Funny stranger

Amy

I have everything ready for my stay at home for the weekend. Everybody else always has plans for the weekend. I have plans too. They may not be equally interesting but the fun is not on my list of priorities. I have better things to do: a future to build.

Okay, you may call me nerdish but I don't care. I have heard that a lot in my life. Maybe half of it. Or all of it. It's not hideous that I like to keep things in order. I like knowing what to do next or else I would end up a wreck of nerves!

I open the door of my small apartment. The door creaks and loneliness echoes through the entire building.

"Home sweet home," I mutter to myself.

I put away my newly bought novel on the bedside table. Yeah: that was the plan I was talking about. I have a book I am editing on my laptop. I work for a publishing company and I am lucky to be paid to work from home. This comes with many advantages including reading free novels. I love my job.

Saturday evening, my eyes are paining from staying indoors and staring at my computer screen all day. I could use some fresh air. I grab a cardigan and get out of the house.

The evening is cool and quiet. The sun has gone down and the darkness has started getting thick. Maybe taking a walk around the neighborhood in the middle of the night is not a good idea. What could possibly go wrong?

A few steps from my apartment and the darkness has begun growing thicker. I have just been in this neighborhood for two months and I never saved time to look around. The woodland surrounding the neighborhood is quite large. I only got a glance at the woods from a distance. I never got this near.

Very few people pass by me as I walk like a deranged woman toward the woods.

This is not a good idea. I should probably go back home and cuddle up in my bed before something that I will regret happens.

"Are you lost," a voice thunders from my shoulder. I nearly lose my mind. I turn immediately and there stands a broad-shouldered, tall, and well-built man. His face remains neutral as I stare at him wide-eyed. How can someone look so hot in the darkness? Am I seeing well or have I already lost my mind? I blink rapidly and my throat goes dry.

"I don't see people walking into woodlands in the dark," he says.

"I wasn't going in there," I say.

"Looked like it," he says pointing at me with his chin.

"I was just getting a closer look," why am I explaining myself to a stranger?

"I wouldn't recommend that," he says.

"What?" I wonder. "Getting a closer look?"

"No, walking into woodlands in the middle of the night," he replies.

"I said I wasn't walking into the woods. It just got dark," I almost scream.

"Wow! We just met and we are already arguing," he says and rolls his eyes.

"You started it," I say flatly.

"I was just looking out for you. Why would anyone just watch someone walk into the woods in the darkness?"

"You know what? You are so annoying," I say, not knowing what else to say.

"You are welcome," he says and smiles, dimples showing on either side of his cheeks. I can't help but stare at his face.

"Can I walk you home? Where do you live?" his question gets me off guard.

"Why would you do that?"

"Because I want to," he replies as if it is the most obvious answer.

"I just met you a few seconds ago."

"Doesn't matter."

Something tells me that I just met this guy and I should not just trust him. What could he possibly do? He was stubborn and all but he is sweet enough to offer to walk me home. Why would I shut him off and walk through the chilly darkness alone?

"Okay," I say.

"Thought so," he smirks. I can't stop myself from smiling.

We walk slowly to the apartment block as my mind haunts me with questions about why am walking with this stranger. I push them away and lock them in a cupboard.

"Do you live alone?" He asks as we approach the apartment block.

"Yeah," I reply.

"Why? Where is your family?"

"Just a rebellion for independence," I reply. He stops walking and I laugh at my ridiculous answer.

"I knew you wouldn't be serious," he says.

"I finished college and got a job in this area. I had to leave my family to be near the company," I say.

"Oh, you sound serious about your job," he says.

"That I am," I reply.

"What do you do then?"

"I'm an editor of a DM Publishing Company," I reply proudly.

"That sounds fun."

"It is," I say.

We reach my place and stop at the door. I get my keys and open the door. I look back at him and he smiles at me. I've already fallen in love with those cute dimples on his cheeks.

"I guess I have to say goodnight now," he says.

"You didn't even tell me your name," I smile shyly and am sure a blush covers my face.

"Jace," he says simply. "What about you?"

"I'm Amy," I say.

"Well, it was nice meeting you Amy. I hope I get to see you again soon," he says and my heart flutters.

"Me too," I can't stop the smile that covers my face as I say that.

"Good night, Amy," he says.

"Good night, Jace," I say to make sure I got his name right.

I open the door slowly and step inside. I have to stop myself from inviting him in. I look back at him and he waves. I smile and close the door. The familiar quietness welcomes me. I slide slowly onto the floor and it takes all my self-control to not open that door and tell Jace to take me wherever he wants.