Two

Lucy was engaged in conversation with Richard and James, Richard mentioned he was from the same town and had attended the same school as her. Despite this connection, her attention was frequently drawn to James, who had spoken little throughout their interaction. Observing the subtle exchanges between Lucy and James, Richard excused himself and joined the others gathered by a nearby tree. As he left, Lucy acknowledged his attractiveness, yet it was James's presence that evoked a stronger reaction within her, her nerves tightening as she met his gaze.

Lucy found James appealing—not only for his personality, but for an additional quality she couldn't quite name. She was drawn to him in an inexplicable way. His blue eyes were strikingly intense, and a small scar on his chin contributed to his distinguished appearance. She had this overwhelming desire to run her fingers over it. Standing a at least a full foot taller than her, he was a noticeable presence she could not overlook.

Lucy and James sat together in silence, enjoying each other's company before gradually starting to talk. Lucy noticed the way his brown hair moved subtly in the evening breeze. As their conversation began, it became evident that he possessed a pleasant personality; he was able to make her laugh, and she responded naturally with a smile. Lucy found him to be intelligent, and his sustained eye contact fostered a sense of security for her. When Lucy checked her wrist for the time, she was surprised to discover it was already past eleven o’clock.

"Is that the time?" she exclaimed. "It's past eleven," she remarked, glancing around to locate Emma and the others.

"Yes," James replied, "that's typically the hour just about now." Lucy chuckled as James smiled at her.

"Emma, we should be leaving; it's already past eleven," Lucy called out. Emma nodded in agreement.

"Why?" James asked, visibly disappointed as he had been enjoying their conversation.

"We have a wedding to attend in the morning," she responded.

"This all feels rather abrupt," James commented with a smile, maintaining eye contact. "We've only just met." Lucy felt herself blush but laughed softly, meeting his gaze. She sensed something developing between them, though she was uncertain what it might become. Around him, she felt safe and comfortable sensations she had not experienced for years. He made the world seem brighter.

"May I walk you home?" he inquired, hoping to prolong their conversation. There was something captivating about her, as if meeting her had completed a part of himself.

"Yeah," she replied calmly, though she was thrilled inside. She hoped that a strong friendship could develop between them, which she valued greatly. She enjoyed his company and noticed a distinct feeling when around him. They walked toward Lucy's house with the rest of the group following behind them. For part of the walk, they were silent, appreciating each other's presence. James then took Lucy's hand; she glanced at it and smiled, the gesture resonating deeply with her. Feeling encouraged, James paused and turned to face her, recognizing that this was a significant moment and deciding to act on his feelings.

“Lucy?”

“Yes James?” Lucy looked up longingly.

“I know this is insane,” James said, his confidence now not so apparent. He glanced at his feet, inhaled deeply, and gazed intently into Lucy’s eyes. “There is just something about you, that calls to me, like you’re a part of my soul, we have an instant connection, and I want to explore this with you.” Lucy looked at him with a small smile, she knew exactly what he was saying. It was uncanny how she honestly felt like thy had known each other forever, that he was meant for her and her alone.

Lucy was delighted that she wasn’t the only one that felt this way. Surely if they were both feeling this attraction, towards each other there must be something in it. “"Can I think about it, James? I agree this is special, but it's still early." Lucy took both his hands in hers and smiled up at him. He smiled with a nod, and they carried on walking holding hands.

_______________

James knew she was right to think on it, but he wanted an answer, his insides churned with anticipation. He kept looing over at Lucy, she was stunning, he felt it, she belonged with him, she was his. All of a sudden, he felt really stupid, knowing that he had just asked a woman out that he had only known for a couple of hours. Who would agree to exploring a new relationship with a near stranger? What had he been thinking? If anything, it would drive her away surely? He didn’t want her to think that he was being pushy, He wanted to say something but had no idea what to say.