Encounter

POV: Alexander 

    The last thing on my mind was getting married. I wasn’t interested in women and the fact that most of the women I have ever met, were just after my wealth, tops the cherry on the cake.

    Perks of being the most eligible bachelor in Edinburgh. 

    As a meticulous and calculated person, I really despise getting into unexpected situations like getting married to someone whom I have never met, on a random Friday night.   

    It felt as if I was being obliged on what to do and I really despised that. My mom can be so unreasonable at times.

     I walked through the lobby, ignoring the polite bows from the staff as I made a beeline for the private elevator. The few shots I had taken were playing tricks with my head and without my glasses, everything was a mess.   

    The elevator dropped me off at the last floor of the building and I found my way out.  

    I was headed to my suité when a slender figure behind a slightly ajar door caught my attention but I couldn't phantom what it looked like.

    Damn chronic astigmatism. 

   I moved closer to get a clearer scene and there she was. 

   Something with colours in my monochrome day.

   Her red dress hugged her like it was part of her skin and it's open back exhibited the butterfly tattoo above her hip, like a work of art being displayed at the museum. Her auburn hair which was pulled into a ponytail, gleamed under the light.   

    Something about her was just inviting.    

    I lingered, waiting for her to come out and her scent suddenly hit my nostrils. It was the familiar vanilla channel perfume. 

    God!!

    She smelt like a tiramisu.

    My intrusive thoughts took over, as I pulled her into my cold chest. Her body was so soft and felt velvety. A pang of guilt hit me for grabbing her aggressively. 

    The first thing I noticed was her hazel almond - shaped eyes with bangs that nearly covered them. With a defiant tilt to her chin and perfectly glossed pink lips, she was mesmerizing.   

     Even if I died today, I would have no regrets because I was lucky enough to behold such a light.

     “What the h*ll dude?!” She snapped, jerking me back to reality.

   Her response really took me back but I wasn't going to show it. Gently removing her hair tie, I slowly ran my fingers through her silky auburn hair that fell freely on her back.

    “Excuse me?!” She said, voice rising.

    “Look.”

    “I'm already having a bad day. Don't make it worse.” She finished.   

    Her words sounded amusing.

   “Hazel.” The word escaped my mouth like air.

    “ Hazel???” 

    “You’ve got to be f*cking kidding me!” She cursed, rolling her eyes.

    “Can't this day get any worse?”

    “Listen up sir!!”

    “First of all,...”

    “I'm not impressed by whatever you think you are doing.”

    “Secondly,”

    “I have a name and the last time I checked, it’s not hazel.”

    “So just let me have my hair tie and finish up this b*Itchy day. I need to have my rest.” She finished conclusively.   

    Fighting between the urge to walk away or reassure her, I blurted,

    “Relax hazel.”

    “I just don’t want anyone seeing that tattoo. It looked too delicious.” 

    “What?” She exclaimed as her cheeks flushed crimson.

    “I'm just doing you a favor hazel.” 

    “Which I didn't ask for……” 

    “Your eyes…….” I cut in.

    “They are warm.” 

      

    The words slipped out.

    

    “You are insane.”

    “Can you let go of me? I have an engagement party to catch.”

    “And my husband won't be pleased to see you holding up his loving bride in this manner.” she gestured to our romantic posture. 

    “Ohhh” I mouthed as a sneer smirk formed on my lips 

    Jimmie.   

    She was definitely not the quiet and polite girl I was promised. She was fire and I'm heavily interested.   

    “Interesting.” I grinned.

    “What's funny?” 

    “I'm not trying to snatch you from your high and mighty husband hazel.” I said calmly.

    “i just want to have some fun with my wife before the party” 

    “What do you mean….?”    

    She faltered in her steps as the realization hit her.

    “Have you been teasing me all this while?” 

    “I wouldn't dare! Your husband was gonna have my head, if I did that.” i replied cockily.

    “You are so…?” She snapped averting her gaze but I cut in.

    “Unbelievable?” 

    “I know hazel.” I replied softly as I gently brushed her bangs off her face.

    “Wanna know something?”

    “You are not what I expected. You are better.” I gently remarked.

   But she really wanted to have the last say.

    “I have a very broad knowledge of how mesmerizing I look, Sir. I mean I'm not blind.” 

    “You really amaze me.” I said smiling.

    “A reward for it then?” She shot back arching her brows.

    “Only the best for you, Hazel.” I said gently stroking her cheek. I locked in her sweaty plan in mine.

    “ Let's go get married.”  

    Maybe with her, marriage wouldn't be so bad after all.

Background song: constellations by Jade Lemac.