Page 35 of Forever Fascinating

“We can go, have a nice time, see some of the sights, and then fly our separate ways,” Matthew began. “What do you think? Would you like to go somewhere and see paradise with me?”

“Is that a pick-up line?” Jana said skeptically, raising an eyebrow at him.

Matthew smiled easily at her.

“Depends on if it worked or not,” he chuckled, before dropping one of her hands and reaching up to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. “I would really like the chance to get to know each other better and I can’t think of something more fun than what we did yesterday. We can try wild things, make some memories, eat crazy meals, and then…”

“That’s the part that concerns me,” she hissed in a hushed whisper.

“We barely know each other,” he teased playfully in a quiet voice.

“Exactly…”

“Just think about it, Jana,” he urged softly, smiling at her. “Think about what it was like laying eyes on each other that first time, then dancing with you in the grass, and spending time together. I want those feelings again… with you. I would like a chance to date this amazing girl I met by sheer chance.”

Attention all passengers, Flight 1204 to Springfield will begin boarding in ten minutes at gate 25A. Please make your way to gate 25A at this time.

“That’s me,” she said quietly.

“I figured,” he smiled sadly. “Just think about what I said… and write me, please? I swear that I’m not some creep… but all the creeps probably say that to you, don’t they? Just please write me and think it over.”

“I promise,” she smiled hesitantly, hating that she had to leave when it felt like there was so much to talk about still.

“Jana,” he hesitated, his eyes meeting hers.

There were so many things there, lurking in those hazel depths, that she wasn’t sure what to say or do. That silent communication seemed to speak volumes as she stood there.

“I know,” she whispered, reaching up to touch his cheek, like he had done to hers last night. “Until next time, right?”

“Right,” he agreed, gruffly, releasing her hand.

“Hold on, okay?” she said suddenly, getting out her phone and holding it up. “Dorky face, okay?”

He hesitated – and smiled.

She held up her phone and sure enough, they both made faces at that moment, quickly snapping a photograph, causing the both of them to laugh.

… It was better than crying.

“I’m texting it to you now,” she began, only to feel his hand touch hers.

He guided the phone back up, holding it before them, his hand holding hers, and leaned over to kiss her cheek, before pressing the button. She heard the click as her eyes closed at the feeling, realizing that this heady man was wooing her softly in the most unexpected ways.

“Until next time, Jana,” he breathed in her ear. “Safe travels, my lovely date.”

She slowly turned and looked at him, where he stood so close. She could see the flecks of color in his eyes, the concern, and a little something else that she wasn’t ready to label.

“You too,” she mumbled absently, because her brain wasn’t really working. Instead, she stood there lost in his eyes, moved beyond belief.

“You’ve gotta go,” he breathed, waiting. “They just called your flight again.”

“What?” she whispered, realizing he was so close, she could just reach out and kiss him. “My flight? OMIGOSH, MY FLIGHT,” she repeated, feeling a burst of panic within her. “I’ve got to go.”

“I know.”

“I’ll write you when I get home.”

“Be safe – and text me those photos, please.”

---