A Bar in Denver

Hours later…

A vodka and cranberry with a splash of lemon-lime soda, dominates the bar in front of Scarlett; the drink she requested moments before. Hanging lights above spill a radiant glow upon her fair skin. The ballroom exudes warmth and coziness despite the vacant seats surrounding her; she scans the room, her eyes halt on a man entering. He looks about six feet tall. She breathes, not nervous but captivated. The man she saw at the park earlier is here, now dressed in a blue suit, she notices his chest expand and shoulders rise. A deep breath. His eyes lock on her.

Oliver recognizes Scarlett. The woman from the park. His heart beats faster and harder in his chest, a breathless feeling surfaces within his core. He approaches Scarlett removing his beige western hat, exposing an auburn comb over and beard. A deep rumbling voice reaches her ears, expelling notes of a southern drawl. “Excuse me ma’am, may I sit beside you?” Scarlett looks at him head to toe and notices his western boots. Showing her pearly teeth, her voice carries a Texas Twang. “Okay, that’s fine.” Oliver orders a drink from the bartender and turns toward Scarlett. “Howdy ma’am, my name is Oliver.” Scarlett’s lips curl into a grin, her eyes sparkle like jewels, “I’m Scarlett.” A sigh escapes her lungs. She lifts her drink with deliberate grace to her pink lips. Her spine remains straight, shoulder’s drawn back, while projecting a calm air; she takes a brief sip.

“So what do you do and how old are you?” Scarlett asks Oliver. A politeness in her tone.

“I’m an architect, I work remotely most of the time, and I’m thirty-one. How about you?” Oliver mentions. He gazes genuinely into her eyes. A subtle smile appears on his face. His eyes are like emeralds and whiskey. Hazel.

“I’m twenty-seven and a travel photographer. I had a work function earlier.” Scarlett replies. Her lips curve into a smile though her eyes remain heavy. Country tunes fill the room.

Oliver smiles charmingly, “I am here for work as well. Did you enjoy your work function?”

Scarlett smiles sweetly at Oliver, her eyes sparkle while gazing at him. “Yes, I did thank you for asking. So where are you from, you sound southern like Texan?”

Oliver chuckles, “You are correct; I’m from Texas. A small western themed town just north of San Antonio; Bandera. The cowboy capital.”

Scarlett’s eyes light up, she gasps, and her heart quickens. “I’m from near there, Helotes, it’s just about thirty minutes away, as it borders San Antonio. How neat. I’ve visited your small town since childhood.” Scarlett speaks, appearing humored, smiling. “I also enjoy joyriding out there. You know the scenic hill country, open rural road. Nothing but mostly hills, some tall maple trees.” Scarlett’s eyes appear dreamy, and distant while she pictures the scene of highway sixteen from Helotes to Bandera. She catches her breath, releasing a sigh. “I like the hilly road to escape the busy hustle and bustle of the city. So you are just visiting for work? Do you like traveling?” Scarlett asks, twirling her auburn curls with a finger.

Oliver takes note of her gesture; she is flirting and attracted to me. He focuses intently, his eyes resonating on hers. “It’s a good road, highway sixteen. If you drive at the right time, the hills and sunset project a pretty scenery. I enjoy traveling, I’ve been to most of the states. My parents took my siblings and I around the world as kids, and I revisited many as an adult.”

“I agree, I was thinking of sunset drives towards the hills. Wonderful, after college I began traveling, seeing the world and taking photos.” A warm sensation floods throughout her body. “It’s been amazing. I love Texas, it’s my home, but I enjoy seeing the world. So, You have siblings? I have a younger brother and older sister.” Scarlett says.

“Yes, ma’am, I sure do, I’m the oldest of three, my brother is just a few minutes younger than me. We’re twins, and I have a younger sister.” Oliver smiles politely.

“Oh, how nice. Do you like outdoorsy stuff, and visiting the beach?” Scarlett maintains her straight posture effortlessly, on the bar stool facing Oliver, she shifts her legs, bringing her dazzled grey boots with a heart and white angel wings, to Oliver’s attention.

Oliver gazing into her eyes like blue sapphire and green amber takes a calming breath, then relaxes maintaining focus on her. He loosens his tie, and sips his beverage. “Yes, ma’am I sure do. I reckon, you like all that since you asked.” A smile tugs at his lips. Scarlett admires his red-toned face, noticing freckles sprinkled across his curved nose. She listens to the deep rumble of his southern voice. She is mesmerized, and surprised at this moment.

The bartender glimpses at them periodically, a smile appears each time; as he makes drinks and cashes out the other guests. Scarlett peers at a clock on the wall, one twenty-eight am. Then shifts her gaze back to Oliver.

Gosh, he’s so handsome, his eyes; a mosaic of forest green and whiskey, are deep, like he’s fulfilled. His auburn hair makes him look warm and white spotless teeth shows he takes care of himself. He has a deep southern accent And he is from near me, and likes traveling. Am I dreaming. Scarlett releases a sigh.

“Do you like country dancing?” Scarlett asks curiously attempting to hide her attraction to the Texas man sitting in front of her.

“Yes, ma’am, do you want to dance?” Oliver asks, reaching a masculine hand towards her as he sets his drink down with the other.

Scarlett calmly responds, “Yes, I do.” A hazy warmth has filled her mind and body, blurring with her attraction to Oliver. In a flood of excitement; she abandons the stool, then gracefully twirls herself. Oliver grabs her hand, sparks jolt his soul. He takes a deep breath in, smiling charmingly then releases it.

Oliver whirls Scarlett across the dancefloor, her chiffon skirting billows without exposing her at every rapid twist. He leads her to an outdoor dance floor where lights drape around the wooden deck. A slow song drifts through the air. Oliver holds Scarlett close, one arm wraps around her waist, one braces her hand, as her palm cradles his nape. His eyes glimmer in the light, a liquid mingling of forest moss and sweet molasses. Soulful. Genuine.

He speaks respectfully, what a breath of fresh air, and most definitely a sight for sore eyes. He’s a relief from all the other men encountered lately. What a delight.

Oliver dips Scarlett, her back relaxes as she bends, and he kisses her lips. He lifts her upwards and spins her slowly as the song ends.

Hotel staff announce the ballroom is now closing. “Oliver, I’ve had a wonderful time, however I am simply exhausted.” Scarlett yawns.

“I will escort you to your room then, ma’am! I reckon it’s pretty late.” His rumbling voice vibrates to Scarlett’s chest.

Walking side by side, they pause at Scarlett’s door. Oliver leans close to her, his hands embrace her face then, his lips find hers for a moment. He releases her, “I’m glad we met, sweet dreams ma’am.” Her lips slowly curve into a lazy smile. Scarlett says, “you too Hun.”

A tiredness brings Scarlett to her slumber, in a king size mattress; she shimmies into the soft sheets. Her silky pajamas are the only thing between her fair skin and the cotton sheets. Remembering her water at bedside, Scarlett takes a few sips, and places her satin mask over her heavy lids. Restful she becomes, as quiet stills the room, Scarlett's breathing is the only sound.