even though something in the back of my conscience knew we already did.

The gorgeous man inhaled calmly before taking a seat at the table with the paper and pencils. He clasped his hands together, leaning his elbows on his knees. I didn't realize how big he was until he sat down. His sitting height matched my standing height. I looked at him in astonishment.

"My name is Don. I live here on this little island," he said. I didn't know how to react to this. I've never seen him before and I certainly would remember him if I ever did. He looked like a marble statue straight form the museum. I blinked hard, trying to clear my head or wake myself up or something because this didn't seem real. "Nyx," he said my name again.

"Yes?" I questioned breathlessly. He sighed and leaned back on the little wicker and wood chair, causing it to moan in protest. He didn't reply but his expression told me that it was my turn to speak. I gripped the doorjamb to hold myself up because the tingles were making it so hard to stand. "How do you know me? Where are we? I've been to every beach and island off of New Haven and never have I been here. I would remember. I paint the ocean every chance I get and I know that if I came here then I would've most definitely painted it."

Don got up slowly and came close to me- so close that I could smell his salty-fresh sent. He smelled just like the water. The closer he came the less strength I had to hold me up. I don't know why I couldn't stand. I was so overwhelmed with his presence. The way my body reacted to him was unworldly. "You should sit," he mumbled, his brows furrowed. "I'm surprised you've been able to stand this long." I ignored his strange revelation and wobbled to the twin bed. As soon I got there I fell down on the mattress, breathing heavily from the effort it took me to get here.

"You fell from the cliff and I was swimming and I saved you. I brought you back here yesterday," Don said. I nodded, but then looked around. "I didn't see a boat. Did you swim all the way here?" I asked. He froze, looking like he was contemplating telling me something until he nodded slowly. "This island must not be far from the mainland then," I marveled. One question still prodded my mind. How did I not know about this place?