“Yes,” I replied plainly, trying to contain the sudden burst of excitement. “I would like that. Pick me up around eight here outside the library?”

“Yes,” he added, stepping to the side. “See you then.”

“Note that I don’t do such things,” I added before leaving.

My heart was stuck in my throat as I headed back to my dorm room. I couldn’t believe I had said yes so easily. But there was something about this man I couldn’t place. Plus, all studying with no play would surely make me dull.

Grinning at myself, I took a shower and started getting ready. After changing my outfit three times, I finally settled on jeans and a comfortable top.

I strangely felt comfortable. Heading out, I went to the library parking area. I didn’t want him to know where I was staying. It was only a couple of drinks and maybe some dancing to relax. I wasn’t going to give a stranger my address.

Sitting on the bench, I noticed a truck pulling in. It had to be him. I stood as he stopped and got out. Suddenly, I felt unsure, but it was a bit late for second-guessing myself.

“Good evening,” he said, opening the door for me. “You look lovely.”

“Thank you,” I replied as I got in, and he closed the door. His scent filled the air around me as our shoulders brushed lightly. It was a smoky spice scent, taking me back to my childhood. Closing my eyes, I could see my grandpa sitting by the window with his pipe. I smiled, watching him move around the truck.

As he closed his door, he turned to me, smiling. “You look good,” he complimented.

I was glad it was dark as I felt my cheeks heating up. “Thank you,” I replied. I knew my light blue jeans hugged my thighs and ass perfectly. It was more for showing off than comfort. Why I decided to wear them, I wasn’t sure, it just felt right.

He started the truck and pulled out of the university grounds. As he drove, I watched the moonlight dancing across his muscular forearms. He was fascinating; I was battling to keep my eyes off him.

Makari selected a bar not too far from the university. I was glad, as I could simply leave if the evening turned out to be a bust. Once again, he was a real gentleman, opening the truck door and bar door for me. The place wasn’t as packed as usual, possibly because it was a weeknight.

We walked through to the bar at the back. “Hi there,” Makari greeted the bartender while raising his hand.

The older man nodded and came straight over. “Evening, what’ll it be?” he asked.

“I’ll have a martini,” he said, then glanced at me as he continued. “And a dacqrifor the lady.”

“Coming right up,” the man replied as he turned and got to work.

I wondered if he got the same thing for all the women he brought here, as it was one of my favorite drinks. Or did he know more about me than I thought? It strangely felt like he read my mind.

He was unlike any man I’ve ever met. I wondered where he came from and where he’d been hiding. The barman returned with our drinks. As he handed me mine, Makari winked at me as he spoke. “You want a table at the back or more towards the door in case you want to run?”

My cheeks instantly turned red. “Doesn’t matter,” I replied shyly. I was now sure he could read my mind.

I walked with him to one of the booths in the back. “Didn’t you want a table?” I enquired.

Shaking his head, he replied flatly. “No, I think a booth will allow us to communicate a little.” He held his hand out towards the opening, and I slid in first.

I moved almost all the way around to the other side. Looking up, I noticed the booth was facing the door. I found this a bit odd and wondered if he was thinking what I was. Straight line to the door in case the date was horrible. I almost burst out laughing at the idea, but took a big sip of my drink instead.

The music was nice, and most of the people were laughing, drinking, and chatting away. I have only been here about two times with other girls from school. But the atmosphere was nice.

Looking at him as he sat down, I could see he was tired. There were dark circles under his eyes, and his shoulders were slumped. As he turned, our eyes met, and I was lost in their sparkle for a second.

“So, may I ask what you are studying?” He asked before taking a sip from his glass.

Grinning, I played with the straw in my glass. “You may,” I replied tauntingly.

Makari grinned and shook his head. “Well, then,” he said, shifting closer. “Please do enlighten me.”

His tone was light. I couldn’t help but smile. “I’m studying Marketing,” I replied, nodding. “Now it’s your turn.”

He glanced around before answering. His tone had gone from light to a kind of mystical soft one as he replied. “Let me guess. Do you want to know what I do?”